Flagstaff is entirely different from what comes to mind when one thinks of “stereotypical” Arizona. Pine trees, canyons, log cabins, and – under the right conditions — winter snow are what make Flagstaff, AZ, the beautiful city it is. And needless to say, there are plenty of bucket list worthy things to do in Flagstaff, AZ! Whether you’re taking a day trip from Scottsdale, are wrapping up a Sedona itinerary, or are on your way to explore more of Northern AZ, Flagstaff warrants a stop!
I’m pulling from my experience as a local to tell you all the details! Let’s dive right in.
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Planning Your Trip to Flagstaff, AZ
Let’s quickly discuss some trip planning details before we get into the best things to do.
- 🌞When to Go: October through April are great times to visit Flagstaff.
- ✈️Fly: You can either fly into the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, which will put you right in the city. Your second option is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor, rent a car, and drive approximately 2 hours north to get there. KAYAK has tickets starting around $160!
- 🚙Rent a Car: Check out KAYAK for Flagstaff rental cars.
- 🏨Stay: Little America Hotel, Courtyard Flagstaff
- 🛣Around Flagstaff: Great day trip from Scottsdale, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon
P.S. You’d also like my guide on how to spend 3 days in Sedona!
#1 Take a Drive Through the San Francisco Peaks
North of Flagstaff lies 6 of the highest peaks in Arizona, and man, are they dreamy!
Driving around the San Francisco Peaks is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff, even if you only have a weekend because you’ll get to see the volcanic formations that make Arizona so unique.
There are just about 30 trails in the area if you like hiking.
One of the most popular and most challenging ones is Humphreys Summit Trail – the tallest of the peaks in Arizona.
The views will blow you away!
The Humphreys Peak area in summer because it is littered with wildflowers!
You can also opt to explore the Lava River Cave Trail, which will take you through a natural lava tube (hollow) for thousands of years ago.
Bring a flashlight with you!
#2 Explore Historic Downtown Flagstaff
Downtown Flagstaff is one of the cutest city centers you’ve ever seen.
It’s full of historic Flagstaff buildings, and Route 66 runs right through it.
So downtown is a great place to start your Flagstaff trip!
Sprinkled around Flagstaff, you’ll also find lots of local breweries.
OH, and if you visit downtown Flagstaff during New Year, you can watch the famous pinecone drop!
#3 Sample a Muffin at Macy’s European Cafe
Macy’s European Cafe is a rustic coffee shop serving up vegan muffins and scones, among other treats. Not to mention, their lattes are pretty tasty too!
Macy’s has some of the traditional roasting equipment sitting inside the cafe so you can see the bean roasting process they used when they first opened.
It’s the perfect place to eat after a hike!
#4 Hike or Mountain Bike Inner Basin Trail
Known for its aspens, the Inner Basin area is probably one of the most popular hikes in Northern AZ, so it most definitely needs to be on your list of things to do in Flagstaff!
While Inner Basin looks its best in the fall as the aspen leaves change color in whats called Lockett Meadow, this spot is also a good option in the summer seasons.
The trees make for a great hammock setup as well.
AND of course, if you’re not the hiking type, mountain biking up the Inner Basin trail is a popular thing to do:
- Location: 15 miles north of Flagstaff; 35°21’23.2″N 111°37’22.6″W
- Distance: 4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 757ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
#5 Go Back in Time at the Volcanic Fields
So you know about the San Francisco Peaks and Humphreys Peak, but did you know that Flagstaff also has volcanic fields you can visit?
The SP Crater volcanic area makes for a beautiful drive and Flagstaff attraction.
When I first visited this area, it reminded me of more exotic places like Iceland!
But the best part about the fields?
They’re chock-full of vibrant blues and orange that are unique to the minerals in the soil.
HIGHLY recommend you add this to your list of things to do in Flagstaff!
#6 Visit Walnut Canyon National Monument
Did you know that Flagstaff, Arizona is also home to a dense population of walnut trees? I had no idea! Alas, that is how Walnut Canyon National Monument got its name.
The national monument is famous for its ancient ruins and cliff dwellings left by the Sinagua people 100s of years ago.
A short trail will take you there, and along the way, you’ll be able to admire various dwellings.
#7 Look Deep into Space at the Lowell Observatory
Fun Fact: The Lowell Observatory is home to the discovery of Pluto! Pretty cool, huh?
Visiting the observatory is a great thing to do in Flagstaff, Arizona, especially if you’re a space lover!
And here’s another fun fact: because of the city’s code developed to reduce light pollution around Flagstaff, you can admire stars just about anywhere in town!
#8 Get Your Game Fix at the Geekery
While outdoor adventure may be Flagstaff’s most popular attraction, there are other fun indoor options as well!
Visiting the Geekery is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff when it’s raining.
The Geekery is close to the university, and you can spend a whole day playing games there with friends, family, or complete strangers!
While it sounds a bit out of the ordinary, I do believe the Geekery is a great way to relax and have some no-nonsense fun after you’ve been exploring for a few days.
#9 Read a Book and Hang a Hammock at Lake Mary
Believe it or not, Lake Mary is actually two lakes! Upper Lake Mary is the largest of the twins and popular for boaters and water skiers.
Typically, the Lower lake runs a bit dry, but if you’re lucky, you might catch it with some water!
You can opt to take a swim in the lakes, but my favorite pastime is hanging a hammock and relaxing the whole day.
There are countless trees in the area, so you’re bound to find a secluded spot to relax!
#10 Have a Different Kind of Adventure in an Obstacle Course
The Extreme Adventure Course is one of the most popular things to do in Flagstaff because, unlike other obstacle courses, it takes you high above the trees!
You’ll use zip-lines and ropes to complete challenges that will have you in for an adrenaline rush!
The course is located in Forthill Country Park and is an excellent place for a group if you’re looking for something to do!
You can easily spend the whole day here.
#11 Go Off The Beaten Path at Abineau – Bear Jaw Loop
Of course, you can choose to explore the famous Inner Basin Trail, but how does a little adventure off the beaten path sound?
The Abineau — Bear Jaw Loop Trail is known for its overlook of Flagstaff’s wilderness and color during the fall season.
The hike starts off with a steady incline and slowly gets steeper as you go along.
Here’s the trail info:
- Location: 35°23’33.0″N 111°40’12.7″W
- Distance: 6.9 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,876ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
#12 Feel Like Willy Wonka at Flagstaff’s Grand Falls
Grand Falls, aka Chocolate Falls in Northern AZ, is one of the most unique things to do in Flagstaff.
It’s a natural waterfall in the middle of the desert and is actually taller than Niagra Falls!
The water flows into the Colorado River in a giant cascade formation when there is ample snowmelt.
You won’t believe your eyes when you go!
#13 Camp at Edge of the World Flagstaff
Edge of the World (AKA East Pocket) is a hidden gem in Northern Arizona.
It sits it between Sedona and Flag, providing visitors with a unique experience and vantage point!
Come here to see the famous Jenga Rocks or camp for the night.
To read more about how to get here, camping, etc., check out my Edge of the World Flagstaff guide.
Exploring Around Flagstaff, AZ
Your Arizona adventures don’t have to stop in Flagstaff! Here is a quick list of other places to explore:
Wupatki National Monument — Explore one of Arizona’s hidden historic gems.
Sandy’s Canyon — Go rock climbing and hike around! Great in the winter too.
A1 Campsite — Camp overnight at one of Arizona’s most beautiful open campsites.
Scottsdale — Head down to the Phoenix, AZ area and explore Scottsdale’s Instagrammable places and beyond!
Sedona — Take a drive over to Sedona and hike around Red Rock country. Additionally you can spend one day in Sedona.
Utah — Head north with an Arizona Utah road trip!
Superstitions — Explore some of the best hikes in the Superstition Mountains!
List of Best Things To Do in Flagstaff + Map
- Take a Drive Through the San Francisco Peaks
- Explore Historic Downtown Flagstaff
- Sample a Muffin at Macy’s European Cafe
- Hike or Mountain Bike Inner Basin Trail
- Go Back in Time at the Volcanic Fields
- Visit Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Look Deep into Space at the Lowell Observatory
- Get Your Game Fix at the Geekery
- Read a Book and Hang a Hammock at Lake Mary
- Have a Different Kind of Adventure in an Obstacle Course
- Go Off The Beaten Path at Abineau – Bear Jaw Loop
- Feel Like Willy Wonka at Flagstaff’s Grand Falls
- Camp at Edge of the World Flagstaff
Below is a map you can reference as well. Click here for a live version of the map!
My Final Thoughts on Things to do in Flagstaff
Flagstaff, Arizona, is full of adventures and a fantastic day trip from Scottsdale. If you make it up to Flag, you’ll undoubtedly notice just how much the state of Arizona has to offer. If you plan on exploring more of AZ, make sure you read my other Southwest blogs!
Wondering if you could share where the volcanic fields are in Flagstaff?
Hi,
I’m Tyler with City Property Management, a local HOA management company here in the Phoenix area and we love to collaborate with people here within our community.
We recently came across a post from your blog and liked the information that you are sharing with your audience. We would love to write a guest blog post for you.
We would just link back to our company in the article if that is alright with you. If not, we would still like to write a great article you can share with your readers.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Tyler OwensOBO City Property Management
I am super interested in the Lowell Observatory. We tried to go before but we had to get off snowbowl from a tire blowout, luckily we had our team there to help us. Thank you Dani