The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Flagstaff, Arizona Now
Located near the base of the San Fransisco Peaks within the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest, Flagstaff, Arizona is a four season hub of activity where an eclectic mix of small town charm and endless outdoor adventure beckons. Known officially as Arizona’s winter wonderland, autumn paints a panoramic canvas of quaking aspen and foliage offering hues of reds and purples, while spring offers breathtaking beauty of blooms in the world's largest emerald green ponderosa pine forest. Did you know Pluto was discovered right here in Flagstaff at Lowell Observatory?
Image courtesy of Discover Flagstaff
1. THE HIKING
With the Grand Canyon in its back yard, Flagstaff is completely surrounded by the Coconino National Forest and offers pine covered terrain as far as the eye can see—making it a hiker’s paradise with trails available for all skill levels that offer incredible views.
Well-traveled trails include exploring an ancient underground tunnel at the Lava River Cave, hiking to the highest point in Arizona via the Kachina Trail or a leisurely stroll at Buffalo Park. Head to the Shultz Pass trailhead off of Elden Lookout Road—this trail network winds through and connects with a majority of the single track offerings in the area.
2. THE ART
Discover more than 40 pieces of public art in Flagstaff, which visually represent the heritage of the area, from University murals to abstract steel installations. Each piece tells a story, some inspiring, some meditative and others that intend to leave a legacy for future generations.
Image courtesy of Discover Flagstaff
Many of these have been inspired by the natural surroundings and local culture of Flagstaff and northern Arizona providing a lasting benefit to the community. For information on each piece of art and where to find them, click here.
3. THE COCKTAILS
Situated in a prime locale on historic Route 66, The McMillan Bar & Kitchen is housed in the oldest standing building in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona. The circa 1886 bank building was originally a Wells Fargo and much of the original structure is still intact. We recommend trying the “Beeting” for your artisanal cocktail fix—crafted with Hendrick’s gin, St. Elder liqueur, beet purée, ginger, fresh squeezed lemon and freshly muddled cucumber and basil.
The Southwestern-influenced menu of elevated comfort cuisine at The McMillan Bar & Kitchen plays homage to favorites such as Filet & Bleu Quesadilla with grilled filet mignon, bleu cheese, white cheddar, crispy onions and red onion jam, as well as Pozole, a red chili spiced pork soup with hominy, avocado, radish, onion, and cilantro are sure to enhance your taste buds.
For those craving sweets, try the pan seared Carrot Cake with goat cheese whip, brown butter caramel and drunken raisins. Hungry yet?
4. THE GARDENS
Located on 200 acres deep within the Coconino National Forest, The Arboretum at Flagstaff, known simply as “The Arb,” is home to 750 species of plants in greenhouses, horticultural collections, gardens, rare plant specimens and natural habitats nestled among historic buildings.
Image courtesy of Discover Flagstaff
At 7,150 feet in elevation, The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a unique destination with a unique mission, specializing in plants native to the Colorado Plateau and northern Arizona.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Nestled between the Painted Desert and ponderosa highlands of northern Arizona, Wupatki is a landscape of Native American legacies. Here, ancient pueblos built by the Ancient Pueblo People around 500 AD dot red rock outcroppings across miles of prairie. The walls were constructed from thin, flat blocks of the local Moenkopi sandstone, giving the pueblos their distinct red color.
Image courtesy of Discover Flagstaff
The largest settlement on monument territory is the Wupatki Ruin, built around a natural rock outcrop. With more than 100 rooms, this ruin is believed to be the region's tallest and largest structure for its time period.
Riordan Mansion State Park is home to the circa 1904 Arizona treasure known as Riordan Mansion. With over 13,000 square feet, the mansion is a remarkable example of Arts and Crafts style architecture—as well as an impressive reminder of gracious living in a small, territorial logging town.
Image courtesy of Discover Flagstaff
