Weekend in Flagstaff: The Ultimate Weekend in the Mountains

Our Local Expert Says:

Nice vegetarian and organic options

Description:

This vegetarian- and vegan-friendly downtown Flagstaff eatery features an eclectic menu of Asian, Italian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean inspired dishes, including wraps, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. This is the perfect place for healthy eaters to nosh on light yet tasty fare, such as the popular and irresistible pineapple tofu salad. But meat-lovers should not despair, as there are plenty of filling, hearty dishes on the menu, including the reliably good spaghetti and meatballs, the savory teriyaki salmon special, and Cantonese pasta with chicken. The wide selection of flavors and menu dishes makes this a perfect stop for groups looking for a downtown restaurant with something to please all palates.

Our Local Expert Says:

Room atop rowdy bar with regular live music. Occasionally, rowdiness rises to the rooms upstairs since band members receive free accommodations. Great wireless connection in the in-house coffee-shop/wine-bar.

Description:

One block north of historic Route 66, towering over the corner of Aspen & San Francisco, the Hotel Monte Vista has been a downtown Flagstaff touchstone for decades. Built in 1927 by a citizen's initiative to bring tourist-class amenities to town, the hotel has hosted Hollywood luminaries, rock legends, and according to some guests, an assorted cast of ghosts that haunt the halls and keep things interesting. The Hotel Monte Vista has 50 rooms and suites on four floors, many offering great views of Flagstaff. Although by no means swanky, the hotel has a comfortable vintage vibe and offers a great location for walking around downtown Flagstaff.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bumpy and fun if you don't get car-sick. Great rock-climbing areas along this road.

Description:

Be sure that your vehicle is in peak operating condition and that the unpaved path is in passable shape, and you're off on an exciting driving adventure! This dirt road rambles through the San Francisco Peaks and Elden Mountain range on its bisecting way between US Route 180 and US Route 89. Along the way, you'll see some of the area's most spectacular scenery from spots that are rarely trod upon by the average visitor. But remember, you'll be traveling some tough terrain, so be sure both you and your vehicle are up to the task. Contact the Flagstaff Visitor Center for more information.

Our Local Expert Says:

Poached eggs are the specialty here, and they are worth it!

Description:

This is one of Flagstaff's favorite breakfast and lunch spots, and if you're willing to brave long lines (especially prevalent on the weekends), you won't be disappointed by the extensive menu of all your breakfast favorites, which includes nine delicious variations on Eggs Benedict and their popular Trout Breakfast. Owners Ed and Brandy Wojciak, who also own Brandy's on the east side, also serve up a scrumptious lunch menu of specialty sandwiches, quiches, burgers, and salads. The daily lunch specials offer a classic sandwich with a cup of soup for a good price. With lacy white curtains and a relaxed yet always-busy atmosphere, La Bellavia is a sound choice for good eats in downtown Flagstaff.

Description:

Views of the San Francisco Peaks, the volcanic fields east of Flagstaff, Sunset Crater and even the Painted Desert are yours to enjoy along this high country trail. The route starts near Schultz Tank, a rare body of water here in these mountains Spanish explorers called sin agua (without water). It then climbs gradually to a high ridge where you'll find good views of Arizona's tallest mountain before continuing on to the east edge of Mount Elden's summit plateau. From this high perspective you can look down on Sunset Crater and the huge Bonito Lava Flow that borders it.

As you hike along this trail, take time out to check for black bear tracks in the dust. A few of these shy animals live in this area but usually all you see of them are their tracks. You have a much better chance of seeing elk and mule deer which are more plentiful and much less shy.

Along its highest reaches, the Sunset Trail traverses an area devastated by a fierce wildfire in 1977. At one point there was concern that the city of Flagstaff might even be consumed by this campfire gone wild. Here, among the burned out hulks of a once thriving forest you can see how nature recovers from such an all-consuming disaster. Pioneer plants such as aspen and Gambel oaks are already well established in the burned-over area. Sunset Trail provides a connecting route to Schultz Creek, Brookbank, Little Bear Trail, Upper Oldham, and Elden Lookout Trails.

Our Local Expert Says:

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

Description:

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:

Pizza is delish! Also, home-made brews are mostly hoppy and titillating to the tongue.

Description:

Located one block south of the train station in downtown Flagstaff, Beaver Street Brewery & Whistle Stop Cafe is a local favorite brewery and restaurant with a bright, family-friendly pub atmosphere. The menu is heavy on reliably tasty dishes, including hefty sandwiches with generous servings of fries on the side, fresh salads, yummy fondues, and their popular wood-fired pizzas. Try the Enchanted Forest pie, loaded with Brie, roasted red peppers, spinach, Portobello mushrooms, and artichoke pesto on a chewy, warm crust. Watch the flames fly from your table as chefs prepare meals in the open kitchen, or take a gander as the brewer creates handcrafted ales. Time your visit for late spring and summer, and sit outdoors in the comfortable beer garden. If you're looking for a casual, fun dining spot around downtown, Beaver Street Brewery & Whistle Stop Cafe is always a solid choice.

Our Local Expert Says:

Room atop rowdy bar with regular live music. Occasionally, rowdiness rises to the rooms upstairs since band members receive free accommodations. Great wireless connection in the in-house coffee-shop/wine-bar.

Description:

One block north of historic Route 66, towering over the corner of Aspen & San Francisco, the Hotel Monte Vista has been a downtown Flagstaff touchstone for decades. Built in 1927 by a citizen's initiative to bring tourist-class amenities to town, the hotel has hosted Hollywood luminaries, rock legends, and according to some guests, an assorted cast of ghosts that haunt the halls and keep things interesting. The Hotel Monte Vista has 50 rooms and suites on four floors, many offering great views of Flagstaff. Although by no means swanky, the hotel has a comfortable vintage vibe and offers a great location for walking around downtown Flagstaff.

Description:

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:

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.

Description:

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.