Self-guided and docent-led tours introduce you to the indigenous plants of the Colorado Plateau and northern Arizona at this 200-acre natural exhibit. ( If heading out on your own, be sure to check for trail closures, as these may occur due to wildfire activity or other restrictions.) Ride your own horse, or book a tour through a local stable. Saddle up and ride the Arizona Trail's Equestrian Bypass it runs from Fisher Point to Sandy Seep Trail, following the rim of Walnut Canyon (#9). We suggest traversing it Old West-style: on a horse. You can certainly hike, run or bike the Flagstaff portions of this 800-mile-long trail from Mexico to Utah. The more adventurous can access the Cinder Hills Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area less than 20 minutes away for some enduro-style dirt bike trails and ATV-friendly roads.Ī prime example of Arts & Crafts-style architecture, the Riordan Mansion, operated by Arizona State Parks, is actually two identical homes built by the Riordan brothers in 1904 and connected by a common living space. Walk among Ponderosa pines and across cinder fields with astonishing views of the crater. Sunset Crater Volcano National MonumentĪpollo astronauts trained for the lunar landing at this otherworldly landscape created by a volcanic eruption 1,000 years ago. Most of the trails are partially accessible, and work is underway on an accessible path to the Lomaki and Box Canyon Pueblos.ġ1. Three other trails lead to even more Puebloan ruins. Take the easy, half-mile Wupatki Pueblo Trail to this 900-year-old 104-room pueblo and ball court located near the Sunset Crater Volcano (#11). Other ruins include a partially reconstructed pithouse and pueblo. Visitors from around the country hike to this popular park in Coconino National Forest to view the 25 cliff dwellings inhabited more than 700 years ago by the Ancestral Puebloans-forbears of the Hopi. At Flagstaff Extreme, you can tackle the largest zipline course in the western United States and an above-ground ropes adventure course set among the ponderosa pines. Navigate the obstacles at Flagstaff Extreme (Credit: An Pham)ĭo as the locals do-get the adrenaline pumping on an outdoor adventure. The temperature maintains a cool 42 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) even during the summer.Īt this downtown Flagstaff store, shop for authentic American Indian jewelry as well as locally made dresses, jackets, purses and hats in Native-inspired patterns made from wool blankets. Step inside a mile-long lava tube formed by a volcanic eruption roughly 700,000 years ago. Come autumn, soak up the vibrant hues of the changing leaves.ĭescending into Lava River Cave (Credit: Coleman Becker) From the gondola on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Grand Canyon. The state's premier destination for winter skiing and snowboarding is worth a visit in summer, too. Views from Arizona Snowbowl's chairlift go from snowy white to leafy green during the summer. Highlights of the Museum of Northern Arizona include a replica of a Hopi kiva and seasonal gardens featuring the diverse plants of the region. Museum of Northern Arizona (Credit: An Pham)ĭiscover what makes the geography, geology and people of the Colorado Plateau so unique. On your way up, pull over for views of Flagstaff below. At Lowell Observatory, see the telescope Clyde Tombaugh used to discover Pluto and marvel at the star-studded sky on a visit to Mars Hill. Sample them on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail, collecting passport stamps at each stop to exchange for a neat souvenir-a commemorative pint glass.ĭay or night, Lowell Observatory's telescope reveals wonders.Īs an International Dark Sky City, Flagstaff's celestial sights are impressive. Some of the best craft beers in Arizona are brewed in Flagstaff. In the summer, purchase fresh produce at the Flagstaff Community Market. Browse the shops (bookstores, clothing boutiques, outdoor gear stores), attend an event in Heritage Square and grab a bite to eat in this walkable downtown. You can spend an entire day-and night-exploring the heart of Flagstaff. San Francisco Street in Downtown Flagstaff (Credit: Kerrick James)
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |