Flagstaff's top breakfasts

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A must-stop for anyone remotely interested in Native American culture or the geological history of the Colorado Plateau. The museum is home to over 600,000 artifacts of anthropological, geological, historical, and artistic interest, as well as extensive federal and tribal research collections. Not to be missed is the museum's permanent anthropology exhibit, "Native Peoples of the Colorado Plateau," which documents 12,000 years of occupation in the area. The Hopi Kiva Room and Jewelry Gallery showcase the singular beauty of native handcrafted jewelry, while the Ethnology Gallery provides an intriguing glimpse into the daily lives of local tribe members. Located three miles north of Flagstaff on US Highway 180, the museum is an easy stopping point on your way to, or from, the Grand Canyon.

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Located about eight miles southeast of Flagstaff off I-40, Walnut Canyon National Monument offers a fascinating peek into the lives of the people anthropologists have named the Sinagua ("without water"). A strenuous, one-mile walk on the Island Trail gives you a front-row glimpse to the 700-year old cliff dwellings where the Sinagua lived and left their mark. Peer into the past as you take in the 25 cliff dwellings along the trail. You can see more dwellings across the canyon. Even if you are not transfixed by the mystery of the people who built this cliffside pueblo, the lush canyon is the perfect high desert backdrop for your Northern Arizona adventure. The canyon is a valuable habitat for many species of plants and animals, and a gorgeous backdrop for photographers of all stripes.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bring more water and warmer layers than you would ever think you need. And don't forget some snacks--sugar will be a valuable commodity up there.

Description:

Be sure to bring a camera, as the Humphrey's Trail offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Colorado Plateau. From the top of this peak, resting at 12,336 feet above sea-level, hikers can view Sedona and the Verde Valley to the South and, particularly on clear days, the Grand Canyon can be seen on the north side. The Humphrey's trail begins alongside the Kachina Trail, from the trailhead at the back of the lower parking lot at Snowbowl. Simply go right when the trail "T's." Bring at least two, ideally three, quarts of water per person, plenty to eat, extra layers, and get an early start as this trail is 3 or 4 hours to the summit and a little less coming back. Be sure to sign the register at the top!

Our Local Expert Says:

My personal, favorite spot in Flagstaff. Sublime meadow unexpectedly atop a steep, scraggly trail.

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This quiet trail offers solitude to hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers looking for a strenuous hike that has spectacular rewards. The rocky trail opens toward the top in a beautiful meadow that, particularly in the summer, is full of wildflowers. Purple, pink, yellow, blue, and orange dot this landscape beneath spectacular views of "The Peaks." Early morning hikers should tread softly and look out for elk, mule deer, and if lucky, black bear. Drive north from Flagstaff on US 180 to FR 420 (Schultz Pass Road). Drive east for 1 mile and, where FR 420 takes a hard left turn continue straight on FR 557 about 3 miles to the Brookbank trailhead.

Our Local Expert Says:

Start from the backside off of Schultz Pass Road for a stroll in quiet solitude.

Description:

This easy trail offers visitors a wide array of what the true high country has to offer. Ponderosa pine gives way to Aspens, which later reveal Evergreens. All the while, breathtaking views of the highest peaks in Arizona and the valleys and canyons that lie below come into view. While there aren't steep inclines or large boulders to maneuver through this quiet trail, it is at high altitude, which shouldn't be taken lightly for those not acclimated. Bring at least two quarts of water for each person. Also bring a jacket - maybe a long sleeve shirt in the summer. The Kachina Trail can be accessed at the end of the lower Snowbowl parking lot. This is also where the Humphrey's Trail begins. A quarter mile down the trail, you will come to a T. Go left for the Kachina Trail, which eventually meets up with the Weatherford Trail. Go right for the Humphrey's Trail. Be sure to sign the register!

Our Local Expert Says:

Exhilarating 18 mile, downhill bike ride to Wupatki. Need to have shuttle system unless you also want to climb up. Or, take the short Lava Flow trail and pay attention, not only to the immediate landscape, but the surrounding area. Try to imagine what it was like when this baby exploded, snuffing out every living thing within a 5-mile radius.

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Between 1040 and 1100, this volcano exploded, powerfully affecting the lives of local peoples and forever altering the landscape of the surrounding area. Today you can drive right up to the site, where shinny black molten rock covers this area, as if it erupted just yesterday. Take the Lava Flow trail to see the life slowly returning to this rugged landscape. The fee is $5. Take U.S 89 north for 12 miles, turn right on the Sunset Crater/Wupatki Loop road and continue 2 miles (3km) to the visitor center. This loop road makes it convenient to see the nearby Wupatki Ruins on the same day.

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Located on Flagstaff's west side about four miles south of Route 66 on Woody Mountain Road (which is just as scenic as its name implies), The Arboretum is a must-see for nature-lovers. Your car may get a good splattering on the road down to The Arboretum (the first mile is paved, but the remaining 2.8 miles are not), but it will be well worth it to spend the day meandering through the gorgeous 10 acres of cultivated gardens, strolling around the pond, and paying a visit to the working greenhouse (where most of the 2,500 species seen in the gardens are grown). The entire Arboretum encompasses 200 acres that were once the gardens and buildings of The Arboretum's founder Frances McAllister, who was given the parcel of land as a wedding present in the 1930s. McAllister and her husband lived in Los Angeles, but spent summers at their Flagstaff cabin, which affords incredible views of the San Francisco Peaks. After her husband's death, McAllister moved to this location, reveling in the challenges of gardening at 7,000 feet. The Arboretum continues to carry out McAllister's mission of garden experimentation and research, and sharing the natural beauty of the gardens with the public.



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Our Local Expert Says:

On a clear night in the winter, stargazing through this magnificent telescope with make your jaw drop. Part way up Mars hill, look for a small vista on the right where all of Flagstaff can be seen below.

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Lowell Observatory, located atop Mars Hill Road just outside of downtown Flagstaff, is one of the leading astronomical research facilities in the United States, and one of the city's true must-see attractions. The observatory offers a compelling glimpse to universe--even bored teenagers will be amazed by what they see on the other side of the telescope. Day visitors are treated to guided tours, multimedia exhibits, and a viewing of the Sun with a specially equipped telescope. But the real action starts at dusk, when (weather permitting) the staff opens up the telescopes for viewings of Jupiter, the Moon, star clusters, and other incredible celestial sights. Rain or shine, visitors are also invited to experience the Observatory's interactive presentations at their portable planetarium, and tours of the Universe inside the 3-D movie theatre. If you happen to be looking for a great place to take a date, the Observatory, which is surrounded by walking trails and great views of the dark skies over Flagstaff, is surprisingly romantic.

Multimedia Shows

Computer-generated imagery meets the exciting music of Mannheim Steamroller in our 30-minute widescreen show Heavy Astronomy: Marvels...

Our Local Expert Says:

The Riordans were the owners of lumber company early on in Flagstaff history. Learn about family history and see living conditions of them and their in-house help. Mansion built at the time when Flagstaff was a timber industry town.

Description:

Get a glimpse of Flagstaff's logging town past with a visit to Riordan State Historic Park, located near the Northern Arizona University campus. Lumber baron brothers Michael and Timothy Riordan built the mansion in 1904, which was designed by Charles Whittlesley, also famous for building the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon. The 13,300 square foot mansion contains 40 rooms of log-and-stone, many of which are furnished with Gustav Stickley furniture, known as the father of the American Arts and Crafts design movement. One of the most whimsical objects you'll see in the house are the "Paul Bunyan" shoes--a two-foot long pair of boots that Timothy Riordan built in his workshop. Everything in the mansion is original, making this a goldmine for history buffs everywhere.