Cool off among the ponderosa pines in this gateway to the Grand Canyon.
At an elevation of 7,000 feet on the outskirts of the Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff attracts visitors throughout the year, owing largely to its proximity to the Grand Canyon. (the South Rim is about an 80-mile drive away) as well as the San Francisco Peaks. The city's cooler (by Arizona standards) summer temperatures also make it a popular getaway option for people from elsewhere in the state. There are plenty of things to see and do right in town, from hiking in Walnut Canyon National Monument to checking out the Meteor Crater, where a meteor hit some 50,000 years ago.
A short drive south of Flagstaff, Arizona’s Red Rock Country is characterized by beautiful red sandstone rock formations and plenty of great hiking and camping opportunities. This region is also home to the bohemian-chic city of Sedona, which has some of the region's best spas, resorts, and art galleries.
Grand Canyon National Park is north of Flagstaff, with many visitors hitting the city specifically to visit the park. While the canyon and its surrounding national park are the star attraction in this wild region, there are other nearby areas to camp, hike, and play outside too, like in the Kaibab National Forest.
If you're in the mood for a bit more urban adventure, the massive Phoenix metro area has you covered. Along with a variety of museums and other cultural attractions, you'll find hiking, camping, and swimming to the west of town in the Tonto National Forest.
The Flagstaff area attracts visitors throughout the year, with hot, dry summers and cool winters that sometimes get snowfall. Summer is busiest, with hot days and cool nights, when refreshing summer thunderstorms are not uncommon in July and August. For the most pleasant weather without the crowds, consider visiting between September and November, when area kids have already returned to school for the year, but temperatures have yet to drop.