Flagstaff: The perfect gateway for fans to see Northern Arizona’s national parks and monuments
Sponsored by Discover Flagstaff
From the epic beauty of the Grand Canyon to the otherworldly Petrified Forest, the planet’s most iconic natural wonders can be found within easy driving distance of the mountain town of Flagstaff.
That’s right. Flagstaff’s home in the heart of Northern Arizona gives it convenient proximity to two national parks and seven national monuments, making it an ideal destination to anchor a bucket-list-worthy adventure.
And the city’s impressive food scene and unique lodging options all offer sweet respite upon your return.
Here, tips for how to plan your parks and monuments explorations from Flagstaff.In-Town Adventures
Less than 15 miles east of Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon National Monument preserves the ancient cliff dwellings of Indigenous communities (named the Sinagua by archaeologists) that lived here 800 years ago. Two hikes grant views of the pueblo: Island Trail takes visitors to 25 cliff-dwelling rooms while the Rim Trail provides overlooks of the canyon and dwellings below.
Destinations within 30 Minutes
Given the natural beauty of the Flagstaff region, it’s hard to imagine the earth cracking open in a lava-spewing volcanic eruption. But that’s exactly what happened 1,000 years ago at Sunset Crater, 18 miles north of Flagstaff. Visit Sunset Crater National Monument to see it for yourself.
Nearby Wupatki National Monument marks the once-bustling trade and cultural center of the ancestors of modern-day Pueblo communities. The 800-year-old site invites visitors to tour several pueblos, including the Wupatki, which preserves 104 rooms, and the three-story Wukoki.
Places to Visit in an Hour’s Drive
One of the best-preserved Indigenous cliff dwellings in the United States can be found less than 60 miles south of Flagstaff—Montezuma Castle National Monument. The dwellings are believed to have been built by the Sinagua. The main structure, from the mid-1100s, rises five stories high and houses 20 rooms.
A 15-minute drive north of the castle is Montezuma Well National Monument, a limestone sinkhole with more native dwellings. An easy trail lets guests walk the area.
Trips in 90 Minutes
One of the world’s most astonishing geological displays is only about 90 minutes north of Flagstaff. At Grand Canyon National Park, soak up 2-billion-year-old views on a hike, at popular South Rim overlooks or from historic landmarks like El Tovar and Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio. Check the calendar for the park’s lineup of daily activities. You’ll find everything from astronomy tours to ranger talks. At the South Rim Visitor Center, don’t miss screenings of two films, each which provide an insightful peek into this incredible place.
The colorful badlands of the Painted Desert cradle Petrified Forest National Park, about 120 miles east of Flagstaff. See Triassic fossils some 200 million years old—one of the largest concentrations in the world—on the scenic 28-mile park road.
About 80 miles south of Flagstaff, discover another ancestral Pueblo dwelling at Tuzigoot National Monument. The Sinagua built the site more than 1,000 years ago; today, visitors can walk a moderate trail to the hilltop pueblo, which was once one of the largest Indigenous villages in the region.
Two- Three-Hour Getaways
Have more time? Consider a trip north of Flagstaff to Canyon de Chelly National Monument for a stunning display of sandstone cliffs and towering spires, or to Navajo National Monument, where you can join a tour of three preserved cliff dwellings.
Where to Eat & Drink in Flagstaff
Whether you’re a craft beer fan or a foodie in search of that mouth-waterin’ bowl of pasta, tomato-sliding cheese burger, or better have a napkin handy brisket barbeque, they’re dishing it up here. On your must-try list: Atria, Shift, Diablo Burger, Pizzicletta, Satchmo’s, Mother Road Brewing and Dark Sky Brewing. Let’s be honest, there are James Beard nominees here, too.
Where to Stay in Flagstaff
Book a room at historic hotels such as Hotel Monte Vista, The Weatherford and Motel DuBeau, or make a reservation at boutique accommodations like 303 BnB, Americana Motor Hotel and High Country Motor Lodge, or time-honored favorites like Little America.
