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Day trip idea: Top 10 Things To Do in Flagstaff

There is a lot to see and do in Phoenix. But our city is also a hub for a number of memorable day trips that allow you to explore Arizona for the day and still be back for dinner in Phoenix. One such day-trip is among the tall pines of Flagstaff, a four-season hub of activity where an eclectic mix of small town charm and endless outdoor adventure beckons just two quick hours from Phoenix.

Snow capped peaks and pine trees as far as the eye can see might not be the first things that come to mind when picturing an Arizona landscape. However, when you travel north to Flagstaff, Arizona’s premier mountain town, you will find scenic forest views and activities to entertain the whole family.

Our friends at the Flagstaff CVB shared their picks for top 10 things to do in their town, and included suggestions for all four seasons. When visiting from Phoenix, remember that it is typically 20-30 degrees cooler in Flagstaff any time of year. During winter, be prepared for cold temperatures and winter driving conditions. Keep a light jacket handy during summer as the mild 80 degree days cool off to the 50s at night.

1. Arizona Snowbowl

Spend a day on the slopes during ski season (December through April) or take a ride on the scenic chairlift to 11,600 feet in elevation for views of the Grand Canyon (May through October).

9300 N Snowbowl Rd, Flagstaff 86002
928-779-1951

Arizona Snowbowl offers year-round outdoor adventures

2. Lowell Observatory

See the telescope used to discover Pluto in 1930 and stargaze through a 117-year-old telescope.

1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff 86001
928-774-3358

3. Museum of Northern Arizona

Learn about the Colorado Plateau at this family-friendly museum. If you can, plan your visit around one of the four annual weekend-long Native American Festivals which includes the oldest Hopi show in the world.

3101 N Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff 86001
928-774-5213

Museum of Northern Arizona. Credit Craig Pemberton, Creative Commons

4. The Arboretum at Flagstaff

Stroll through gardens, greenhouses and natural habitats May through October. Discover plants, such as Penstomen and Ponderosa pine, native to high-altitude terrain.

4001 S Woody Mountain Rd, Flagstaff 86001
928-774-1442

The Arboretum at Flagstaff

5. Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course

Play in the trees on more than 70 aerial obstacles.

Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff 86001
888-259-0125

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course

6. Flagstaff Nordic Center

Bike year-round on the trails on either a traditional mountain bike or a fat tire snow bike rental. For an extra outdoorsy experience, spend the night at the center sleeping in a yurt.

16848 US-180, Flagstaff 86001
928-220-0550

7. Flagstaff Brewery Trail

Go on a craft beer tasting adventure and use the trail passport for discounts on local brews.

8. Festivals

From the Flagstaff Festival of Science to Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass & Acoustic Music Festival, pick one of the many festivals held annually in Flagstaff to attend. Use Flagstaff365.com for calendar of events listings.

 Pickin' in the Pines Music Festival (Photo credit: Matt Valley)

9. North Pole Experience

Visit Santa’s famous workshop and help the elves build toys, mid-November through December.

10. Humphreys Peak Trail

Hike to the top of Arizona on this trail that scales the state’s tallest mountain.

Directions

Humphreys Peak Trail