Things to Do in Flagstaff

At an elevation of 7,000 feet, Flagstaff is home to the snow-covered mountains of the San Francisco Peaks, dense pine forests and vast green valleys, all of which give way to a host of outdoor recreational activities. It’s also the gateway city to the Grand Canyon—just 90 minutes south of this world-famous natural wonder.

1. Year-Round Adventures Resort

Hugging the western slope of the 12,633-foot Mount Humphreys, Arizona Snowbowl is just 30 minutes north of downtown Flagstaff. The resort’s base elevation is approximately 9,500 feet and offers an array of year-round outdoor recreation options, from exciting winter sports to leisurely spring and summer hikes. From late November through mid-April, you can plunge down the resort’s 40 runs across 777 skiable acres, or test your snowboarding skills at three terrain parks. The rest of the year, you can hike its numerous trails, play disc golf on a picturesque course, enjoy a family picnic or take the chairlift up to Agassiz Peak for breathtaking views. Not only is the land scenic, it’s scared to 13 local Native American tribes.

2. Suspended in the Treetops

If you’re an adrenaline junkie or just want a unique, high-flying experience, book an adventure at the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course. Sprawled across the historic Fort Tuthill County Park, the adventure course offers the opportunity to make like Tarzan and swing from the treetops. Whisk down zip lines, run across suspension bridges and scramble over nets, all while hanging 15 to 60 feet above ground. Kids as young as 7 can take part in the fun—there’s even a less-rigorous course designed specifically for them. Make sure you book reservations in advance, as all of the courses offer a limited number of spots daily.

3. City Stargazing

As the world's first designated International Dark Sky City, Flagstaff offers stargazers a view of the nighttime desert sky with minimal light pollution. Head to Lowell Observatory for a particularly spectacular view—the 750-acre Mars Hill Campus is perched high on a mesa only 5 minutes from downtown Flagstaff. Start your adventure at the Steele Visitor Center, where you'll see everything from meteorites to space suits. Stop in the Putman Collection Center to view Lowell’s vast collection of artifacts and documents, including correspondence with Hubble and Einstein. Tours highlights include the Clark Telescope Dome, Pluto Discovery Telescope Dome and Rotunda Library. Other options include solar and evening telescope viewings, an array of evening multimedia shows and the SlipherVision immersive space theater.

4. Marked by a Meteor

Ever wondered what the aftermath of an asteroid crash looks like? Meteor Crater in Winslow is your answer. 50,000 years ago, this space rock smacked into the Earth’s surface at 26,000 miles per hour, causing the enormous rupture that blasted 175 million tons of rock. Head to Meteor Crater Visitor Center, just 45 minutes southeast of Flagstaff, to get a closer look at this breathtaking marvel. Meteor Crater is considered to be the world’s best preserved meteorite impact site at 570 feet deep and 4,100 feet across—nearly 1 mile wide. After taking in your science lesson, head to the Astronaut’s Memorial Park at the crater’s rim or venture inside to watch a short film that gives you an in-depth account of the crash.

5. Explore Ancient Villages

Make the 1-hour trip north to the Wupatki National Monument and explore the scattered remains of ancient Puebloan villages. The numerous settlements across the landscape were once home to the Ancient Pueblo People, including the Cohonina, Kayenta Anasazi and Sinagua. A leisurely drive on Wupatki’s 34-mile loop offers inspiring views of this majestic north-central Arizona region. You’ll cut through open meadows, pass by sprawling prairies and wind along desert landscapes dotted with red-rock outcroppings. For a more intimate look, rangers offer guided tours nearly year-round. The Discovery Trail, available throughout winter, is a 2 to 3 mile trek through the backcountry suitable for seasoned hikers. The Crack-in-Rock is an overnight, cross-country adventure offered each April and October.

6. Cave Dwellings in Canyons

Remnants of civilizations past are also on display at the Walnut Canyon National Monument. Just 20 minutes southeast of Flagstaff, you’ll find dwellings once home to the ancient Sinagua people nestled into alcoves on steep ledges. The advanced Island Trail takes you 1 mile deep into the 400-foot canyon floor, which is intermittently fed by a stream. For an easier trek just over half a mile, Rim Trail offers views of the canyon’s diverse topography from high above. Have your camera at the ready—panoramic views can be found throughout the park.

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