Nature, History, and Route 66
Best Time to Visit
Flagstaff is a destination for all seasons. For winter sports lovers, the snowy months from December to February are ideal. Spring and early summer (April to June) bring mild temperatures and blooming landscapes perfect for hiking and exploring the outdoors. Fall offers stunning foliage, while summer is a haven for escaping the Arizona heat with cool mountain breezes.
Duration
A 2-3 day trip allows you to explore the best of Flagstaff, including its natural wonders, historical landmarks, and vibrant downtown. However, even if you have just one day, you can still experience the essence of the city by focusing on key highlights like Historic Downtown, Walnut Canyon, and Route 66.
How to Get There
Flagstaff is easily accessible by car, being a key stop along Route 66 and Interstate 40. If you’re flying, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is just a short drive from the city center, with connections from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Alternatively, you can take an Amtrak train, which stops at the historic Flagstaff Station.
If you’re looking for a corner of Arizona where nature, history, and adventure intertwine in a perfect embrace, Flagstaff is the stop you can’t miss. Nestled among the majestic mountains of northern Arizona, this city embodies the spirit of the legendary Route 66, showcasing Flagstaff Route 66 attractions and activities, and offering visitors an experience that blends the charm of the past with the beauty of the present.
Known for its cool summers and ski slopes that turn into a snowy paradise in winter, Flagstaff is an open invitation for nature lovers in all its forms.
During the warmer months, the landscape transforms into a carpet of green, where hiking trails wind through ponderosa pine forests and alpine meadows. In winter, the white blanket of the slopes invites skiers and snowboarders to dive into the thrills of an endless cold season. And if your heart beats for more adventurous activities, here you’ll also find opportunities for mountain biking, rock climbing, and rafting along the majestic Colorado River.
The city is also a living museum, telling the stories of Native peoples, brave pioneers, and the iconic Route 66. Here, history comes alive in its museums, such as the Pioneer Museum and the Museum of Northern Arizona, where you can learn about the traditions of the Hopi, Navajo, and other tribes of the region. Flagstaff’s historic downtown, with its cobblestone streets and restored Victorian buildings, feels like a time travel, where every corner reveals a piece of the past that continues to pulse in the present.
If there’s a common thread linking Flagstaff’s past and present, it’s undoubtedly Route 66. This historic highway, connecting Chicago to Los Angeles, has passed through the city since its early days, making it a crossroads of culture and commerce. Even today, Flagstaff retains the charm of those golden years, with its Historic Downtown telling the story of Route 66 through every shop, café, and gallery. Walking these streets, you can almost hear the roar of engines that zoomed through in decades past, when the city was one of the most beloved stops for travelers on the legendary road.
To get a taste of this history, don’t miss the Flagstaff Visitor Center, where the friendly staff will guide you through all the secrets of Route 66. Just outside, you’ll find a famous road symbol of the Mother Road.
Key Places You Can’t Miss in Flagstaff
Even if you only have a few hours to explore this city, there are some spots you simply can’t miss:
Historic Downtown Flagstaff: A perfect corner for a trip back in time, with a leisurely walk between unique shops, historic cafés, and art galleries. Don’t forget to stop by one of the many characterful bars for a drink that’s steeped in history. You’ll also find the famous “Meteor Crater” here, a crater that speaks to the power of nature and offers a breathtaking sight.
Monte Vista Hotel: Located in the heart of Flagstaff, this historic hotel is known for its charming architecture and fascinating past. Built in 1927, it has hosted numerous celebrities and is rumored to be haunted, adding an air of mystery to its allure (Click here to discover more). Even if you’re not staying overnight, visiting its bar or lobby is a step into Flagstaff’s vibrant history.
Walnut Canyon National Monument: Just a few kilometers from downtown, this monument offers spectacular views and a fascinating dive into history with its ancient Native American settlements. The trails here are perfect for a nature-filled walk, with the chance to explore rock-carved dwellings.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument: A unique place where the forces of nature have left an indelible mark. Walking the trails, you’ll encounter volcanic landscapes that seem to come from another world, perfect for photography and moments of reflection.
Grand Falls: Known as the “Niagara of Arizona,” Grand Falls is a hidden gem located just outside Flagstaff. The falls are particularly spectacular during the spring runoff, providing a stunning natural sight.
Coconino National Forest: Spanning over 1.8 million acres, the Coconino National Forest offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives, making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in Flagstaff’s natural beauty.
The Vintage Market: Here, you’ll find vintage items, unique souvenirs, and handmade treasures that allow you to take a bit of the city’s soul with you. From local ceramics to one-of-a-kind art pieces, it’s the perfect place for shopping and discovering the creativity that defines Flagstaff.
And last but not least, you absolutely must see Sedona. A short drive away from Flagstaff, Sedona offers breathtaking red rock formations, art galleries, and vibrant energy, making it the perfect addition to your Arizona itinerary.
Where To Stay
Sleeping in Flagstaff is quite affordable, certainly more so than in cities like Sedona. If you need a stopover during your road trip, this town offers plenty of high-quality hotels at budget-friendly prices, as well as some dream-worthy luxury hotels. You’re truly spoiled for choice. Here are just a few of the top-rated options.
Econo Lodge Flagstaff Route 66 €
Super 8 by Wyndham NAU/Downtown Conference Center €
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff €€
Drury Inn & Suites Flagstaff €€
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Flagstaff €€
Residence Inn by Marriott Flagstaff €€€
FLG Retreat €€€
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