Flagstaff, Arizona, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of northern Arizona, offers visitors a diverse range of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and natural wonders to explore. Situated at an elevation of over 6,900 feet (2,100 meters) and surrounded by mountains, forests, and high desert terrain, Flagstaff boasts a unique blend of recreational opportunities and historic charm
Flagstaff’s historic downtown area is brimming with vibrant shops, galleries, restaurants, and breweries housed in charming historic buildings. Visitors can stroll along the streets, admire the colorful murals, and soak up the city’s lively atmosphere. Flagstaff serves as a gateway to numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and skiing. The city is surrounded by several national forests, including Coconino National Forest, which offers miles of trails, scenic drives, and camping areas.
The Same
Both The Dinks and The Family had rich experiences in Flagstaff and its surrounding areas, blending outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, and natural wonders. Whether hiking in the Grand Canyon, marveling at Sedona’s beauty, or exploring ancient ruins, both groups found plenty to discover and enjoy in northern Arizona.
National Parks: Grand Canyon, Sunset Crater & Wapatki
We both spent a lot of time exploring parks within the National Parks system and highly recommend the National Parks pass. Priced at $60, it’s valid for a full year and offers excellent value. For our detailed experiences, check out our blog on Arizona’s National Parks. Highlights include:
- Grand Canyon National Park: Located within 1.5 hours of Flagstaff, AZ, the Grand Canyon is a magnificent testament to Earth’s geological history. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the canyon’s colorful rock layers reveal a timeline spanning millions of years, each representing a different era of Earth’s past.
- Sunset Crater National Park: For those who can’t make the trip to Hawaii’s volcano national park, Sunset Crater offers a stunning alternative. Formed by volcanic eruptions around 900 years ago, this volcanic terrain provides a vivid picture of past geological upheaval with its ash, cinders, and distinctive cone-shaped crater.
- Wupatki National Monument: This monument preserves ancient Puebloan ruins, including multi-room dwellings, kivas, and ball courts, built and inhabited by Native American cultures over 800 years ago.
- Petrified Forest: Known for its prehistoric trees turned into vibrant, sparkling stone, the Petrified Forest is one of the most pet-friendly parks. Over 200 million years ago during the Late Triassic Period, fallen trees were buried by sediment and volcanic ash, which mineralized into colorful quartz crystals, preserving the wood’s structure. The park now showcases these stunning fossilized logs and fragments.
Get the full details! Check out our blog on Arizona’s National parks.
Sedona
Sedona, Arizona, nestled amidst stunning red rock formations and surrounded by the beauty of the Coconino National Forest, is a captivating destination known for its natural beauty, spiritual energy, and outdoor adventures. Marvel at the architectural wonder of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a striking modern chapel built into the red rock cliffs.
- The Red Rock Scenic Byway is one of the most scenic drives in Arizona. Marvel at the towering red rock formations, such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte, which create a breathtaking backdrop at every turn.
- Explore Sedona’s extensive network of hiking trails, offering opportunities for all skill levels. Whether you’re embarking on a challenging trek to Devil’s Bridge or opting for a leisurely stroll along the Bell Rock Pathway, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views and encounters with Sedona’s stunning landscape.
- Sedona is renowned for its energy vortexes, areas believed to emit powerful spiritual energy conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration. Visit vortex sites like Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon to experience the calming and rejuvenating effects of these natural phenomena.
Winslow
Winslow, Arizona, is a historic town located along Route 66 in Navajo County. It is about an hours drive from Flagstaff. Famous for its association with the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy,” Winslow offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here’s what you can expect in Winslow:
- Standin’ on the Corner Park: Winslow gained fame through the song “Take It Easy” by the Eagles, which mentions “standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona.” The Standin’ on the Corner Park commemorates this iconic lyric with a bronze statue of a guitarist, offering a popular spot for photos and a nostalgic tribute to the song.
- Historic Route 66: As a stop along the historic Route 66, Winslow boasts several vintage roadside attractions and landmarks. Explore the remnants of the Mother Road, including old motels, diners, and gas stations, that harken back to the heyday of cross-country travel.
- Mexican: There i a great little authentic Mexican restaurant right around the corner from “standing on the corner” making this the perfect stop for lunch on your road trip.
Local Cuisine
Arizona’s cuisine reflects its unique blend of cultures and geography. When we travel we both always make a point to try some local dishes.
- Prickly Pear Dishes: The prickly pear cactus, a symbol of Arizona, lends its unique flavor to various dishes. You might find prickly pear margaritas, jams, jellies, or even incorporated into savory salsas. Be sure to try them if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Mexican Influence: Arizona shares a border with Mexico, and its cuisine reflects this influence heavily. You’ll find an abundance of delicious tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other Mexican staples, often featuring fresh local ingredients.
- Native American Flavors: A staple food in many Native American tribes, fry bread is a versatile base for savory or sweet toppings. You might find it topped with beans, chili, or even powdered sugar and honey.
Souvenirs
Purchasing souvenirs while traveling adds a delightful layer of memories to any trip and while neither of us make a plan to shop while traveling we do attempt to pick up souvenirs when we can. Arizona, with its rugged landscapes and vibrant culture, offers a plethora of unique keepsakes.
- Holiday Ornament: We love getting ornaments on our trips so that when decorating the tree we can reminisce on our travels. The Dinks got one from the gift shop at the Grand Canyon National Park.
- Food: Arizona is renowned for its prickly pear cacti, which offer not only visual appeal but also delicious flavors. Bringing home prickly pear products such as beer, vodka, or even candies and jams infused with this regional delicacy can provide a flavorful reminder of your journey. (The Dinks picked up prickly pear beer and vodka from the Grand Canyon Brewing and Distillery.)
The DINKs
We spent an entire week in Flagstaff and still didn’t cover everything. We probably added a little more adventure to our trip then the Family.
Grand Canyon Brewing and Distillery
We kind of became obsessed with prickly pear everything and they have both Prickly Pear vodka and Prickly Pear beer. Great place to sit out on the patio and enjoy a couple drinks after a long active day.
Devil’s Bridge in Sonoma
Devil’s Bridge is a stunning natural sandstone arch that has been sculpted by erosion over thousands of years. It spans approximately 50 feet across and stands roughly 54 feet high, making it one of the largest and most iconic natural arches in the Sedona area. I stayed back to get a great shot of my husband. Visitors can reach Devil’s Bridge via a scenic hiking trail that winds through the picturesque landscapes of the Coconino National Forest. The trailhead is located off Dry Creek Road and requires a moderate hike of approximately 1.8 miles (round trip) to reach the arch. Along the way, hikers are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding red rock formations and desert scenery. Devil’s Bridge is a popular spot for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, offering stunning photo opportunities against the backdrop of the towering red cliffs and blue sky. Many visitors enjoy posing on the natural bridge itself, creating memorable photographs and lasting memories of their visit to Sedona.Okay okay, I’ll admit I completely chickened out. I’m terrified of heights and even had to look away several times as young men and women skipped and even jumped along the rock “bridge.” There is a line and people are good about allowing people to go across to capture the beautiful pictures.
Walnut Canyon
Walnut Canyon offers a glimpse into the lives of ancient inhabitants, with its cliff dwellings and rugged landscapes telling stories of human resilience. Personally I would gladly be the women bring water up the steep cliffs over the men who had to hunt with nothing but carved arrows but lets all agree we are happy to live in modern times.
Get the full details! Check out our blog on Arizona’s National parks.
Meteor Crater
Marvel at the immense Meteor Crater, located approximately 20 miles west of Winslow. This colossal impact crater was formed by a meteorite strike around 50,000 years ago and is one of the best-preserved meteorite impact sites on Earth. Visitors can take guided tours, explore interactive exhibits, and witness the crater’s impressive size firsthand.
The Family
Navajo Interactive Museum
You’ll gain profound insights into the exhibitions showcasing Navajo culture, its deep-rooted traditions, intricate family structures, and much more. The museums often display a range of artifacts, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, and tools, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic traditions of the Navajo people.
The Hubbell Trading Post & Montezuma Castle
The Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, established in 1878 by John Lorenzo Hubbell, highlights the trade and cultural exchange between the Navajo people and Anglo settlers. While Montezuma Castle National Monument provides insights into the ancestral cultures of the Sinagua and Yavapai tribes through interpretive programs and ranger-led tours, focusing on ancient architecture, traditional lifeways, and the ecological importance of the area.
Get the full details! Check out our blog on Arizona’s National parks.
Summary
In conclusion, both the Dinks and the Family found Flagstaff to be an ideal home base for exploring the natural wonders and cultural treasures of northern Arizona. With so many attractions within an hour’s drive, from the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the mystical beauty of Sedona, each group crafted their own unique adventure. The Dinks immersed themselves in thrilling hikes like the Bright Angel Trail and visited local gems such as Grand Canyon Brewing and Devil’s Bridge. Meanwhile, the Family delved into Navajo history at the Interactive Museum, explored historic sites like the Hubbell Trading Post, and marveled at ancient cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle.
Ultimately, whether you prefer adrenaline-pumping trails and craft breweries or cultural landmarks and interactive museums, both the Dinks and the Family found Flagstaff to offer something unforgettable. Each experience was rich with discovery and wonder, proving that the magic of northern Arizona extends beyond its breathtaking landscapes to encompass its diverse history, cuisine, and vibrant culture.
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