Flagstaff

For other places with the same name, see Flagstaff (disambiguation).

Flagstaff is a city of over 75,000 people (2019) near the San Francisco Peaks mountain range of northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon. At an altitude of , Flagstaff and much of the surrounding region are substantially cooler than the low desert that dominates the southern part of the state. Though still dry by east coast standards, enough rain and snow falls in the area to allow a forest of ponderosa pine trees to cover the landscape. Winters tend to be cold, and heavy snowfall is expected on an annual basis.

Understand

Visitor information center

Flagstaff Visitor Center, 1 E Rte 66 (next to the Amtrak station), 35.197383°, -111.649252°, +1 928-774-9541, VisitorCenter@flagstaffaz.gov.

Climate

Although located in Arizona, Flagstaff has a very different climate from the southern desert areas of the state. Winters are cold and sometimes very snowy, depending on the year. Temperatures can dip below in the coldest months. Snow tends to melt quickly, as the temperature is usually above freezing during the day, even in winter. The spring season is windy and chilly, albeit otherwise mild, with occasional rain and snowstorms.

Flagstaff's summer begins around May, when temperatures warm substantially; the highs can exceed during the hottest days. During the monsoon season (roughly June - September), intense, frequent rainstorms occur, lowering temperatures and ending the dry spell that tends to set in when the weather warms. The cool temperatures and frequent rain continue into the fall, and the first snowfall is often in November or December.

Get in

By car

Flagstaff is at the intersection of I-40, which runs west to California and east to New Mexico (following historic Route 66) and I-17, which runs south to Phoenix.

By train and bus

Amtrak Station - FLG, 1 E Rte 66, 35.197277°, -111.649006°, +1 928-774-8679. The daily Southwest Chief Chicago-Los Angeles line makes a stop in downtown Flagstaff. The westbound train arrives at 9:51PM and the eastbound train arrives at 6:06AM.
Greyhound, 880 E Butler Ave, 35.192346°, -111.638829°, +1 928-774-4573.

By plane

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (IATA: FLG) has regular scheduled commercial airline service. American Airlines provides service from Dallas-Fort Worth and Phoenix Sky Harbor. United Express operates flights from Denver. There are also several air charter carriers.

The nearest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (IATA: PHX). Driving time between Flagstaff and Sky Harbor is greater than the 150-mile separation would suggest: the airport is on the east side of Phoenix, traffic jams in Phoenix are a problem, and I-17 can be shutdown for accidents or wildfires. Allow 2½ hours or more to get from one to the other by car.

Get around

Flagstaff is stretched out along historic Route 66, which runs roughly east-west. The fairly small (about 5 blocks square) downtown is on the western side of town, near the base of Mars Hill, the location of Lowell Observatory. The I-40 highway and the BNSF railroad tracks run roughly parallel to Route 66. Northern Arizona University is south of downtown and the tracks, but north of I-40. Here the north-south oriented Milton Road, which becomes I-17, is the main thoroughfare, with Route 66 heading west north of the railroad underpass.

The city is fairly bike-friendly, with many roads having bike lanes. In 2006 the Flagstaff was designated a "Bicycle-Friendly Community" by the League of American Bicyclists. The Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) includes more than 50 miles of paved and unpaved trails that wind throughout the town and are used extensively for recreation and transportation. One well-traveled FUTS path runs along the south side of Route 66 from downtown to the east side of town.

The Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority operates The Mountain Line, fixed-route bus service that extends throughout Flagstaff and carries more than one million passengers per year.

See

Lowell Observatory, 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, 35.203068°, -111.66458°, +1 928-774-3358. Daily 9AM-10PM. An astronomical research center from which the dwarf planet Pluto was discovered, this historic institution is on a mesa overlooking the west side of town. The staff leads guided daytime tours, and visitors use the Observatory's 24" Clark telescope and smaller portable telescopes during regular evening programs (inquire). $12 (adults), $10 (students/seniors), $5 (children 5-17)
Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd, 35.234561°, -111.665599°, +1 928-774-5213, info@mna.mus.az.us. Daily 9AM-5PM except some holidays. On the north side of town, it has displays on Native American life and the natural history of the region. A good selection of Native American folk art, particularly Navajo rugs, is available at the gift shop. $10 (adults), $9 (seniors), $7 (students), $6 (Native Americans, youths 10-17)
Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S Woody Mountain Rd, 35.159968°, -111.731903°, +1 928-774-1442. W-Su 10AM-4PM, May-Oct. This 200-acre botanical garden, environmental research station, and nature center displays one of America's largest collections of high country wildflowers. Daily guided tours at 11AM and 1PM. Wild Birds of Prey programs at F-M noon and 2PM. $7 (adults), $6 (seniors), $3 (youth 3-17)
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, 409 W Riordan Rd, 35.187387°, -111.659375°, +1 928-779-4395 (reservations). May-Oct: daily 9:30AM-5PM; Nov-Apr: daily 10:30AM-5PM. This fine example of an Arts and Crafts style house was built in 1904 for a prominent local family. Guided tours are conducted at the top of the hour, reservations recommended. $12 (adults 14+), $7 (youths 7-13)
Pioneer Museum, 2340 N Fort Valley Rd, 35.223816°, -111.655224°, +1 928-774-6272, ahsflagstaff@azhs.gov. M-Sa 9AM-5PM. This small state museum collects, preserves and exhibits artifacts, documents and photographs of the history of Flagstaff and northern Arizona. It also hosts a number of events throughout the year. $6 (adults), $5 (seniors/students/active military), $3 (youths 7-17), Free (children 0-6)
Fort Tuthill Military Museum, Arizona 89A, 35.132325°, -111.689233°, +1 928-226-0965. May-Sep: Th F noon-4PM (based on staff availability), Sa Su 10AM-4PM. A former National Guard training facility built in 1929, this small museum now has displays devoted to regional military history. $3 (adults 13+), Free (seniors, children, active military, National Guard members)
Northern Arizona University Art Museum, 321 McMullen Circle, Bldg 10 Room M205, NAU Campus (on the corner of Tormey Ave and Knoles Dr), 35.192523°, -111.656186°, +1 928-523-3471, art.museum@nau.edu. Tu-Sa noon-5PM during the school year. Has rotating exhibits featuring local and international artists. Free
Coconino Center for the Arts, 2300 N Fort Valley Rd (next to Sechrist Elementary School, behind the Pioneer Museum), 35.225153°, -111.655089°, +1 928-779-2300, info@culturalpartners.org. Tu-Sa 11AM-5PM. The largest gallery in northern Arizona, showcases local and regional art.
Elden Pueblo Historic Site, Hwy 89 and Townsend-Winona Rd, 35.243539°, -111.568244°, +1 928-526-0866. Daily 24 hr. A Sinagua archeological site which was inhabited from 1050-1275 BCE. An easy interpretive trail circles the ruins. It is managed by the Coconino National Forest Service, which hosts a number of educational programs and workshops at the site. Free
Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve, 35.22903°, -111.55347°, +1 928 213-2154. Free 2019-02-23

Do

Twin Arrows Casino Resort, 22181 Resort Boulevard, TwinArrowsInfo@nnge.org. 2017-01-02

Outdoors

The area surrounding Flagstaff is a hotspot for outdoor activities.

Many of the bicycle and outdoor sports stores in downtown Flagstaff carry Favorite Hikes: Flagstaff and Sedona and Mountain Biking Arizona Guide: Fat Tire Tales and Trails, two excellent guidebooks written by local Flagstaff mountain bike enthusiast Cosmic Ray.
Absolute Bikes, 202 E Hwy 66, +1 928 779-5969. Mountain bikes can be rented
Mount Elden, 35.241111°, -111.596667°, +1 928-526-0866 (Ranger District Office). This area is managed by the Coconino National Forest, and is an excellent starting point for exploring the area with numerous trails running up and alongside most faces of the mountain. One of the most popular trails is Elden Lookout Trail, which scales all 2800 ft (855m) from base to summit, and has access to the lookout tower at the top which looks down on the entire city. The trail can be accessed from Hwy 89 across from the Flagstaff Mall and next to the Ranger Station (35.230295, -111.579234). Free
San Francisco Peaks, 35.346342°, -111.677946°, +1-928-527-3600. Managed by the Coconino National Forest, the San Francisco Peaks northwest of Flagstaff offer a number of hiking trails for all skill levels, as well as opportunities for mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, and skiing. The range is crowned by the 12,637-ft Humphreys Peak, and is held sacred by the Havasupai, Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes. Maps and trail information can be obtained from the Coconino National Forest Headquarters (1824 S. Thompson St.).
Arizona Snowbowl, 9300 N Snowbowl Rd, 35.330917°, -111.710254°, +1 928-779-1951, info@arizonasnowbowl.com. Alpine skiing. One of only three ski resorts in the state of Arizona. Despite the surrounding desert, Flagstaff is a popular skiing destination for the Southwest due to the high elevation. Interestingly, the Snowbowl is one of the first ten ski resorts established in the United States. Snowbowl is in the San Francisco Mountains, which offer pleasant high-country hiking after the snow melts, including a trail to Humphreys Peak, highest mountain in Arizona. Access to some of the San Franciscos is restricted, as they're sacred to several of the area's Native tribes.
Flagstaff Nordic Center, 16848 Hwy 180 (parking lot alongside Hwy 180 at Mile Marker 232), 35.36681°, -111.78972°, +1 928-220-0550. One of the southwest's best cross-country skiing areas with over 50 km of well-groom ski trails and 25 km of snowshoe trails. In the summer the trails are open for hiking and mountain biking. Trail passes and equipment rental prices are listed here; overnight cabin rental is also available.
Jay Lively Activity Center, 1650 N Turquoise Dr, 35.214341°, -111.638272°, +1 928-213-2340. City-owned permanent indoor ice skating rink. Offers ice skating lessons, public skating sessions, and also hosts ice hockey games. Price varies
Northern Arizona Yoga Center, 113 S San Francisco St, 35.194897°, -111.649451°, +1 928-774-3144, info@northernarizonayogacenter.com. Northern Arizona Yoga Center is the largest yoga studio in town. This studio offers more than just yoga: they also host Salsa parties, Tango classes, Capoiera, Pilates, and Tai Chi. They are also a great supplier of yoga clothing and accessories. They are partners with the Vertical Relief Climbing Gym. Dual memberships are available. $15 drop in
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course, Fort Tuthill Loop Rd (Fort Tuthill County Park), 35.143248°, -111.693708°, info@flagstaffextreme.com. A suspended obstacle course with more than 70 aerial challenges for children and adults. $45 (adults and teens), $25 (kids 7-11)
Trailriding
- Hitchin’ Post Stables, 4848 Lake Mary Rd, 35.134282°, -111.613821°, +1 928-774-1719, spirit7sevens@gmail.com. Offers guided horseback riding excursions forest land southeast of Flagstaff, ranging from 1 to 8 hours in length. $45-250 2017-10-14

Festivals and events

First Friday ArtWalk, Heritage Square (downtown), 35.198632°, -111.648045°, +1 928-779-2300, info@culturalpartners.org. Every first Friday of the month art galleries and restaurants stay open until late in the evening, with live street entertainment and music centered around Heritage Square. Free
Zuni Festival of Arts and Culture, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd (Museum of Northern Arizona), +1 928-774-5213, info@mna.mus.az.us. Held annually in late May, this two-day festival sponsored by NAU celebrates Zuni culture with dance and music, and arts and crafts demonstrations and exhibits. $12 (adults), $8 (youth/student/American Indian), free (children under 10) 2017-01-25
Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd (Museum of Northern Arizona), +1 928-774-5213, info@mna.mus.az.us. Held annually on the 4th of July weekend, this festival celebrates Hopi traditions and culture with music, dance, food, and arts and crafts exhibits. $12 (adults), $8 (youth/student/American Indian), free (children under 10) 2017-01-25
Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd (Museum of Northern Arizona), +1 928-774-5213, info@mna.mus.az.us. Held annually in early August, celebrates Diné (Navajo) culture with music, dance, lectures, food, art, and weaving demonstrations. $12 (adults), $8 (youth/student/American Indian), free (children under 10) 2017-01-25
Celebraciones de la Gente, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd (Museum of Northern Arizona), +1 928-774-5213, info@mna.mus.az.us. Held in late October, this festival celebrates the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Activities include mariachi music, storytelling, and arts demonstrations. Ofrendas (private altars) are exhibited in the courtyard. $12 (adults), $8 (youth/student/American Indian), free (children under 10) 2017-01-25
Arizona Highland Celtic Festival, Foxglenn Park, 35.194172°, -111.597969°, +1 928-556-3161, information@nachs.info. Held every July, with music, dance, and food and drink. $15/1-day, $22/2-days (adults); $4/1-day, $6/2-days (children 3-12)
Pickin' in the Pines Bluegrass & Acoustic Music Festival, Ft Tuthill County Park, 35.14488°, -111.691371°, +1 928-525-1695, PIPinfo@pickininthepines.org. Held annually in mid-September.
Coconino County Fair, 2446 Ft Tuthill Loop (Coconino County Fairgrounds), 35.144793°, -111.688882°, +1 928-679-8000, parksrec@coconino.az.gov. Held annually in September and features traditional fair exhibits, entertainment, livestock auctions, and carnival rides. $8 (adults), $5 (children and seniors)
Dew Downtown Flagstaff, San Francisco St (downtown), 35.199886°, -111.646868°, +1 928-213-2300. A two-day urban snowboarding and skiing festival held on the streets of downtown Flagstaff. Free

Buy

Aspen Sports, 15 N San Francisco St, 35.197913°, -111.647948°, +1 928-779-1935. M-Sa 8AM-7PM, Su 9AM-5PM. A good source of outdoor sporting gear.
Babbit’s Backcountry Outfitters, 12 E Aspen Ave, 35.198413°, -111.647742°, +1 928-774-4775. Winter: M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su 10AM-5PM; Summer: M-Sa 9AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM. Stocks a good range of camping gear, and rents out some gear as well.
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, 1520 S Riordan Ranch St (Varsity Shopping Center), 35.18599°, -111.65930°, +1 928-774-0005. Daily 9AM-10PM. This Tucson-based used bookstore chain also carries used CDs, DVDs, video games, etc. There is an onsite café, electric vehicle charging station, and free Wi-Fi, and pets are welcome in the store. 2017-03-01
Flagstaff Mall & The Marketplace, 4605 N Highway 89 F-36, 35.22315°, -111.581165°, +1 928-526-4827. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM; restaurant and department store hrs vary. Anchored by Sears, JCPenney, and Dillard's.

Eat

Asian

Dara Thai Restaurant, 14 S San Francisco St, 35.196092°, -111.648418°, +1 928-774-0047. Downtown, centrally located serving decent Thai food. Get a seat by the window and view San Francisco Street while you dine. Takeout available.
Hunan East, 1926 N 4th St #8 (East Side), 35.207986°, -111.612807°. Su-Th 11AM-8:45PM, F Sa 11AM-9PM. Great Chinese food in a casual atmosphere. Takeout available.
Little Thai Kitchen, 1051 S Milton Rd, 35.190421°, -111.661625°, +1 928-226-9422. A Thai restaurant popular with locals.
Pato Thai, 104 N San Francisco St, 35.198395°, -111.647661°, +1 928-213-1825. Downtown, another popular one with locals.

Pizza

Fratelli Pizza, 119 W Phoenix Ave; 2120 N 4th St, 35.196968°, -111.651685°, +1 928-774-9700 (Phx Ave location). A pizza place that is well-loved by the locals. They have cheese, pepperoni, and pesto slices, and many specialty pies. Their pizza is hand-tossed, thin crust, brick oven pizza, like what is found back east.
New Jersey Pizza Company, 2224 E Cedar Ave #6, 35.218364°, -111.6161°, +1 928-774-5000, email@newjerseypizzacompany.com. Daily 4-9PM. Excellent choice for those looking for an all organic menu or more exotic options than the typical pizza restaurant offers.
NiMarcos Pizza, 101 S Beaver St, 35.195785°, -111.651315°, +1 928-779-2691. Locally owned and operated in Flagstaff for years, NiMarcos offers semi-thick crust pizza, salads and soft-serve ice cream. Go in and order your own pie or just buy a slice. Local favorite.
Oregano's Pizza Bistro, 1061 S Plaza Way, +1 928-773-8600. Daily 11AM-9PM. Fantastic Chicago-style pizza with a great throw-back atmosphere.
Pizzicletta, 203 W Phoenix Ave (Off milton road near route 66), 35.197019°, -111.652326°, +1 928-774-3242, pizzicletta@gmail.com. Su-Th 5-9PM, F Sa 5-10PM. A Neapolitan style pizza place with house-made gelato. Takeout available. You can sit next door at Mother Road Brewery and order from Pizzicleta next door. $11-15 per pie 2015-07-16

Mexican

La Fonda Mexican Restaurant, 1900 N 2nd St (East Side), 35.206625°, -111.615614°, +1 928-779-0296. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 10AM-8PM. Same location since the 1950s, this a well-loved Mexican restaurant with great salsa and authentic dishes. Is busy most times so expect to wait to be seated.
MartAnne's Cafe, 10 N San Francisco St, 35.197273°, -111.647179°, +1 928-773-4701. M-Sa 7:30AM-2:30PM. Mexican breakfast/brunch. Awesome food, huge portions at fairly reasonable prices. Cash only.

American/Southwest

Bigfoot BBQ, 120 N Leroux St (in basement of Old Town Shops), 35.19907°, -111.648131°, +1 928-226-1677, office@bigfootbbq.com. This is the place to go if you have a hankering for a pulled pork sandwich or a batch of fried okra. They even serve gourmet hotdogs. Owned by a Georgia native turned Flagstaff resident, you won't want to miss out on this!
Brandy's Restaurant & Bakery, 1500 E Cedar Ave #40 (Midtown Shopping Center), 35.218908°, -111.620719°, +1 928-779-2187. Daily 6:30AM-3PM. Breakfast features quiche of the day, seven grain French toast, specialty egg dishes, homemade pastries and many other quality items. Lunch features tons of tasty sandwiches and burgers. Dinner is slightly more upscale but definitely affordable ($10-15 a plate) and features the wonderful creations of Chef Sherman Johnson. Tequila Lime Chicken and Garlic Stuffed Pork just to name a couple. Dinner is only served Tuesday thru Saturday. Breakfast served until 2:30PM on Sunday.
Charly's Pub & Grill, 23 N Leroux St (Weatherford Hotel), 35.198448°, -111.649098°, +1 928-779-1919. Daily 8AM-10PM. Live blues music in the evening. 2016-04-13
Diablo Burger, 120 N Leroux St #112 (an oddly shaped circular building next to an Italian restaurant with outdoor seating), 35.19886°, -111.64801°, +1 928-774-3274. M-W 11AM-9PM, Th-Sa 11AM-11PM. Although tricky to find and seating is rather limited, this place is one of those extraordinarily rewarding discoveries for the persistent traveler. Their burgers ($8-10) are made from range-raised beef from a ranch just north of Flagstaff, served on an English muffin with a boatload of Belgian-style fries. In fact, all of their ingredients are from local businesses whenever possible. They also offer a handful of good regional beers. Their commitment to doing good by staying local even extends to their billing practices: they don't accept credit cards. Bring cash - you'll be glad you did!
Macy's European Coffeehouse, 14 Beaver St (south side of the tracks), 35.1963°, -111.650776°, +1 928-774-2243. They roast their own coffee and have lots of vegan foodstuffs. A favorite amongst the hippies.
Silver Pine Restaurant, 2515 E Butler Ave (in the Little America Hotel), 35.19157°, -111.619196°, +1 928-779-7950. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Silver Pine Restaurant is one of Flagstaff's most popular dining choices, American cuisine.

Grocery stores

Fry's, 201 N Switzer Canyon Dr, 35.195107°, -111.635203°, +1 928-774-2719. Daily 5:30AM-midnight. Has a full-service hot and cold deli, and onsite pharmacy. 2016-04-13

Drink

For beer fans, Flagstaff boasts several brewpubs and microbreweries.

Altitude's Bar & Grill, 2 Beaver St #200, 35.196962°, -111.650395°, +1 928-214-8218, info@altitudesbarandgrill.com. Daily 11AM-10PM. Relaxed atmosphere, great outdoor seating and a cozy fireplace inside for the winter months. Live music.
Beaver Street Brewery, 11 S Beaver St, 35.196537°, -111.650979°, +1 928-779-0079, info@beaverstreetbrewery.com. Restaurant: Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight; Brewpub: Su-W 11AM-1AM, Th-Sa 11AM-2AM. Brewpub. Serves up a wide range of their own beers, as well as a good selection of reasonably priced and tasty German-style pub grub (sausages, mashed potatoes and the like).
Flagstaff Brewing Company, 16 E Rt 66, 35.197514°, -111.64841°, +1 928-773-1442, flagbrew@flagbrew.com. Daily 11AM-2AM. Brewpub serving ales, pub food, and a good selection of whiskeys.
Historic Barrel+Bottle House, 110 S San Francisco St, 35.19494°, -111.64883°, +1 928-774-0454, info@historicbrewingcompany.com. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight. The popular brewpub serves locally-crafted and imported beers, and pub food. 2018-10-23
Lumberyard Brewing Company, 5 S San Francisco St, 35.19640°, -111.64862°, +1 928-779-2739. Su-Tu 11AM-11PM, W-Sa 11AM-2AM. A brewery/restaurant with outdoor area. Has good food and great beer. They have square-dancing nights one day a week. 2016-08-02
Mother Road Brewing Company, 7 South Mikes Pike St. (Corner of W Phoenix Ave and South Mikes Pike St.), 35.196985°, -111.652476°, +1 928 774-9139, michael@motherroadbeer.com. M-Th 2-9PM, F Sa noon-10PM, Su noon-9PM. Really, really good craft brews with friendly service. Pizzicletta handles the food menu. $4-6 for a pint 2015-07-16
The Museum Club, 3404 E Rte 66, 35.214131°, -111.599606°, +1 928-440-5214, 3404ENT@gmail.com. This historic log-built roadhouse opened in 1939, and has hosted the likes of Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Known primarily for live country music. 2018-11-05
Tiffany Tree Lounge, 2515 E Butler Ave (in the Little America Hotel), 35.191565°, -111.619262°, +1 928-779-7979. Shares a common area with Western Gold Restaurant (see listing above).

Sleep

Because of its proximity to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff has a wide array of hotels and other lodging, with over 5,000 rooms available. Cheap rooms are available at older non-chain motels, but you get what you pay for, and prices may not be that much cheaper than discount chains. Be sure to shop around and bargain as proprietors are often willing to drop prices during the off-season.

Many motels of the older variety are located along Route 66 east of downtown. More older hotels and most newer motels are located south of downtown along Milton Road. There are a few historic hotels downtown, as well as two hostels. Various B&B establishments can be found near downtown in older neighborhoods. Campgrounds and RV parks can be found on the outskirts of town. Note that the BNSF rail line is very busy and in many hotels train horn noise is prominent (though not overwhelming as no facility is directly on the tracks). Sensitive sleepers should look to the Milton Road area for more quiet. Visible from the I-40 freeway off the Butler Ave. exit on Lucky Lane is a large selection of national chain economy class hotels including Econo Lodge, Motel 6, Quality Inn, Super 8 and Howard Johnson.

Budget

DuBeau Hostel, 19 W Phoenix St, 35.196668°, -111.650534°, +1 928-774-6731, info@dubeauhostel.com. Free wi-fi and breakfast, free coffee and tea available throughout the day. $22-24 (bed), $48-60 (private room)
Grand Canyon International Hostel, 19½ S San Francisco St, 35.195695°, -111.648981°, +1 928-779-9421, info@GrandCanyonHostel.com. Free wi-fi and breakfast, free coffee and tea available throughout the day. $22-24 (bed), $44-56 (private room)
Hotel Monte Vista, 100 N San Francisco St, 35.198222°, -111.647321°, +1 928-779-6971, hotelmontevista@gmail.com. Stay at the same hotel where some scenes of Casablanca were shot. Opened in 1927, the hotel hosted such illustrious guests as Bing Crospy, Spencer Tracy, and Jane Russell, and is widely reputed to be haunted. $50-150/night
Sleep Inn, 2765 S Woodlands Village Blvd (near Northern Arizona University), 35.174317°, -111.665609°, +1 928-556-3000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. 58-room hotel. Non-smoking, free breakfast and wi-fi, pets welcome. Indoor pool. $62-$89/night
Weatherford Hotel, 23 N Leroux St, 35.19840°, -111.64895°, +1 928-779-1919, samgreen@weatherfordhotel.com. Noted novelist Zane Grey wrote Call of the Canyon while staying here. Widely rumored to be haunted. $49-139/night

Mid-range

Days Inn and Suites East Flagstaff, 3601 E Lockett Rd (I-40 at Exit 201), 35.217378°, -111.595136°, +1 928-527-1477, cindy.iniguez@gmail.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Pet-friendly lodging with king-size beds, which also provides a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. $100-160/night

Starlight Pines Bed & Breakfast, 3380 E Lockett Rd (Exit 201 off I-40, left on Hwy 89, right on Fanning, left on Lockett), 35.219898°, 111.59521°, +1 928-527-1912, romance@starlightpinesbb.com. Check-in: 4-6PM, check-out: 11AM. 1912 Victorian style B/B. Four guest rooms with private baths, Lily with private balcony overlooking Mount Elden, Dragonfly with wood-burning fireplace. $155-179/night

Splurge

England House Bed and Breakfast, 614 W Santa Fe Ave, 35.199934°, -111.65615°, +1 928-214-7350, innkeeper@englandhousebandb.com. Check-in: 4-6PM (no late checkins), check-out: 11AM. This well-respected bed and breakfast is just four blocks from Flagstaff's historic downtown. England house was built in the early 1900s and is now furnished with antiques from the late 1800s. Breakfast is served on the bright sun porch. $135-200/night
Little America Hotel Flagstaff, 2515 E Butler Ave, 35.191592°, -111.619069°, +1 928-779-7900. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Antique, continental flair. One of the more unique hotel experiences that Flagstaff has to offer. Free airport shuttle from 7AM-10PM. $149-189
Flagstaff Rental Cabin, 2584 Cibola Ovi, 35.090952°, -111.696475°, +1 602-628-3500. Check-in: 3:30PM, check-out: 11AM. 3-bedroom cabin with two king size fully adjustable beds with massage upstairs and two queen beds downstairs. Ralph Lauren bedding throughout. 55" 3D TV and fireplace in the great room. $175-225/night, $800-1500/week

Camping

Dispersed camping (free) is permitted almost anywhere in the Coconino National Forest, which abuts town in many places (i.e. Thorpe Park, Mt Elden). Specific sites set aside for dispersed camping include Cinder Hills, Freidlein Prairie, and Marshall Lake (free, no water or facilities). Some of the choicest camp sites are on the San Francisco peaks and inner basin where a breathtaking aspen color changes happen every fall.

Bonito Campground, 35.370429°, -111.543602°, +1 928-526-0866. Open beginning of May to mid-October. This campground with 44 sites is very popular and is close to Wupatki and Sunset Crater National Monuments. Drinking water, flush toilets, no hookups, trailers/RVs under 42'. $18/night (no reservations)
Canyon Vista Campground, 35.125981°, -111.59839°, +1 928-526-0866. Open beginning of May to mid-October, with 11 individual sites. Located near Walnut Canyon, with good views of the San Francisco Peaks. Drinking water and vault toilets, no hookups, trailers/RVs under 22'. $16/night (no reservations)
Fort Tuthill County Park Campground, 35.141679°, -111.695482°, +1 928-679-8000. Facilities include a few hook-up sites, picnic tables, fire rings, portable toilets, and water spigots. No water or electricity available. Reservations can be made by phone or online. $16 (tent), $20 (hookup), $6 (reservation fee)
Lockett Meadow Campground, 35.3586°, -111.6208°, +1 928-526-0866. Open mid-May to mid-September, with 17 individual sites. A very popular campground with great views of the San Francisco Peaks. No water, vault toilets. Not recommended for trailers/RVs. $12/night (no reservations)
Fernow Cabin, 5075 N Hwy 89, 35.01639°, -111.84972°, +1 928-526-0866. Check-in: 11AM, check-out: 2PM. A retired US Forest Service Fire Guard Station, this 3-BR log cabin housed fire fighters in the summer. The cabin can sleep up to 8 people, and is furnished with bunks, stove, and pots and pans, and vault toilet. Campers must bring their own bedding supplies. Open April 15 - November 15 (weather-dependent), water available from May 16 - October 16. Reservations can be made online. $75/night (no water), $125/night (water)
Kendrick Cabin, 5075 N Hwy 89, 35.4222°, -111.73789°, +1 928-526-0866. Check-in: 11AM, check-out: 2PM. A retired US Forest Service Fire Guard Station, this 3-BR stone-built cabin housed fire fighters in the summer. Can sleep up to 10 people and is furnished with bunks, stove, and pots and pans; there is an outside bath house with flush toilet and shower. Campers must bring their own bedding supplies. Open April 15 - November 15 (weather-dependent), water available from May 16 - October 16. Reservations can be made online. $75/night (no water), $125/night (water)
Off Grid Getaways at Flagstaff Nordic Center, 16848 Hwy 180 (parking lot alongside Hwy 180 at Mile Marker 232), 35.366717°, -111.790225°, +1 928-220-0550. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 10AM. Offers yurts and log-sided camper cabins to rent. Yurts and cabins have bunks or mattress pads and wood stoves; no electricity or water. Wi-fi and showers are available at the main lodge, which also offers mountain bikes for rent. Reservations can be made by phone or online. $45-$55/night (cabins), $30-$35 (small yurts), $60-$75/night (large yurts)
Flagstaff KOA, 5803 N Hwy 89, 35.234165°, -111.576736°, +1 928-526-9926, jsatkoaflag@aol.com. Spaces for trailers/RVs and tents, cabins available. Laundry, showers, wi-fi and shuttle bus; bicycles available to rent.
Black Barts RV Park / Steakhouse & Saloon, 2760 E Butler Ave, 35.193677°, -111.616465°, +1 928-774-1912, info@blackbartssteakhouse.com. Full hookups with 50-amp service. 2016-04-13

Stay safe

Although Flagstaff is well within the southern half of the U.S., it receives more snowfall than just about any other American city. Always come prepared in wintertime.

There is not a huge crime problem, but certain areas noted below should be avoided, mainly at night:

Sunnyside, one of Flagstaff's larger neighborhoods, is on the east side of town (bordered by Cedar Ave. on the north, 4th St. on the east, Izabel St. and Cedar Hill on the west and Route 66 on the south). Sunnyside is an incredibly diverse and interesting neighborhood but is also one of the most poverty-stricken neighborhoods in the city. Most points of interest are restaurants located on the edge of the neighborhood in the business districts which are generally safe any time of day. The area has been afflicted with some gang activity, mostly in the very center of the neighborhood. Just don't walk the neighborhood at night or hang out in an area that seems unsafe.

The other area that becomes unsafe at night is some areas of what locals call the "South Side". South of the railroad tracks, west of Lone Tree Road, east of Milton and north of the NAU campus is the general designation of this area. The exception being most of the areas along South Beaver St. and South San Francisco St., which are safe even at night because of the night-time music, restaurant and bar scene that takes place along these streets. Areas closer to campus and on side streets such as South O'Leary and South Fontaine should be avoided at night. Though a lot of college students inhabit the area, drug addicts and transients do also, and there is some gang activity.

Connect

Flagstaff Public Library, 300 W Aspen Ave, 35.200184°, -111.652396°, +1 928-213-2330. M-Th 10AM-9PM, F 10AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM. Public computers available. 30 minutes of wi-fi is available to visitors with valid ID; additional online access can be purchased.
East Flagstaff Community Library, 3000 N 4th St #5, 35.217738°, -111.612726°, +1 928-213-2348. M-Th 9AM-9PM, F 9AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-1PM, Su 1-5PM. Public computers available. 30 minutes of wi-fi is available to visitors with valid ID; additional online access can be purchased.

Cope

Arizona Daily Sun. Daily newspaper, also available in print.
Flagstaff 365. Has comprehensive listings for events in the Flagstaff area.

Go next

An unusual number of national parks and monuments are close to Flagstaff, the largest and most famous of which is the Grand Canyon, but there are three right nearby. Note that there is a $25 Flagstaff Area National Monuments Annual Pass which works for all three monuments, and covers entrance fees for up to four people which may be cheaper for groups visiting multiple sites.

Walnut Canyon National Monument, 35.171667°, -111.509722°, +1 928-526-3367. Nov-Apr daily 9AM-5PM, May-Oct daily 8AM-5PM. Contains a number of Native American cliff dwellings built in a narrow canyon. Two trails allow good views of the ruins and the canyon. $5, good for 7 days; Park Pass applies
Wupatki National Monument, 35.565556°, -111.386944°, +1 928-679-2365. Daily 9AM-5PM, closed Dec 25. Contains a collection of Native American ruins scattered along a circular drive that also passes by Sunset Crater (an extinct volcano). Probably some of the finest outside of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. Plan on spending most of the day on this loop drive. $5, good for 7 days at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments; Park Pass applies
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, 35.365676°, -111.503706°, +1 928-526-0502. Nov-Apr daily 9AM-5PM, May-Oct daily 8AM-5PM. At the southern end of the loop drive that connects it to Wupatki National Monument, this monument contains a relatively new volcano. The main eruption around 1064 C.E. built most of the cinder cone, with the last eruption in 1260 C.E. adding the spectacular to the cone's top. $5, good for 7 days at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments; Park Pass applies

For more of the canyon landscape: the Grand Canyon is just a short drive further north, and to the northeast is Navajo Country and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. The detour through Sedona on the way south to Phoenix offers a scenic route west of I-17.

For more forested high-country, head southeast to the Mogollon Rim area or southwest towards Prescott.

For more of Historic Route 66 and the Old West, head east towards New Mexico, going through Williams and onwards to Gallup, Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Or head west to Kingman, with options to continue into California towards Barstow and eventually Los Angeles, or veer north at Kingman from Route 66 to Hoover Dam and Las Vegas.

Related: Route 66

Flagstaff - city in and county seat of Coconino County, Arizona, United States