10 Best Things to do in Flagstaff

For those who love exploring the great outdoors, Flagstaff offers a wealth of things to see and do. This northern Arizona city of about 70,000 is the perfect base for discovering dormant volcanoes and ancient villages, hitting the ski slopes, going camping and hiking in the mountains, or gazing in wonder at the night sky at the same observatory where Pluto was first spotted.

Within the city, there’s a surprisingly vibrant shopping and dining scene to enjoy in its historic downtown area, together with some excellent breweries serving up creative craft beers. Here’s just a sampling of some of the best activities and sights to find in Flagstaff.

What are the best things to do in Flagstaff?

1. Walnut Canyon

Home to 121 bird species

Good for: History, Photo, Budget, Adventure, Unusual

The natural geological formations and scenic forest surrounds of Walnut Canyon are spectacular sights in themselves. But what really captivates visitors to the canyon are the ancient limestone houses still standing today after being built in the cliffs some 900 years ago.

Take the Island Trail for an up-close look at 25 cliff dwellings or wander the canyon rim trail through the forest to find viewpoints overlooking a panorama of forest, canyon, and dwellings. Stop by the visitor’s center first for more information before setting out and to find out the time for the daily park ranger talks.

Location: 3 Walnut Canyon Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, USA

Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

Phone: +1 928 526 3367

See nearby properties

2. Arizona Snowbowl

Open year-round with hiking trails to enjoy

Good for: Families, Adventure, Group

Set in the San Francisco Peaks, the Arizona Snowbowl is a ski resort with a range of tracks to suit beginner to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Lessons are available for all skill levels.

The resort is open year-round and during the non-winter months, visitors can enjoy exploring the walking trails and taking chairlift rides. This is an especially scenic journey when the forest canopy changes color to radiant yellow, orange, and red in the fall. More activities in summer include tubing down the mountain slope, bungee trampoline, and a mini ropes course.

Location: 9300 N Snow Bowl Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001, USA

Phone: +1 928 447 9928

See nearby properties

3. Grand Falls

Also known as Chocolate Niagara

Good for: Photo, Budget, Adventure

The Grand Falls have only a tiny fraction of visitors compared to the famous Niagara Falls, yet this tiered cascade of muddy water in the Painted Desert is actually taller at 185 feet. The falls are found about 30 miles east of Flagstaff in a remote location on Navajo Nation land, so bringing your own food and drink is recommended.

The best time of year to visit is in March and April when the flow is at its peak from the spring snowmelt. It’s a short hike of about half a mile down the gully to reach the base of the falls. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear to avoid slipping on the rocks and mud.

Location: Arizona 86035, United States

4. Wupatki National Monument

Wondrous red-desert dwellings

Good for: History, Photo, Adventure, Unusual

To visit Wupatki National Monument is to imagine taking a bit of an Indiana Jones archeological adventure, with several fascinating sites of the ancient pueblo, or village, ruins spread throughout the desert park.

The village dwellings in red sandstone date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, when they were built by the Anasazi and Sinagua people. The Hopi people of Flagstaff are believed to have descended from these ancient tribes. The largest site is the Wupatki Pueblo, a large, three-story structure built on a plateau that once housed 300 people and offers views over the Painted Desert and Little Colorado River.

Location: Arizona, United States

Phone: +1 928 679 2365

See nearby properties

5. Sunset Crater

Scenic views of ancient volcanos

Good for: Adventure, Budget, Photo, Unusual

Found 15 miles northeast of Flagstaff, the colorful cinder-cone landscape of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument was formed in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption some 900 years ago. Walks to Sunset Crater’s rim have not been allowed for decades due to erosion concerns, but there are trails looping around it and you can get a good view over the crater by taking the Forest Service trail to nearby O’Leary Peak.

Learn more about the eruption and the area’s ecology at the visitor’s center or by joining a park ranger-guided tour of the lava flow and volcanic trails offered Friday through Monday.

Location: Arizona 86004, USA

See nearby properties

6. Lowell Observatory

Late-night telescope viewing available by reservation

Good for: Couples, Families, History, Unusual

Built in the late 1800s by astronomer Percival Lowell, this is one of the oldest observatories in America. It was here that Pluto was first discovered, and it played an important role in mapping the moon for Apollo astronauts making their historic landing there.

For those of us who remain earthbound, Lowell offers plenty of astronomical wonders with its solar telescope offering a good look at the sun, and evening telescope viewings of the planets, moon and star clusters. Guided tours offer insight into the observatory’s past and present research efforts and a stop at the century-old Clark Refracting Telescope.

Location: 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States

Open: Wednesday and Thursday from midday to 10 pm, Friday to Sunday from midday to 11 pm, Monday from midday to 10 pm, closed Tuesdays

Phone: +1 928 774 3358

See nearby properties

7. Historic Downtown and Railroad District

Art on the streets and good eats

Good for: Budget, Families, History, Photo

Flagstaff’s Historic Downtown and Railroad District earned its place in American history as part of the famous Route 66 highway, but now it’s better known as a hive of lively stores, galleries, bars, and dining spots. Wander San Francisco and Leroux streets to find beautifully preserved, century-old buildings that now house cafes and boutiques.

Keep strolling the main streets and sneak down the alleyways to discover colorful murals splashed on the walls, including the huge “Sound of Flight” mural on the side of Orpheum Theater. Check local listings to find out about the festivals, farmer’s markets, monthly art walks, and numerous other events held downtown.

Location: 6 E Aspen Ave # 200, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States

8. Lava River Cave

Formed from a lava flow 700,000 years ago

Good for: Adventure, Unusual

Lava River Cave is a majestic natural passageway that’s part of the San Francisco Volcanic Field 13.7 miles north of Flagstaff. Lava caves are formed when a river of lava hardens on the outside but still flows underneath, eventually forming a long tube. The cave is large enough to walk through under its high, smooth archway.

Be sure to bring at least two light sources to explore the cave, which is pitch black in some sections. In winter, the road leading to the cave is closed but if you’re keen to visit it’s possible to ski or snowshoe to the cave.

Location: 171B Forest Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States

Phone: +1 928 526 0866

9. Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course

Go for some heart-racing zipline rides

Good for: Families, Adventure

This family-friendly attraction offers some 30 ziplines and an obstacle course to navigate in a lovely Ponderosa Pine forest setting. The ziplines range in height from 16 to 82 feet, which visitors get to navigate on their own after receiving some training on arrival.

Get ready to sweat and feel some muscle burn in the obstacle course, where you’ll face several physical challenges of varying difficulty including rope swings, scrambling walls, hanging nets, and wobbly bridges. The park also offers a children’s course for kids aged 7 to 11.

Location: Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Ft Tuthill Lp, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, United States

Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

Phone: +1 888 259 0125

See nearby properties

10. Flagstaff’s craft beer scene

One of Flagstaff’s most enjoyable industries

Good for: Couples, Nightlife

After a day of outdoor exploration, there’s nothing like a fresh beverage to restore the body and mind. Luckily for visitors, Flagstaff has a vibrant craft beer scene with an endless variety of brews to taste.

Thirsty souls might make their way to the popular Wanderlust Brewing Company to try Belgian and German-inspired beers, or have a taste of the award-winning Tower Station IPA at Mother Road Brewing Company. There’s even a Flagstaff Ale Trail to join, which offers the chance to discover more great brews around the city while collecting stamps on a digital passport. Visit all 8 stops to earn a souvenir pint glass.

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.