Flagstaff

Introduction

Flagstaff is located in the north of Arizona on the Colorado Plateau, at approximately 7,000 feet (2,150 metres) above sea level. On historic Route 66, Flagstaff provides easy access to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Cooler than the south of the state with a varied ecosystems and terrain, Flagstaff is an excellent base for hikers, campers and mountain bikers.

Sights and Activities

Walnut Canyon - Cliff Dwellings

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The Grand Canyon is what most draws people to Flagstaff. The National Park is approximately 75 miles (120 kilometres) to the north, and Flagstaff is one of the most common places that visitors to the park stay.

Other nearby outdoor attractions include:

• Walnut Canyon National Monument - Walnut Canyon National Monument is a 350 feet deep canyon (dropping from 6,690 ft to 6,340 ft) that used to be home to the Sinagua people. The Sinagua built their homes along the cliff faces, in small caves that were bricked up to provide shelter from the wind and snow of winter. The trail is very steep and requires climbing many stairs.
• Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument - Sunset Crater was made by a nearby volcano that first erupted in 1064 and last erupted in 1100. The landscape around the crater is black, volcanic rock, porous but hard. There are easy trails to hike around the crater, including a fully paved trail suitable for wheelchairs, strollers or people with mobility problems.
• Wupatki National Monument
• Barringer Crater

Events and Festivals

• The Coconino County Fair is held every September at the Fort Tuthill County Fairgrounds, featuring a demolition derby, livestock auction, carnival rides, and other activities.
• The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra holds concerts from September through April at Ardrey Auditorium on the campus of Northern Arizona University (NAU).

Sights and Activities

Flagstaff - Route 66

© All Rights Reserved GregW

Route 66, known as the "Mother Road" was decommissioned years ago, but still remains prominent in the American psyche as an important part of their heritage. Despite the highway no longer officially existing, many areas of the road remain a "historic route", including the stretch that passes through the Flagstaff between Barstow, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. In early September, the city hosts an annual event, Route 66 Days, to highlight its connection to the famous highway.

Weather

As a semi-arid highland desert, Flagstaff has mild weather conditions throughout the year. In the summer, the temperatures are up in the high 20 °C, with temperatures in the low-teens and single digits in the winter. Snow does fall during the winter, but with 283 days without precipitation a year, large accumulations of snow are not common.

Getting There

By Plane

Air travel is available through Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (IATA: FLG, ICAO: KFLG, FAA LID: FLG), located just south of the city. In general, this is a general aviation airport, but there is some scheduled service from nearby locations, including Phoenix by US Airways Express and Los Angeles via Horizon Air.

By Train

The Southwest Chief, operated by Amtrak, travels between Chicago and Los Angeles, stopping en route in Flagstaff.

By Car

Flagstaff is located at the northern end of Interstate 17, which runs down to Phoenix. Interstate 40 runs through the city, travelling westbound to Barstow, California and eastbound to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Route 66 runs parallel to I-40.

By Bus

Bus service is provided by Greyhound, and also by other companies.

Getting Around

By Car

Route 66 provides the main east-west route through the city, running parallel to the I-40. Historic Flagstaff can be found between Beaver Street and Agassiz Street, running north from the Route 66 up to Elm Ave, and includes the Santa Fe depot, which now serves as the Amtrak train station.
Many international rental companies have a wide selection of rental cars and these include Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget and Alamo/National. Most companies will require you are at least 25 years of age, although younger people might be able to rent cars at slightly higher rates and with some insurance differences as well. A national driver's license is usually enough, but an additional international one is recommended. Also note that it usually costs more to include lots of other extra things. For example extra drivers, GPS, the first full tank, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance), PAI (Personal Accident Insurance, usually covered already at home), road assistance/service plan, and drop-off costs for one-way rentals.
If you want to book a car, it is recommended that you book your car before arriving in the USA. This is almost always (much) cheaper compared to just showing up. Also, try and book with a so-called 'broker', which usually works together with a few or many car rental companies and can offer the best deal. Some examples include Holidayautos, Holidaycars and Sunny Cars. Some of the cheapest deals to book from Europe, includes Drive-USA, which also has a German version.

For more information and tips about renting cars and campers, additional costs, insurance, traffic rules, scenic routes and getting maps and fuel it is advised to check the USA Getting Around section.

By Public Transport

Local bus service is provided by Mountain Line. Fares are $1.00 per trip, or $3.00 for a daily pass.

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

Northern Arizona University (NAU) is situated in Flagstaff.

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

The US Postal Service is very good and well priced mail system. UPS stores can be found dotted throughout the city and will accept packages to be shipped by other carriers as well. Though you may pay a premium there, there is usually little or no line in these stores. This is a good alternative since, depending on time of day and the season, post offices can become fairly crowded. If wanting to send a letter or postcard it is best just to leave it in a blue mail box with the proper postage. There are also private postal services like FedEx, UPS and DHL.