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Things to Do

The best things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona

The best things to do in Flagstaff include exploring historic downtown and Route 66, touring Lowell Observatory (where Pluto was discovered), hiking the San Francisco Peaks, visiting Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Wupatki national monuments, stargazing under the world's first Dark Sky City, skiing at Arizona Snowbowl in winter, and taking day trips to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. There's something for every season.

National monuments nearby
Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, Wupatki
Signature science stop
Lowell Observatory
Winter
Skiing at Arizona Snowbowl
Day trips
Grand Canyon, Sedona

What are the best outdoor things to do?

  • Hike the San Francisco Peaks, including the climb to 12,633-ft Humphreys Peak.
  • Walk the rim and cliff-dwelling loop at Walnut Canyon National Monument.
  • Drive the loop through Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki national monuments.
  • Bike or stroll the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) that links the whole town.
  • Paddle or picnic at Lake Mary, Ashurst Lake, or Mormon Lake in summer.

What are the best things to do in town?

  • Tour Lowell Observatory and look through historic and modern telescopes.
  • Explore the Museum of Northern Arizona for regional geology, culture, and art.
  • Wander historic downtown for local food, breweries, and Route 66 history.
  • Catch First Friday ArtWalk or a show near NAU.

What should you do in each season?

Summer is for escaping the heat, hiking, and high-country lakes. Fall is for chasing golden aspens at Lockett Meadow and along Snowbowl Road. Winter is for skiing at Snowbowl and playing in the snow. Spring is quiet and great for lower-elevation hikes and day trips to Sedona before the summer crowds.

What are the best day trips?

Flagstaff is the basecamp for two of the Southwest's icons: the Grand Canyon's South Rim (about 1.5 hours north) and Sedona's red rocks (about 45 minutes south). Both are easy day trips that you can do from a single home base.

Frequently asked questions

What is Flagstaff, Arizona known for?

Flagstaff is known for its 7,000-foot mountain setting, ponderosa pine forest, four real seasons, world-first dark skies, Lowell Observatory, skiing at Arizona Snowbowl, and being the closest city to the Grand Canyon's South Rim.

What is there to do in Flagstaff when it rains?

Rainy or stormy afternoons (common during summer monsoon season) are perfect for Lowell Observatory, the Museum of Northern Arizona, downtown shops and breweries, or a coffee crawl. Storms usually clear by evening.

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Plan your stay

Make a Homebody vacation rental your basecamp for Flagstaff and Northern Arizona.