Flagstaff

Flagstaff is the heart of northern Arizona, tucked into the high country mountains that make up Arizona’s tallest points. While thoughts of the state often evoke images of saguaro-studded deserts, Flagstaff is the “Little Colorado” of the state, boasting 12600ft+ mountains, over 100 inches of snowfall a year, and the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world. With four gorgeous, distinct seasons, Flagstaff is a destination for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, trail runners, snowshoers, and skiers from all over Arizona and beyond.

Adventurers in Flagstaff are spoiled with places to explore. With the dominating San Francisco Mountains on the skyline, hikers can take on high-elevation trails with views that extend all the way to the Grand Canyon. The Peaks, as they’re called locally, are a volcanic range, and hikers can also explore volcanic craters and lava flows in the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Mountain bikers can use many of the same trails, as can equestrians. With stands of aspen trees surrounding the city, autumn puts adventurers under a golden canopy. In the wintertime, adventurers can ski at the Snow Bowl, snowshoe, or take to the cross-country trails.

Don’t overlook this mountain mecca. It might not feel like the Arizona you know, but Flagstaff is a haven for outdoor adventures from in-state and beyond. No matter what season you arrive in or what activity you’re after, you’ll find a trail here!