Exploring Flagstaff

Flagstaff Canyon Day Trip: 1 Hour North of Sedona/1.25 Hours South of Grand Canyon South Rim

Lakeside Picnic/Kayak Rentals

• Upper Lake Mary Picnic Area: Scenic drive, good fishing, and wildlife viewing. Google Maps

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 Arizona. Google Maps

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. Google Maps

Ski Northern AZ/Summertime Chairlift Ride

• 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: Peace Outfitters

Wildlife Park to See Bears & Raptors

• Bearizona (Located in Nearby Williams, AZ): A fun drive through a tasteful wildlife park to view bears, deer, falcons, eagles, and other beautiful animals of the region. This is a wonderful and time-efficient activity to check out en route to Grand Canyon South Rim. Google Maps

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. Google Maps

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 Arizona, 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. Google Maps

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. Google Maps

Explore Native American Heritage Sites

• Wupatki National Monument: The largest of all the Sinagua pueblos found above or below the Colorado Plateau. Google Maps

• Walnut Canyon National Monument: Walk with the ancients above Walnut Canyon and explore well preserved cliff dwellings of the Sinagua. Google Maps

Best Tours of Flagstaff's National Monuments

• 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!! Google Maps

Best Food & Libations In Flagstaff

• Dinner: Josephine's Modern American Bistro, 1899, Beaver Street Brewery
• Wine: FLG Terroir Wine Bar & Bistro, 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

Flagstaff Ranger District Interactive Map / Snowmobile Map / Flagstaff Camping Information / Flagstaff Fishing Information