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Flagstaff is a mountain city of about 77,000 people in northern Arizona, set at 7,000 feet among the world's largest ponderosa pine forest beneath the San Francisco Peaks, the highest mountains in the state. It grew in the 1880s as a railroad and lumber town, and historic Route 66 still runs right through downtown alongside the busy Santa Fe railway line.
Flagstaff is famous for its dark skies. Lowell Observatory, founded in 1894, is where astronomers discovered Pluto in 1930, and visitors can look through historic telescopes on clear nights. In 2001 Flagstaff became the world's first International Dark Sky City. Northern Arizona University gives the city a lively college atmosphere, and downtown's historic sandstone buildings hold breweries, restaurants and shops.
The city is also a gateway to some of the Southwest's greatest landscapes. The Grand Canyon's South Rim is about 90 minutes north, and Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki national monuments are just outside town. Arizona Snowbowl offers skiing in winter and scenic chairlift rides in summer, and Sedona's red rocks are 45 minutes south.
A historic observatory on Mars Hill founded in 1894, where Pluto was discovered in 1930. Visitors take guided tours, see historic telescopes and, on clear evenings, look through modern telescopes at planets and stars. Flagstaff is a dark-sky city, so night visits are best; dress warmly even in summer.
A museum on the north edge of Flagstaff covering the region's natural history, geology and the art and cultures of Native peoples of the Colorado Plateau, including Hopi and Navajo. Its seasonal heritage festivals feature artists and dancers. Allow about two hours to see the galleries.
A canyon just east of Flagstaff with cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people about 800 years ago. The Island Trail descends about 185 feet by stairs and loops past many rooms; the Rim Trail is easier. The elevation is about 6,700 feet, so take it slow and bring water for the climb back up.
A monument north of Flagstaff protecting red sandstone pueblos built by ancestral Puebloan people, including the large Wupatki Pueblo with a ball court and a natural blowhole. Short paved trails lead to several sites. Combine it with Sunset Crater on the same scenic loop road for a half-day trip.
A state historic park preserving a large 1904 Arts and Crafts style duplex built for two lumber-baron brothers, with original furniture by Gustav Stickley and other period pieces. Guided tours lead through the rooms. It is near Northern Arizona University; tours fill up, so book ahead in summer.
A cinder cone volcano that erupted about 900 years ago north of Flagstaff, now a national monument with black lava flows and cinder fields. The Lava Flow Trail is an easy one-mile loop at the base of the cone. Hiking on the cone itself is not allowed, and the road links to Wupatki National Monument.
A lava tube about three-quarters of a mile long in Coconino National Forest northwest of Flagstaff, formed by a volcanic eruption about 700,000 years ago. Visitors walk through it on their own over rough rocks in cold darkness. Bring two light sources, warm layers and sturdy shoes; the forest road access may close in winter.
A ski area on the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff with runs for all levels in winter and a scenic chairlift ride in summer that climbs to over 11,000 feet with views across northern Arizona. Weather changes fast at that elevation, so bring layers, and check road conditions in snow.
A strenuous trail of about 10 miles round trip from the Snowbowl area to the summit of Humphreys Peak, at 12,633 feet the highest point in Arizona. It passes through forest and above the tree line. Start early to avoid afternoon storms, go slowly at altitude and turn back if lightning threatens.
A large open space park on a mesa in north Flagstaff with a two-mile gravel loop trail, fitness stations and wide views of the San Francisco Peaks. It is popular for walking, running and dog walking and links to the Flagstaff Urban Trail System. Mornings are best for clear mountain views.
A walkable downtown along old Route 66 and the railroad, with historic brick buildings, breweries, restaurants, outdoor shops and the Flagstaff visitor center in the old train depot. Heritage Square hosts summer concerts. Trains pass often day and night; nearby hotels may be noisy for light sleepers.
A public university south of downtown Flagstaff with a campus of historic red sandstone buildings and modern halls set among ponderosa pines. The Walkup Skydome hosts sports and events, and campus art galleries are open to visitors. Visitor parking is available in marked lots and garages.
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