Flagstaff is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arizona. With its cool weather, beautiful forests, and countless nearby attractions, Flagstaff packs a punch. Phoenicians and visitors alike can beat the Arizona heat and enjoy this charming little mountain town all year round. Check out some of the fun things to do in Flagstaff, AZ.
Best Things to Do in Flagstaff, Arizona
Get Outside and Do…Pretty Much Anything
Flagstaff is nestled into the mountains and forests, and even gets snow during the winter months. For those who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and camping, Flagstaff is an endless playground. The higher altitude and shade of the thick forests makes Flagstaff significantly cooler than many other Arizona cities. This means you can enjoy these outdoor activities for more months of the year.
In fact, most consider Flagstaff to be a year-round activity destination. With the snow in the winter, lovely temperate conditions in the summer, and springs full of wildflowers, there’s always something to do outside in Flagstaff.
Visit The Grand Canyon (or any of the other natural features nearby):
If you’re in Flagstaff and have yet to mark seeing a natural world wonder off of your bucket list, hop in the car and head to The Grand Canyon. This marvel of nature is only an 80-mile drive from Flagstaff, making it a very easy day trip. Flagstaff certainly earns its nickname as the City of Seven Wonders.
Truthfully, the Grand Canyon is the only actual member of the Seven Natural World Wonders (among the company of Mt. Everest, The Aurora Borealis, Victoria Falls, The Great Barrier Reef, Rio de Janeiro, and Paricutin.) But don’t let the technicalities fool you, there is so much natural wonder to be seen around Flagstaff! Wupatki National Monument, Oak Creek Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcanic National Monument, San Francisco Peaks, Walnut Canyon National Monument, and Meteor Crater are just a few of the must-see natural attractions.
Go Skiing in Flagstaff:
It might be hard to believe that a state that literally got its nickname from its gargantuan hole in the ground also has mountains tall enough to ski…but it’s true. Flagstaff offers incredible skiing conditions for the desert dweller. Snowbowl is the only ski resort in the world from which you can see the Grand Canyon from the lift! With a summit that reaches 11,500 feet in elevation, this is no hill.
The ski season can sometimes be truncated due to the conditions, but when it snows, get ready to clip in and head out for some epic shredding! Be sure to check out the events schedule online to catch live afternoon music performances at the lodge. After all, did you even ski if you didn’t indulge in a little après ski fun?
