Flagstaff is located just 146 miles north of Phoenix but it’s a world of difference from the arid desert. Flagstaff is a town that is surrounded by natural wonders. There are over 200 restaurants, some of the most unique and beautiful natural attractions are within a short driving distance and some great hotels, inns and motels in which to stay. In Flagstaff you can enjoy pine forests, cooler weather and beautiful vistas that include the San Francisco Peaks. Use Flagstaff as base to make day trips to the Petrified Forest National Park, Painted Desert or to the Native American Indian ruins on the Hopi and Navajo reservations.
Situated on the Colorado Plateau at 7,000 feet and surrounded by the largest Ponderosa pine forest in the world, Flagstaff is one of the most unique and panoramic cities in the U.S. Flagstaff has a distinct four-season climate, sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, Arizona’s highest point at 12,633 feet and is a year-round magnet for visitors. Flagstaff is often referred to as “The City Of Seven Wonders”. Flagstaff is a convenient location for Phoenicians to have second homes and for the city folk to get away from the heat. Summer temperatures average 20-30 degrees cooler than the Phoenix metro area and winter produces some of the best skiing in the Southwest Flagstaff has great accommodations including:
Flagstaff is located along an old wagon road to California. Continuing that tradition, major routes I-40 to I-17, Highway 89 to Page and Utah, and Highway 180 to the Grand Canyon and historic Route 66 pass through Flagstaff. Flagstaff is also the home to the Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona University. Add to that the Phoenicians that visit Flagstaff to escape the heat and you’ve got a very busy small town.
It will take you less than a full day to visit all the Flagstaff attractions. Visit downtown Flagstaff for that old rustic frontier flavor. Visit Lowell Observatory, the historic railroad district, the Museum of Northern Arizona or spend a day at Snowbowl. You might also want to visit the Lava River Cave; a subterranean tube formed from molten lava.