From Nearby National Parks to Starry Skies, This Mountain Town Has It All

Flagstaff, Arizona, is a place where the unexpected thrives, surrounded by an endless sea of towering ponderosa pines, vivid blue skies, and fresh mountain air so invigorating you’ll wish the daylight lasted longer. Spring Travel in Flagstaff

With its prime location near two national parks, six national monuments and eight state parks—each boasting unique landscapes and ecosystems—Flagstaff is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Miles of multi-use trails weave through the region, inviting visitors to hike, bike or even zip line through the lush forest. Wildlife enthusiasts can catch glimpses of native animals, while leisureists can enjoy guided walking tours or gaze at the stars.

And no matter where your Arizona travels take you this spring, Flagstaff is the ultimate basecamp. Sitting at the crossroads of some of the state’s most iconic destinations, it offers easy access to everything from the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest to the red rocks of Sedona and the bustling cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Flagstaff puts you within reach of Arizona’s best adventures while providing a cool, scenic retreat to return to at the end of the day.

 

Things to Do in Flagstaff

Lowell Observatory

Flagstaff was named the world’s first International Dark Sky City, making it one of the best places on the planet for stargazing. The crown jewel of the city’s astronomy scene is Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered in 1930. Visitors can explore exhibits about space exploration, peer through historic telescopes, and even observe the sun using the observatory’s solar telescope during daytime visits. At night, Lowell offers guided sky-viewing experiences, allowing guests to marvel at planets, star clusters, and distant galaxies.

 

U.S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Center (USGS)

For those with a deeper interest in space science, the United States Astrogeology Science Center is a fascinating stop. Originally founded to help map the moon and train astronauts for the Apollo missions, the center continues to contribute to planetary exploration today. Visitors can schedule a guided tour to see exhibits on Mars, lunar mapping, and even the lunar rover. 

 

Things to Do Less Than Hour From Flagstaff

Griffith’s Spring Trail

Distance from Flagstaff: 7.5 mi (15 minutes)

Consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast? Flagstaff is a hiker’s paradise, with trails catering to all levels of experience.Those looking for a quick and easy nature walk will love Griffith’s Spring Trail, a 25-minute loop that meanders through shaded pine groves. Wildlife enthusiasts may even spot elk, mule deer and bald eagles along the way.

 

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Distance from Flagstaff: 8.7 mi (15 minutes)

Just a short drive away, Walnut Canyon National Monument provides a fascinating look into the past, with cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people. The Island Trail, a scenic one-mile loop, takes visitors past 25 of these ancient homes, offering breathtaking canyon views along the way.

 

Cinder Lake Crater Field

Distance from Flagstaff: 12 mi (25 minutes)

Just outside of town, Cinder Lake Crater Field offers another space-related attraction. This man-made crater field was specifically designed for astronaut training, allowing Apollo crews to practice driving lunar rovers over simulated moon terrain.

 

Gold Digger Trail

Distance from Flagstaff: 9.9 mi (26 minutes)

For a moderate hiking option, the Gold Digger Trail offers a manageable challenge, winding through oak forests and red rock formations. Mountain bikers and hikers alike enjoy this scenic route, which provides a perfect mix of elevation changes and sweeping views. 

 

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Distance from Flagstaff: 18.9 mi (32 minutes)

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is one of the most striking landscapes in Arizona, with hardened lava flows and deep-red cinder cones left behind by an eruption that occurred in 1085 AD. The dramatic terrain is not only visually stunning but also historically significant, as NASA once used the crater’s uneven lava fields to train Apollo astronauts for their moon landings. Visitors can hike the Lava Flow Trail, a short yet rewarding 0.8-mile loop that winds through volcanic rock formations, offering a rare chance to walk through a landscape shaped by fire and time.

 

Wupatki National Monument

Distance from Flagstaff: 30.6 mi (39 minutes)

For those fascinated by ancient civilizations, Wupatki National Monument provides a trek back in time (nearly a thousand years!) to the largest freestanding pueblo in Northern Arizona. Built by the Ancestral Puebloans who were displaced after the Sunset Crater eruption, Wupatki is a sprawling complex of over 100 rooms, complete with a ballcourt and gathering spaces that once buzzed with trade and community life. 

 

Abineau-Bear Jaw Trail

Distance from Flagstaff: 23.6 mi (41 minutes)

The Abineau-Bear Jaw Trail is one of the most challenging yet rewarding hikes in the area, featuring stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks, which are actually remnants of an ancient supervolcano. The trail, which takes around four hours to complete, winds through aspen groves and alpine meadows, which provides a striking contrast to the arid desert landscapes found elsewhere in Arizona.

 

Things to Do 2 Hours or Less From Flagstaff

Grand Canyon National Park

Distance from Flagstaff: 74.2 mi (1 hour, 18 minutes)

Of course, no visit to Northern Arizona is complete without a trip to Grand Canyon National Park, just about 90 minutes north of Flagstaff. This world-famous landmark, carved by the mighty Colorado River over millions of years, never fails to leave visitors in awe. Hop on the Grand Canyon Railway, which departs daily from Williams, AZ. This entertaining train ride features western musicians and cowboy characters on vintage rail cars!

If you’re short on time, the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point gives a quick yet stunning perspective of the canyon’s vastness. During this 1.8-mile round-trip hike, you can take in breathtaking views deep into the canyon, making it a must-do for any first-time visitor.

 

Petrified Forest National Park

Distance from Flagstaff: 109 mi (1 hour, 41 minutes)

Flagstaff’s prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring Arizona’s most famous national parks. Just under two hours east lies Petrified Forest National Park, a surreal landscape where fossilized trees from over 200 million years ago have transformed into vibrant quartz formations. This park is a true geological wonder. Visitors can explore the colorful badlands of the Painted Desert or the ancient petrified wood on the Giant Logs and Crystal Forest trails. History buffs will also appreciate the remnants of early human settlements and petroglyphs scattered throughout the park, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once inhabited the region.

 

Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon

Distance from Flagstaff: 95.6 mi (2 hours)

Flagstaff is also the gateway to Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon, a newly designated national monument that honors the sacred lands and cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples. This protected area honors the land’s original stewards, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the history that shaped the region.

 

Things to Do 2+ Hours From Flagstaff

MLB Spring Training

Distance from Flagstaff: 2-3 hours

Spring in Arizona also means baseball season is in full swing. Flagstaff is a great home base for catching MLB Spring Training games in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Mesa, where some of the league’s top teams get ready for the season ahead. Fans can watch the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants while enjoying the intimate Cactus League stadium atmosphere. These games offer a rare chance to see rising stars and veteran players up close, creating an unforgettable baseball experience.

 

Arizona Diamondbacks

📍Salt River Fields (Scottsdale)

Distance from Flagstaff: 147 mi (2 hours, 33 minutes)

 

Los Angeles Angels

📍Tempe Diablo Stadium (Tempe)

Distance from Flagstaff: 153 mi (2 hours, 48 minutes)

 

Los Angeles Dodgers

📍Camelback Ranch (Phoenix)

Distance from Flagstaff: 147 mi (2 hours, 21 minutes)

 

Oakland Athletics

📍Hohokam Stadium (Mesa)

Distance from Flagstaff: 158 mi (2 hours, 43 minutes)

 

San Francisco Giants

📍Scottsdale Stadium (Scottsdale)

Distance from Flagstaff: 153 mi (2 hours, 41 minutes)

 

San Diego Padres

📍Peoria Sports Complex (Phoenix)

Distance from Flagstaff: 136 mi (2 hours, 7 minutes)

 

Places to Stay in Flagstaff

Whether you’re looking for a cozy mountain lodge, a boutique hotel with modern comforts, or a charming cabin nestled in the pines, Flagstaff offers a variety of places to stay that suit every traveler. From historic downtown inns to scenic resorts with forest views, you’ll find the perfect retreat after a day of adventure. Planning a family trip? Spacious vacation rentals make the perfect home base. Budget-friendly motels and campgrounds offer affordable options for those seeking a closer connection to nature. No matter your style, the city’s accommodations ensure a restful and memorable spring getaway. Explore your stay options here!