Exploring Flagstaff

Flagstaff Sites to Check Out: Located 1 Hour North of Sedona

Sunset Picnic/Kayak Rentals

• Upper Lake Mary Picnic Area: Scenic Sunset Drive and Wilderness Viewing. The lighting will be best around 5:30 - 6PM. Map It

Best Summertime Hiking Trail

• Kachina Trail: This moderate hike showcases the best Aspen color change in all of Arizona during October. The hike is popular and an early start is recommended. Expect cool temperatures as you will be traversing the highest peak in AZ, Map It

Best Fall Color Change Hike

• Locket Meadow/Inner Basin Trail #29: This moderate to challenging hike is an incredible place to see seasonal wildflowers through the late Spring and Summer. Expect to see large bands of Mullein, Lupine, Verbena. and Sunflowers during monsoon season. Drive to upper parking lot requires high clearance SUV. Map It

Ski Northern AZ/Summertime Chairlift Ride

• AZ Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift (May Be Closed for Winter Weather), Map It
• AZ Snowbowl (Ski/Snowboarding): Visit the highest peak in Arizona for a great day of downhill skiing and snowboarding through the late Fall and Winter. Lift Tickets/Nearby Rentals: Ski Haus/Peace Surplus

Wildlife Park to See Bears & Raptors

• Bearizona (Williams): A fun drive through wilderness park to see bears, deer, falcons, eagles, and other beautiful animals of the area. This works as a great and time-efficient activity to check out en route to Zion and Grand Canyon South Rim, Map It

Learn About Local Plants

• The Arboretum at Flagstaff: If you're interested in learning more about local botany, this is the perfect site for you. Please be aware, this uses a dirt road for access. Map It

Hike a Volcano

• Red Mountain Volcano: Hike to a unique cinder cone volcano, which erupted over 740,000 years ago!! This site looks more like Bryce Canyon than Northern AZ, and is decorated with extremely featured 1,000ft spires and hoodoos. Always a great way to escape the crowds. Avoid the site after precipitation due to the soft soil and slippery cinders. Learn More/Map It

View the Stars in a "Dark Sky City"

• Lowell Observatory: A great way to spend an evening engaged in learning about astronomy and exploring the site where Pluto was discovered. Map It

Explore Native American Heritage Sites

• Wupatki National Monument: The largest of all the Sinagua pueblos found above and below the Colorado Plateau. Map It
• Walnut Canyon National Monument: Walk with the ancients above Walnut Canyon and explore well preserved cliff dwellings of the Sinagua. Map It
• Grand Canyon Journeys: Explore five National Monuments in one-day from Verde Valley to Flagstaff from Sedona

Largest Meteor Impact Site on Earth

• Meteor Crater: The best preserved meteor impact site on Earth!! Map It

Best Food & Libations In Flagstaff

• Dinner: Criollo Latin Kitchen, 1899, Beaver Street Brewery
• Wine: FLG Terroir Wine Bar & Bistro, Blendz Wine Bar, Zane Grey Ballroom
• Local Breweries: Dark Sky Brewing Company: Beaver Street Brewery, The Lumberyard Brewing Co, Mother Road Brewery Co, Historic Brewing Co, Flagstaff Brewing Co
• Live Music/Shows: The Orpheum Theatre

Exploring Arizona Quicklinks

Exploring Scottsdale / Exploring Prescott / Exploring Grand Canyon / Exploring Flagstaff / Exploring Page / Best Hikes in Sedona / Easy Sedona Hikes / Moderate Sedona Hikes / Hard Sedona Hikes / N. AZ Archaeology Sites

Best Food in Sedona / Sedona Nightlife / Sedona Weather / Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Hiking Links

List of Flagstaff Hiking Trails A to Z

Rent a Cabin, Picnic Sites & Archaeology Sites

Wilderness Areas, Scenic Drives, Fishing Spots

Flagstaff Area Campgrounds