A few days here will enable you to see some of the most unique and best things the West has to offer.
Check out our list of the top 10 best things to do in Flagstaff and start planning your next trip!
1. Walnut Canyon National Monument
The highlight of Walnut Canyon is seeing the homes of the Sinagua peoples, a group that lived here from 1100 to 1250 CE. They were experts in conserving water, dealing with droughts, and trading with other groups as far away as Central America. When they mysteriously left in 1250 CE, they left behind around 80 cliff dwellings.
Today, visitors can see 25 of these rooms via a 0.9 mile (1.4 km) loop trail, that descends 185 feet (56 m) into the canyon. Other things you might see on the trail include the 387 species of plants that live here or some of the native animal life.
2. Wupatki National Monument
The Wupatki National Monument is famous for its rich Native American history and ruins. This protected land includes three buildings and 29 structures on 35,000 acres (14,164 hectares) of land. All the settlements here were built by the ancient Pueblo people, who lived here between 500 and 1225 CE. They harvested rainwater and produced maize and squash.
While Wupatki appears abandoned today, it is still cared for by the park service and the Hopi clans. They tell stories of their ancestors and believe that the people who lived and died here, remain as spiritual guardians.
Visitors today can hike on designated paths and see some of the ruins. If you time it right, you can enjoy a ranger-led hike to backcountry sites that are normally off-limits.
3. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Around 1085 CE, a huge eruption shook this area. Lava spewed and flowed over 4 miles (6.4 km), and a blanket of ash and lapilli, or rock fragments, covered over 810 square miles (2,100 sq km) of land. Today, the volcano is extinct and partially re-vegetated, but the evidence of its violent past remains.
Visitors can get a great view of the crater and enjoy a spectacular hiking trail, found here. The trail is below the summit and goes around the Bonito Lava Flow. Admire the hardened black lava and imagine how devastating it was to the area in the past. There is a small lava tube, but it is now closed to the public. Hiking to the summit is also not permitted.
4. Flagstaff Extreme
Flagstaff Extreme has tree top suspended obstacle courses, for both kids and adults, at varying difficulty and experience levels. Come walk across ropes and wiggly bridges, swing through the tree tops and enjoy an amazing view and adventure. This is a great place to build confidence and have fun.
5. Lowell Observatory
Established in 1894, the Lowell Observatory is one of the oldest observatories in the United States. In fact, it was here that Pluto was discovered, in 1930. The original telescope used for this discovery is still in use today, for public education.
The observatory sees over 85,000 visitors per year, who come to take both day and night time guided tours, to see the stars and learn about the galaxies above their heads. They also host various special programs such as “Meet an Astronomer,” and many events around astronomical phenomena, such as meteor showers or eclipses.
6. Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour
Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon, formed by the erosion of Navajo Sandstone due to flash flooding. The water swirled and churned through the canyon, forming stunning curves along the walls. Because of the danger of flash floods, especially in the late summer months, access to this canyon is granted only to approved tour companies.
Upon your arrival, a guide from the Navajo Nation, who own the canyon lands, will help you explore the depths of this natural wonder. Next, the group will proceed to an amazing view of Horseshoe Bend, a horseshoe shaped meander of the Colorado River. You will be hiking around 2 miles (3.2 km) on these excursions, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
7. Small group Grand Canyon day tour from Flagstaff
This tour is a great way to conveniently see the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff. You will be picked up from your hotel in the city and then proceed to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Here, you will stop between six and eight times and be given the opportunity to walk to some less visited outlooks.
Visitors will also get to see historic buildings, such as the El Tovar Lodge and Desert View Watchtower, as well as enjoy a picnic lunch at the Indian Ruins. Finally, the group will get to stop at one of the most famous Navajo Trading Posts in the United States before heading back to Flagstaff.
8. Lava River Cave in Coconino National Forest
700,000 years ago, molten lava erupted from a volcanic vent in Hart Prairie. The top, sides, and bottom of the vent cooled and solidified first, allowing the rest of the lava to continue flowing through the ground and create the cave.
Visitors can visit this mile-long (1.6 km), huge cavern, year round, with no fees. You will be treated to a look at the stone icicles, hanging from the ceiling, a fascinating Y-shaped intersection, and pillars of light pouring through holes in the ceiling. Dress warmly – temperatures in the cave are around 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 Celcius), even in the summer.
9. Arizona Snowbowl
While you might not associate Arizona with a mountainous landscape, you can find snowy peaks and pine trees at around 9,500 feet (2895.6 meters) above sea level, here at the Arizona Snowbowl. Come and enjoy snowboarding and skiing, during the winter and for an escape from the intense heat and the fun of a scenic chair lift, during the summer.
10. Grand Falls Arizona
Thousands of years ago, lava flowed from the Merriam Crater into the Little Colorado River, creating a lava dam. This formed the Grand Falls of Arizona. At 185 feet (56 meters) tall, this waterfall is taller than Niagara Falls but much more unpredictable. Heavy rains and snowfall will cause torrents of water to pour over the dam, while at other times of the year, there will be barely a trickle. The water is known for being extremely muddy and has been likened to the chocolate waterfalls in Willy Wonka.
This formation is a little difficult to get to, requiring a four-wheel drive vehicle, a hiking permit from the Navajo, and a hike that is a little over a mile (1.6 km) long, but adventurers will be rewarded with a beautiful natural formation, that most others miss.
Read also: Top 10 things to do in Asheville
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