With a rich railroad history and charismatic downtown area, Flagstaff is a laid-back town with a scattering of cultural sites. It’s renowned for its array of outdoor pursuits, including skiing, snowboarding and hiking to Arizona’s highest peak.

Things to do

Get a taste of Flagstaff at the Museum of Northern Arizona, which showcases the region’s natural and human history. There’s an impressive collection of Native American artefacts and displays about tribal customs, as well as exhibits detailing the local geography, flora and fauna.

Want to see where Pluto was first sighted in 1920? Head to the Lowell Observatory for a spot of stargazing, with Flagstaff designated as an International Dark Sky city. Join one of the guided tours to get a behind-the-scenes look at the facility and their state-of-the-art telescopes.

Spend an afternoon at the Walnut Canyon National Monument, which lies a short drive south-east of Flagstaff. Follow the loop walking trail that descends its spectacular limestone canyon walls and passes ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings, which occupied the region from around 1100 to 1250 AD.

If you’re visiting during the winter months, hit the slopes of the Arizona Snowbowl, which features around 40 different ski runs and a snowboarding park. In summer, it marks the starting point of the challenging trek to the top of Humphreys Peak, which reveals magnificent views of the region at Arizona’s highest point.

Getting around

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is less than 10 minutes’ drive from the downtown area and there are long-distance bus services to Phoenix, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Flagstaff is small enough to explore on foot, but a vehicle is recommended for accessing the surrounding natural attractions.