Flagstaff
Flagstaff’s four distinct seasons and proximity to the Grand Canyon make it extremely popular for many outdoor recreation activities, including hiking, skiing, boating and biking.
The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is a 90-minute drive away, so many of Flagstaff’s outdoor adventures take advantage of the imposing local landscape.
Take a white water rafting tour with one of the many local river tour companies. Tours can be motorized or oar-powered and are designed to suit different levels of experience.
For hikers, there are also many options. Join up with a guided day tour or a week long hike through the striking terrain, or set out yourself along the 33-mile (53-kilometer) urban trail system which offers hikes on well-maintained trails.
Make a trip to treetop-based Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course, which has an elevated obstacle course which climbs as high as 60 feet (18 meters) off the ground. The course has zip lines, suspended bridges, nets, swings and an aerial surf board.
In the winter, the Arizona Snowbowl is the center of Flagstaff’s skiing and boarding scene. Snowmaking technology enables this resort to add to natural snow fall throughout the season. Wing Mountain Snow Play Area also gets busy with thrill-seeking winter tourists.
When you’ve had enough adventure and are looking to take it easy, take the short drive to Mormon Lake. Here, you can go horseback riding, fishing or take a hike along one of Coconino National Forest’s trails. The Nature Conservancy organizes free guided nature walks.
Back in town, Flagstaff has an accomplished arts and entertainment scene. Visit the Coconino Center for the Arts, the largest art gallery in northern Arizona, and a collection of local and regional works. More local artistry can be found at the Northern Arizona University Art Museum. Aside from its permanent collection, the Museum of Northern Arizona holds regular lectures, activities and events.