Flagstaff
United States and Canada · United States
See also
Grand Canyon
United States36.05°N 112.14°W
Phoenix
United States33.51°N 112.07°W · 331 m
Overview
Flagstaff is a city near the San Francisco Peaks and Grand Canyon, at an altitude of 6,990 ft. It's substantially cooler than southern Arizona, with ponderosa pine forests.
Languages: English
Why go?
Flagstaff is a city near the San Francisco Peaks and Grand Canyon, at an altitude of 6,990 ft. It's substantially cooler than southern Arizona, with ponderosa pine forests. Winters are cold and snowy; summers mild with monsoon rains. It's a base for outdoor activities and visits to national parks.
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Getting in
Flagstaff is served by Amtrak's Southwest Chief (daily stops; westbound 9:51PM, eastbound 6:06AM) and Greyhound (880 E Butler Ave). Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) has limited flights. Major highways I-40 and I-17 also connect the city.
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Getting around
Mountain Line provides fixed-route bus service throughout Flagstaff. The city is bike-friendly with over 50 miles of paved and unpaved trails (FUTS). Downtown is walkable.
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When to go
Winters are cold and snowy; springs windy; summers warm with monsoon rain from June to September. Fall is pleasant. The best times are spring and fall for mild weather. Many festivals occur in summer and fall.
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Where to stay
Two hostels (DuBeau Hostel, Grand Canyon International Hostel) offer dorms from $22-24. Cheap motels line Route 66 east of downtown and Milton Road. Historic hotels downtown like Hotel Monte Vista and Weatherford Hotel cost $50-150/night. Campgrounds are available on the outskirts. Note that train noise from BNSF rail line may be noticeable.
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Food and drink
Flagstaff offers diverse dining: Thai (Dara Thai, Little Thai Kitchen), pizza (Fratelli, Pizzicletta), Mexican (La Fonda, MartAnne's), BBQ (Bigfoot), and American (Brandy's). Diablo Burger and MartAnne's Cafe are cash-only. The city has several brewpubs including Beaver Street Brewery, Flagstaff Brewing Company, and Mother Road Brewing Company.
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Things to do
Visit Lowell Observatory ($12) where Pluto was discovered, the Museum of Northern Arizona ($15), and the Arboretum ($7). Hike Mount Elden or San Francisco Peaks (free). Ski at Arizona Snowbowl. Enjoy free events like First Friday ArtWalk. Numerous festivals celebrate Native American cultures and Celtic heritage.
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Safety
Flagstaff gets heavy snow; come prepared in winter. Crime is not huge but avoid Sunnyside and South Side neighborhoods at night. The downtown and campus areas are generally safe.
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Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available at Flagstaff Public Library and many cafes. Cell coverage is generally good.
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Budget
A daily backpacker budget is around $50-70: dorm bed $22-24, meals $8-15, local bus fare under $2. Many attractions are free or under $15. Cash is needed at some restaurants.
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Day trips
Nearby national monuments: Walnut Canyon, Wupatki, Sunset Crater (each $5). The Grand Canyon is a short drive north. Sedona offers red rock scenery south. Historic Route 66 leads east to New Mexico or west to Kingman.
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Go next
From Flagstaff, head to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Phoenix, or the Navajo Nation. The Mogollon Rim and Prescott are southeast and southwest. Route 66 continues to Williams, Kingman, and beyond.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Bigfoot BBQ
This is the place to go if you have a hankering for a pulled pork sandwich or a batch of fried okra. They even serve gourmet hotdogs. Owned by a Georgia native turned Flagstaff resident, you won't want to miss out on this.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Brandy's Restaurant & Bakery
Breakfast features quiche of the day, seven grain French toast, specialty egg dishes, homemade pastries and many other quality items. Lunch features tons of tasty sandwiches and burgers. Dinner is slightly more upscale but definitely affordable ($10-15 a plate) and features the wonderful creations of Chef Sherman Johnson. Tequila Lime Chicken and Garlic Stuffed Pork just to name a couple. Dinner is only served Tuesday thru Saturday. Breakfast served until 2:30PM on Sunday.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Charly's Pub & Grill
Live blues music in the evening.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Dara Thai Restaurant
Downtown, centrally located serving decent Thai food. Get a seat by the window and view San Francisco Street while you dine. Takeout available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Diablo Burger
Although tricky to find and seating is rather limited, this place is one of those extraordinarily rewarding discoveries for the persistent traveler. Their burgers ($8-10) are made from range-raised beef from a ranch just north of Flagstaff, served on an English muffin with a boatload of Belgian-style fries. In fact, all of their ingredients are from local businesses whenever possible. They also offer a handful of good regional beers. Their commitment to doing good by staying local even extends to their billing practices: they don't accept credit cards. Bring cash - you'll be glad you did.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Fratelli Pizza
A pizza place that is well-loved by the locals. They have cheese, pepperoni, and pesto slices, and many specialty pies. Their pizza is hand-tossed, thin crust, brick oven pizza, like what is found back east.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Fry's
Has a full-service hot and cold deli, and onsite pharmacy.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Hunan East
Great Chinese food in a casual atmosphere. Takeout available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Dorm beds from $22-24 at hostels; cheap motels along Route 66.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi at public libraries and many cafes.
Money
Some popular restaurants are cash-only (Diablo Burger, MartAnne's Cafe).
Safety
Avoid Sunnyside and South Side neighborhoods at night.
Transport
Amtrak Southwest Chief stops daily; Mountain Line bus service.
Weather
Heavy snow in winter; summer monsoons from June to September.