Visit Flagstaff, Arizona – Your Ultimate Guide

Lovingly called “Flag” by its 75,000 residents and frequent visitors, Flagstaff is roughly a two-hour drive from Phoenix and serves as the gateway to the Grand Canyon. During the summer, Phoenicians flock to the city, which sits at 7,000 feet in elevation, to escape the Valley’s scorching temps, attend festivals, and hike in the surrounding ponderosa pine forest. In winter, many use Flagstaff as a base for winter sports, including downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

This comprehensive guide will help you plan a trip to Flagstaff and show you how to use it as a base for outdoor activities and a day trip to the Grand Canyon.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit: Flagstaff is a year-round destination. In the summer, it provides a cool escape from triple-digit heat in Phoenix; in the winter, it is popular with winter sports enthusiasts. Leaves change colors in and around Flagstaff during the fall, while spring is usually chilly but pleasant.

Getting Around: Downtown Flagstaff is pedestrian-friendly. You can explore more of the city by taking the Mountain Line bus ($1.25 per ride, $2.50 for a day pass) or using a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft.

Travel Tip: Flagstaff is home to Northern Arizona University (NAU). The city tends to be quieter when school is out during the summer or for breaks and busier on weekends with home football games.

Things to Do

Exploring downtown Flagstaff’s boutiques, shops, and galleries can take a full day, but the city has much more to see and do. Learn about prehistoric tribes who once lived in the area, early ranchers, and fascinating geology at Flagstaff’s museums and attractions. Discover natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Humphrey’s Peak, the highest natural point in the state. No matter what adventure you’re seeking, Flagstaff won’t disappoint.

History

Flagstaff’s history predates its founding in 1894. The Museum of Northern Arizona showcases the area’s geology alongside Native American history, culture, and arts. Step inside a replica Hopi kiva at the museum, or visit the prehistoric ruins at Elden Pueblo Heritage Site. The Arizona Historical Society operates a pioneer museum in Flagstaff while the state maintains Riordan Mansion, an Arts and Crafts home built in 1904.

Nature

Located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks and surrounded by one of the largest ponderosa pine forests in the world, Flagstaff is a stark contrast to Phoenix’s desert landscape. Learn about local flora at The Arboretum at Flagstaff or fauna at Bearizona in nearby Williams. Just minutes from downtown Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory offers exhibits on the universe and showcases the discovery of Pluto onsite in 1930.

Outdoor Activities

Flagstaff is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. In the summer, hike Humphrey’s Peak, a challenging 9.2-mile trek with a 3,343-foot elevation change, or stroll the Flagstaff Urban Trail System. For an adrenaline rush, test your skills on the aerial and zip line courses at Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course. During the winter, over 100 inches of snow blankets the area. Go downhill skiing at Arizona Snowbowl Winter Resort, cross-country skiing at Arizona Nordic Village, or sledding at Flagstaff Snow Park.

Grand Canyon

While you can visit the Grand Canyon National Park on a long day trip from Phoenix, a better strategy is to use Flagstaff as a base. Overnight in the city and explore the canyon the following morning. You will have all day at the canyon, especially if you stay a second night in Flagstaff. To save time driving to the national park from Flagstaff, consider taking a scenic back route instead of a busy highway.

Nearby Attractions

Spending several days in Flagstaff allows for exploration of Northern Arizona. Just 18 miles north, hike the unique terrain of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument; nearby Wupatki National Monument protects Pueblo ruins dating back to the 1100s. Additional sites include Walnut Canyon National Monument and Montezuma Castle National Monument. For something striking, visit Meteor Crater, the best preserved meteor impact site globally.

Where to Eat and Drink

Flagstaff boasts over 200 restaurants. For casual meals, savor a wood-fired pizza from Pizzicletta, a thick deli sandwich from Proper Meats + Provisions, or smoked brisket from Satchmo’s Cajun and Barbecue. If you’re looking for a special dinner, consider Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar, Josephine’s Modern American Bistro, Tinderbox Kitchen, or Criollo Latin Kitchen for a feast.

Flagstaff also has a strong craft beer culture featured on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail, which includes eight breweries. Of note are Beaver Street Brewery and Lumberyard Brewing Co.. For unique flavor experiences, Dark Sky Brewing Company offers adventurous brews.

While not on the brewery trail, Drinking Horn Mead Hall serves sweet alcoholic meads, primarily flavored with fruit juices.

Where to Stay

Staying downtown is ideal, allowing easy access to restaurants, breweries, and shops. Consider historic hotels like The Hotel Weatherford or Hotel Monte Vista. For modern accommodations, Residence Inn Flagstaff is a great choice. Some homes in the area are also available for rent, with chain hotels located near the university.

Although Flagstaff lacks resorts like those in Sedona or Scottsdale, Little America Hotel is a AAA-Four Diamond property on 500 acres of lush forest. Additionally, several bed and breakfasts cater to visitors, with The England House Bed and Breakfast being a popular option.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy cabins at Mormon Lake Lodge, Arizona Mountain Inn & Cabins, and Ski Lift Lodge & Cabins, or even a yurt at the Arizona Nordic Village.

Getting There

The easiest way to reach Flagstaff from Phoenix is by car, taking approximately two to two and a half hours depending on your starting point in the Valley. Before traveling, check traffic conditions online. If you prefer not to drive, bus and shuttle services are available.

Tips

• Plan to spend at least four hours in Flagstaff for a day trip; this will allow time to explore downtown and enjoy a meal. Allocate additional time for each attraction you wish to visit.
• Bring layers like a jacket, sweater, and long-sleeved shirt, as temperatures can be roughly 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in Phoenix.
• Prepare for snow in winter. A warm coat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes are essential. Chains may be required on some remote roads.
• Due to Flagstaff’s high altitude, drink plenty of water and be cautious with alcohol intake, particularly if you plan outdoor activities.
• During summer and warmer seasons, flags vibrant festivals and events; check the Flagstaff 365 calendar for specific activities.