Flagstaff: The perfect gateway for fans to see Northern Arizona’s national parks and monuments

A Grand Canyon Adventure in 90 Minutes

One of the world’s most astonishing geological displays is only about 80 miles 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.

A Grand Canyon Adventure in 90 Minutes — ©OUTLIVE CREATIVE

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.