Flagstaff Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Flagstaff Travel & Tourism, Free Flagstaff Travel Guide Online

Flagstaff Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Flagstaff Travel & Tourism, Free Flagstaff Travel Guide Online

Not many years ago, a traveler would select colorful Route 66 for the drive west from Albuquerque. Though that picturesque trail has been replaced by rapid transit Interstate Route 40, the experience of seeing Flagstaff for the first time has not changed. For mile upon mile the desert plain stretches out. Finally, in the distance, mountains can be seen. And what mountains they are! The San Francisco Peaks rise far above the pine forests of Flagstaff, majestic and blue. These are the mountains, just north of the city, that are the site of the Arizona Snowbowl ski area, one of the state's main winter playgrounds. In summer, miles of trails through these same mountains attract hikers and mountain bikers, and it is even possible to ride the chairlift for a panoramic vista that stretches 70 miles north to the Grand Canyon.

The three San Francisco Peaks are immediately north of the city, which is encircled by the Coconino National Forest. The peaks are the remains of an extinct volcano and are considered sacred by many Native American tribes in the area. Before the volcano erupted, the San Francisco Peaks were thought to have been over 15,000 feet high.

"Flag" (as it is known locally) is the largest population center north of Phoenix. It is the home of Northern Arizona University and gateway for many of the state's northern travel attractions. At 6,970 feet, Flagstaff's climate is much different from that found in the Arizona desert regions. Enough snow falls for skiing at the Arizona Snowbowl. With or without snow, the sunsets seen from the Snowbowl are memorable at any time of year.

With its wide variety of accommodations and restaurants, the great outdoors at the edge of town, three national monuments nearby, one of the state's finest museums, and a university that supports a lively cultural community, Flagstaff makes an ideal base for exploring much of northern Arizona.

The Grand Canyon is located approximately 120 miles North of Flagstaff. Meteor Crater, the world's largest intact meteor impact crater is located 35 miles East of Flagstaff. Coconino National Forest provides many scenic views, trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. Northern Arizona University is one of the three state universities in Arizona.

Also in town, is the Lowell Observatory from which astronomers first viewed the planet Pluto. A visitor center is located at the observatory, and guided tours and telescope viewings are available. In February, Flagstaff hosts a Winter Festival with dog-sled races, arts and crafts, wine tasting and storytelling.

For a good understanding of the region, visit the Museum of Northern Arizona, which has exhibits exploring the geology, paleontology and biology of the area, including a nature trail that offers an easy and enjoyable hike. It is especially impressive in the spring and fall because of its lush trees, plank bridges and huge blocks of basalt.

Flagstaff's downtown historic district features refurbished late-Victorian and art-deco architecture. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park preserves the 40-room home designed by Charles Whittlesley. It is built of logs and is an excellent example of the Craftsman style of architecture.

Be sure to consider a side trip to Sunset Crater National Monument, 20 miles northeast of Flagstaff. It is the site of an inactive volcanic cone. Visitors can walk across a hardened lava flow which is said to resemble the surface of the moon. Meteor Crater, fifty miles to the east, was when a giant meteor crashed to Earth some 50,000 years ago. The meteor left a huge hole, about 570 feet deep and 4,150 feet across. The interior of the crater was used for training the Apollo astronauts. The site is also home to the Museum of Astrogeology (meteor exhibits) and the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

What an exhilarating experience it is to visit Flagstaff with its nostalgic downtown historic area filled with reminders of the railroad and Route 66 days, its rugged, incomparable landscape, and its opportunities for nearly every outdoor recreational pursuit from skiing and hiking to hunting and fishing, all in one location.

Flagstaff Attractions: Flagstaff Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Flagstaff Travel & Tourism, Free Flagstaff Travel Guide Online

The Arboretum at Flagstaff

Flagstaff, AZ 86002-0670
Phone: (928) 774-1442
Fax: (928) 774-1441

Located 3.8 miles south of West Route 66 on Woody Mountain Road.

Experience an array of plants native to alpine tundra, coniferous forest, and high desert. Located at 7,150 feet, the arboretum occupies 200 acres of ponderosa-pine forest with a visitor center, gift shop, children's garden, wildflower meadow, herb garden, various display gardens, passive-solar greenhouse, constructed wetlands, nature trail, riparian area, picnic tables, and more. Call for hours and daily tour schedule

Arizona Snowbowl

Flagstaff, AZ 86002-0040

7 miles north of Flagstaff on Highway 180
Phone:(928) 779-1951
Fax: (928) 779-3019
Snow Report: (928) 779-4577
Snowbowl features 2,300 feet of vertical drop, average snowfall of 260 inches, 32 trails, four
chairlifts, full-service rental shop, repair shop, ski school, and special events. Skiing mid-December thru mid-April. From mid-June thru mid-October, ride the scenic skyride to the top of the mountain for a breathtaking view.

Parking & Shuttle BusParking is available for over 1,000 cars near the ski area (chains or 4wd recommended). There is also parking at the bottom of Snowbowl Road. From there, a privately-run shuttle bus service can take you to the lift area and back down again for a minimal fee, weather permitting.

Coconino National Forest

Supervisor's Office
2323 E. Greenlaw Ln.
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: (928) 527-3600
Fax: (928) 527-3620

The world's largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest surrounds Flagstaff. Older trees are fondly referred to as "yellowbellies" because of the mature bark's yellow appearance. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including the American bald eagle and the black bear. Forest elevations, from 2,600 to 12,633 feet, host plant life from desert cactus to endangered alpine tundra groundsel.

Elden Hills Golf Course

Tee Times (928) 527-7999
Pro Shop (928) 527-7997
Fax (928) 527-4978

Narrow ponderosa-pine-lined holes, open meadows, lush fairways, and fast greens set against the backdrop of Mount Elden combine to make Elden Hills Golf Course a wonderful experience. Individuals and groups are welcome. Food and beverage services and meeting/function rooms are available.

Elden Pueblo Archaeological Project

Coconino National Forest
2323 E. Greenlaw Ln.
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: (928) 527-3475
Fax: (928) 527-3620

The ruins are located just past the Mount Elden Lookout trailhead on the west side just one mile north of the Flagstaff Mall on Highway 89. It is well signed. The ruins are being excavated as part of a public research project. There is a self guided trail, so feel free to look around. Be careful not to disturb the ruins as you walk through them. Also, there are times when the general public can do some of the excavation under the supervision of a professional archaeologist. Please call for program information

Flagstaff Nordic Center

Arizona Snowbowl
Flagstaff, AZ 86002-0040
Phone: (928) 779-1951

The Nordic Center operates from December to April.

The Flagstaff Nordic Center offers more than 40 kilometers of groomed trails for skiers and 15 kilometers of snowshoe trails through the beautiful Coconino National Forest. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cross-country skier, the Nordic Center's trails will entertain and challenge you. Rentals, lessons, snowshoeing, and group packages are available.

High Altitude Sports Training Complex
at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5769
Phone: (928) 523-4444
Toll Free: (800) 628-5038
Fax (928) 523-9401

HASTC, located on the NAU campus, coordinates training camps for world-class, Olympic, and professional athletes who wish to train at high altitude to enhance competitive performance. With training camps that include superior training facilities, comprehensive support services, and a training environment rich in diversity and natural beauty, HASTC has become world-renowned as the premier altitude-training site.

Hitchin' Post Stables

4848 Lake Mary Rd.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: (928) 774-1719
Phone: (928) 774-7131
Fax: (928) 774-1130

Hitchin' Post has provided fun and western recreation in Flagstaff for over 25 years. The Coconino National Forest offers a remote setting for a ride through some of northern Arizona's most beautiful scenery. A variety of horseback rides, including a hearty steak-dinner option at an 1880s wagon train site with live cowboy entertainment, are available. Sleigh rides are offered in the winter. Reservations required.

Lowell Observatory

1400 W. Mars Hill Rd.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: (928) 774-2096
Fax (928) 774-6296

Near downtown Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory welcomes visitors of all ages to explore the modern visitor center, hands-on exhibits, and scenic campus. Tours and programs are offered throughout the year. The planet Pluto was discovered at Lowell Observatory in 1930. Lowell's century-old Clark telescope is housed in an historic wooden dome, where night-sky viewing is offered much of the year.

The Museum Club

3404 E. Route 66
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: (928) 526-9434
Fax (928) 526-5244

This famous roadhouse is rich in country legends and ghost stories. The Southwest's largest log cabin, it was built in 1931 to house Native American artifacts and a collection of genetically unique animals preserved through taxidermy. Later, it became a nightclub, nicknamed "The Zoo," where musicians traveling Route 66 stopped to perform. The Museum Club continues to host rising country stars while patrons dance to their music.

Museum of Northern Arizona

3101 N. Fort Valley Rd.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: (928) 774-5213
Fax: (928) 779-1527

The Museum, founded in 1928, offers a variety of activities and exhibits dedicated to teaching visitors about anthropology, biology, geology, and fine arts of the Colorado Plateau. The museum has more than 5 million specimens housed in its permanent collections, including jewelry, kachina dolls, sandals, basketry, pottery and rugs. Scholars come to Flagstaff from all over the world to use the museum's collections.

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4084
Toll Free: (888) MORE-NAU
Ticket Office (928) 523-5661

Northern Arizona University has earned a reputation as one of the West's premier universities for undergraduate education, with unparalleled research opportunities.

The state's three major universities have common admission standards, but with undergraduate class sizes averaging fewer than thirty students, NAU shows its commitment to students by giving them personal attention from admissions to graduation and beyond.
What makes NAU special? A century-old tradition of innovatively preparing students for their chosen future. In fact, more than 95 percent of NAU students either work in their major fields of study or go on to graduate programs.

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

1300 Riordan Ranch St.

Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: (928) 779-4395
Fax (928) 556-0253

Built in 1904 as a duplex, the historic mansion is expansive with 40 rooms, over 13,000 square feet of living area, and servants' quarters. A tour guide will lead you through this richly furnished home filled with original artifacts, hand-crafted furniture, and personal mementos of the Riordan families. Also featured are visitor center, a self-guided tour of the grounds, and picnic tables. Reservations are recommended for tours.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Route 3
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: (928) 526-0502
Fax (928) 714-0565

Located 15 miles north of Flagstaff off Highway 89.

More than 900 years ago, Sunset Crater Volcano began to form as ash and cinders erupted from a fissure in the ground. Lava flowed from the base of the crater, leaving black rivers of hardened lava. Trails and viewpoints allow close examination of the natural features. John Wesley Powell named the volcano for the red-orange hue around the rim.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Walnut Canyon

RD #3
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: (928) 526-3367
Fax: (928) 527-0246

The monument, located seven miles east of Flagstaff off Interstate 40, is open daily except Christmas.

Experience the beauty and history of this tranquil, pristine stream-cut gorge. A hike down the paved trail reveals the ancient cliff dwellings built in the steep canyon walls where ancient pueblo residents lived nearly a thousand years ago. The visitor center museum displays artifacts that make it possible to imagine how the inhabitants lived and farmed.

Wupatki National Monument

Located 39 miles north of Flagstaff off Highway 89.
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: (928) 679-2365
Fax (928) 679-2349

Open year-round.

Wupatki National Monument offers more than the ruins of Indian dwellings; there is an amphitheater, a ball court and a blow hole. Wupatki National Monument was once home to the farmers and traders of the Anasazi and Sinagua people, or Hisatsinom, as their Hopi descendants call them. It is possible to visit four of the pueblos on trails that allow you a window into the historic past.

Flagstaff Events: Flagstaff Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Flagstaff Travel & Tourism, Free Flagstaff Travel Guide Online

Annual Events

January:

Playthings of the Past. 928-774-6272

February:

Flagstaff Winterfest. 928-774-4505 or 800-842-7293

March:

Archaeology Day - Museum of Northern Arizona. 928-523-5661

April:

Voices from the Past - Lowell Observatory. 928-774-2096.

May

: Great Fiesta del Barrio & Fajita Cook-off. 928-526-3186.

June

: Route 66 Celebration - 928-774-1330.

July:

Festival of Arts & Crafts Extraordinaire. 928-779-1227.
4th of July parade

August:

Flagstaff Festival of the Arts. 800-266-7740 or 928-774-7750.

September

: Annual Bed Race. 928-774-1330.

October:

Oktoberfest. 928-774-9541, 800-842-7293.

November:

Annual Holiday Lights Festival. 928-779-7979 or 800-435-2493.

December

: Holiday Tours at Riordan Mansion. 928-779-4395.
Northern Lights Holiday Parade

Arts and Entertainment

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra

113 E. Aspen Ave.
Flagstaff, AZ 86002-0122
Ticket Information (928) 523-5661
Toll Free: (888) 520-7214
Fax (928) 523-8994

The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra has been a source of enjoyment, enrichment, and pride for the citizens of northern Arizona for more than 50 years. The 85-member orchestra, comprised of professional and community musicians, plays to packed houses in Ardrey Auditorium, October through May. For

more information, contact the symphony office at (520) 774-5107.

Flagstaff Facts: Flagstaff Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Flagstaff Travel & Tourism, Free Flagstaff Travel Guide Online

Population:

52,894 residents

Altitude

: 6,899 feet above sea level

Time Zone

: Flagstaff is in the Mountain Standard Time Zone. Daylight saving time is not observed.

Location:

150 miles N of Phoenix; 32 miles E of Williams; 80 miles South of Grand Canyon Village

County

: Coconino

Average weather in Flagstaff, Arizona

Normal climate around Flagstaff, Arizona

You will need a sweater even in the summer, and in winter it can be very cold and snowy.

At 7,000-foot elevation, be prepared for abrupt weather changes in any season. Expect windy conditions most of the year. Spring is usually mild but heavy snowfall can occur. Summer days are warm with temperatures in the eighties. Afternoon thunderstorms likely July to September. Winter days can be cold, snow and ice can cause temporary closure of the Island Trail.

National Holidays:

New Year's Day Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day last Mon. in May

Independence Day July 4

Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve Dec. 31

Arriving:

By Air

Many travelers opt to fly into either the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (tel. 602/273-3300), or McCarran International Airport (tel. 702/261-5743), in Las Vegas. Both airports are served by most major airlines.

By Car

Renting A Car : In Flagstaff, car rentals are available.

By Train

Amtrak (tel. 800/872-7245 or 928/774-8679 for station information only) regularly stops in downtown Flagstaff, where lodging, rental cars, and connecting bus service are available. You can take the train from Albuquerque to Flagstaff or Los Angeles to Flagstaff .

By Bus

Open Road Tours (tel. 800/766-7117) has bus service linking Flagstaff with Grand Canyon National Park.

Flagstaff Kids Activities: Flagstaff Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Flagstaff Travel & Tourism, Free Flagstaff Travel Guide Online

Coconino National Forest
2323 E Greenlaw Lane
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
928-527-3600

Hours: Open year round, call for additional information

Admission Free, charge for certain privileges
Known to be one of the world's largest contiguous ponderosa pine forests, the forest surrounds Flagstaff. Older trees are fondly referred to as "yellowbellies" because of the mature bark's yellow appearance. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including the American bald eagle and the black bear. Forest elevations are from 2,600 to 12,633 feet, and the forest hosts plant life from desert cactus to endangered alpine tundra groundsel.

Absolute Bikes

18 N San Francisco Street

Flagstaff Arizona86001
928-779-5969

Hours: Call for additional information

Fee Charged

Why not enjoy all of the beautiful scenery from a well maintained mountain bike. Many makes and models to choose from.

Elden Pueblo Archaeological Project
Coconino National Forest
2323 E Greenlaw Lane
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
928-527-3475
Hours: Open as part of the forest

Admission Free

The ruins, which were excavated as part of a public research project, are located just past the Mount Elden Lookout trailhead on the west side just one mile north of the Flagstaff Mall on Highway 89. It is well signed. There is a self guided trail, so feel free to look around, but be careful not to disturb the ruins as you walk through them. Also, there are times when the general public can do some of the excavation under the supervision of a professional archaeologist.

Hitchin' Post Stables
4848 Lake Mary Rd
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-774-1719

Hours: Call for days and hours of operation, reservations required

Admission Charged
Hitchin' Post has provided fun and western recreation in Flagstaff for over 25 years. The Coconino National Forest offers a remote setting for a ride through some of northern Arizona's most beautiful scenery. A variety of horseback rides, including a hearty steak-dinner option at an 1880s wagon train site with live cowboy entertainment, are available. Sleigh rides are offered in the winter.

Lowell Observatory
1400 W Mars Hill Rd
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-774-2096
Hours: Days and hours of operation vary, call for additional information

Admission Free

Near downtown Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory welcomes visitors of all ages to explore the modern visitor center, hands-on exhibits, and scenic campus. Tours and programs are offered throughout the year. The planet Pluto was discovered at Lowell Observatory in 1930. Lowell's century-old Clark telescope is housed in an historic wooden dome, where night-sky viewing is offered much of the year.

Day Trip:

Grand Canyon National Park

1 S Rim

Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Located 2 ½ hours northwest of Flagstaff
928-638-7888

Hours: South-rim o

pen 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, north-rim open mid-May – mid-October

Admission Charged
Known throughout the world for its overwhelming size and intricate and colorful landscape, the Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of arid-land erosion in the world. The park encompasses 1,904 square miles, including 277 miles of the Colorado River. Persons interested in visiting Grand Canyon National Park should write to the above address or call the number above for a trip planner. Park permits can be purchased in advance at the Flagstaff Visitor Center.

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