Location: Flagstaff
Top Things to do in Flagstaff
Countries
What to do and see in Flagstaff, Arizona (AZ): The Best National Parks
Astounding natural wonders, invigorating outdoor recreation and fascinating cultural attractions make Flagstaff the perfect getaway to rejuvenate the body and replenish the mind. Set at the base of the beautiful San Francisco Peaks, and surrounded by lush national forests, the city provides ample opportunity for fresh air fun. Spring, summer and fall bring hikers, campers and mountain bikers, while winter draws skiers and ice skaters. But don't let a focus on the "good old outdoors" fool you. Fostered by the local university, Flagstaff is also chock-full of educational and cultural attractions. Be sure to see the award-winning permanent exhibit "Native Peoples of the Colorado Plateau" at the Museum of Northern Arizona. The Pioneer Museum offers a glimpse of what life was like for the early settlers of the region and includes a 1929 Baldwin locomotive in its collection. The city also has an arboretum and a planetarium. The entire area is a living anthropology and geology lesson, with ancient Native American ruins and stunning scenery at the Wupatki and Walnut Canyon National Monuments, just waiting to be explored.
Restaurants in Flagstaff
1. Walnut Canyon National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,639 reviews
See millions of years of history unraveled in the geology of the rocks at this popular scenic and historic hiking area, once populated by the Sinagua Indians.
Reviewed By potatofisher - Rapid City, United States
I debated actually stopping here, as we had had a long day of travels already, but I'm so glad we did. The canyon dwellings are amazing. The museum is closed, but the gift shop is open, and you can get your passport stamp there. There are 2 trails: the rim trail, which is paved and flat and follows the canyon rim, and the island trail, which goes down and then back up 180 steps into the canyon to get you up close to the cliff dwellings. If you can manage it, I highly recommend the Island Trail. The steps are almost all at the beginning/end (it's a loop trail), and the entire middle is a really nice stroll right along the ledge where the dwellings are. Many of the dwellings are open for you to enter as well! It's like walking through another world. Please note: since the park closes at 4:30, they will not allow you to start the Island Trail after 3:30pm, so make sure to arrive before then if you want to do it.
2. Wupatki National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,009 reviews
Explore this fascinating ancient pueblo, located near the San Francisco Peaks, which once housed almost 100 members of the Anasazi and Sinagua tribes.
Reviewed By kevingW5482NQ
Come in from the Sunset Crater side and stop at the first set of ruins. Perched atop a gigantic boulder, you’ll be able to get breathtaking views of the painted desert, the mountains, plains... stop next at the visitor center and walk down to the ruins there for more amazing scenery. There are other ruins on the way out toward the Grand Canyon, and they are all worth the stop and hike as well. This is amazing, American history and you won’t regret taking the time to contrast this monument with Sunset Crater, Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, Walnut Canyon... every place we stopped, my wife said, “I didn’t think anything could compete with the last place we were...”
3. Coconino National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 422 reviews
Named after the Coho Native American people, this forest is two million acres of recreational, lumber, and mining land.
Reviewed By 5cindy - Fort Myers Beach, United States
We did the oak creek scenic drive through Coconino National Forest and it was absolutely beautiful. There are lots of trees in this area.
4. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,092 reviews
Located north of Flagstaff, this crater was created by a volcanic eruption 900 years ago.
Reviewed By NotNow99 - Salem, United States
At one end of this National Park is Sunset Crater, with it's unworldly lava flows & cruncy lava beds, beautiful views & paths. At the other is the beautiful Wupatki Ruins, all for one fee (or Parks Pass). The volcanic eruption can be seen on a lot of the local mountains which are gorgeous, and helped shape the settlements of the Native Peoples here & in other areas..
5. Red Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By Lesleynphil - Clarkdale, United States
This is an easy hike you can do with a family. You will see amazing rock formations while enjoying the outdoors. Great views of San Francisco Peaks. A little ladder to climb along the path but we lifted our dog to a person on top. Something fun to do while in Northern Arizona.
