visitor_guide flagstaff.pdf

Flagstaff Tourist Information and Flagstaff Tourism
(Flagstaff, Arizona - AZ, USA)


The city of Flagstaff, on the Colorado Plateau in Arizona (AZ), is a popular place to visit, en route to the nearby Grand Canyon Village, which stands just 80 miles / 128 km to the north of Flagstaff. Known for being the largest and liveliest town in the north of Arizona, Flagstaff is located close to the San Francisco Peaks mountain range, between California (CA) and New Mexico (NM).

Flagstaff was first settled in the 1870s and is the perfect base for day trips and excursions, with many nearby towns and cities within easy driving distance. These include Williams, which stands just 32 miles / 51 km from Flagstaff, and Phoenix, a three-hour drive from Flagstaff, located around 150 miles / 241 km to the south. Flagstaff also features a major railroad, which dates back to the late 19th century, when it was responsible for much of the town's wealth.

The famous Santa Fe Avenue (formerly Route 66) in Flagstaff is lined with many notable, historic buildings and parallels Interstate 40. With noticeably cooler summer weather than many parts of Arizona, Flagstaff's climate is comfortable and appealing, with frequent sunny weather and clear skies. Nicknamed 'Flag' by its locals, Flagstaff contains a good selection of accommodation with a mixture of modern and historical hotels, suitable for all levels. Hotel rates in Flagstaff are good value and offer the most reasonably priced accommodation in the region, with rates rising during the summer. Camping grounds on the outskirts of Flagstaff also provide popular accommodation alternatives.

Tourism has become the prominent industry in the Flagstaff area and as a direct result, the town offers plenty of things to see and do. Flagstaff's main tourist information office is the Flagstaff Visitor Center on Santa Fe Avenue, located in the historical Amtrak train depot building. Open daily and offering a range of indepth tourism information, including leaflets about prominent tourist attractions, where to stay and eat, popular hiking trails and current events information, look out for the weekly 'Flagstaff Live' magazine, a free local publication with useful entertainment information. Highlights in Flagstaff include a range of popular restaurants throughout the town, three notable national monuments, a renowned museum and the Northern Arizona University (NAU), which supports a lively and colorful community.

To the north of Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks mountain region is home to the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort on the slopes of Mount Agassiz, a major destination during the winter season, from December to April. Tourist attractions here include 32 scenic trails suitable for both skiers and snowboarders, a ski school, accommodation, views of the Grand Canyon's North Rim, chairlift rides and hiking trails, which are particularly popular in the summer.

Flagstaff has many popular tourist attractions worth a visit, including Sunset Crater Volcano Monument - an ancient Flagstaff crater offering outstanding views; Walnut Canyon National Monument - a former Sinagua settlement with cliff homes, which were carved from the rock; Flagstaff's Wupatki National Monument - featuring three exciting trails in stunning countryside; Riordan Mansion State Historic Park - a grand 40-room mansion built more than 100 years ago, with regular guided tours and many period features; Flagstaff's Museum of Northern Arizona - home to an impressive collection of local Indian archaeology and historic artifacts, exhibited in five gallery areas; and the Museum Club (The Zoo) - an entertainment venue where visitors can enjoy a drink and view a stunning collection of preserved animals. More information on Flagstaff Tourist Attractions and Flagstaff Landmarks.

More Flagstaff Information / Fast Facts and Orientation -

• Country: United States of America (USA)
• Location: Coconino County, Arizona (AZ)
• Status: city and county seat
• Area: approximately 64 square miles / 166 square kilometers
• Population: approximately 55,000
• Language: American English
• Currency: US Dollar (USD)
• Time zone: GMT - 7 hours Mountain Standard Time
• Country dialing code: +1
• Telephone area code: 928
• Religion: various religions
• Average daily January temperature: 6ºC / 43ºF
• Average daily July temperature: 29ºC / 84ºF

Flagstaff photos and image gallery: The famous Hotel Monte Vista, one of the town's most prominent hotels.


Flagstaff photos and image gallery: Lowell Observatory, an important educational research center celebrating the world of astronomy.


Flagstaff photos and image gallery: Close-up view of the Lowell Observatory, offering guided tours and nighttime stargazing.


Flagstaff photos and image gallery: View of the striking Sunset Crater Volcano Monument, just a short drive from central Flagstaff.


Flagstaff photos and image gallery: The area is well connected by nearby highways and major roads, surrounded by mountainous scenery.


Flagstaff photos and image gallery: View of the Walnut Canyon National Monument, once home of a thriving Sinagua settlement.


Flagstaff photos and image gallery: Further view of Walnut Canyon, known for its historic cliff dwellings and impressive views.


Flagstaff photos and image gallery: The Wupatki National Monument, featuring well-preserved, prehistoric pueblos.


Flagstaff photos and image gallery: Close-up view of the Wupatki Monument, originally built by American Indians.

Flagstaff Neighborhoods, Locations and Flagstaff Districts
(Flagstaff, Arizona - AZ, USA)


The scenic location of Flagstaff is one of the town's biggest draws, with the dramatic San Francisco Peaks forming a stunning backdrop to the area. Flagstaff's central downtown district is where visitors will find most of the town's accommodation and shopping opportunities, while just across the Santa Fe Railroad tracks, which split the downtown district in two, you will find the Northern Arizona University campus.

The outlying areas of Flagstaff also have appeal, with the western reaches hosting the Lowell Observatory and the northern reaches a collection of cultural attractions.


 
Flagstaff Locations and Districts: Downtown District - Flagstaff, Arizona (AZ), USA
Boasting a cornucopia of restaurants, bars and cafés, downtown Flagstaff is the town's central business district. Overflowing with Western charm that is typical of Northern Arizona's towns, the district is characterized by low-rise, red-brick buildings; the Santa Fe Railroad, which divides downtown; and Santa Fe Avenue, formerly the legendary Route 66. A one-time pioneer trail leading west, downtown is made up of a few central blocks that are easily explored on foot.

Flagstaff Locations and Districts: West Flagstaff - Flagstaff, Arizona (AZ), USA
Just west of Flagstaff's downtown district is the Lowell Observatory, the observatory where astronomer Percival Lowell famously came to the conclusion that there must be another planet beyond Uranus. The pine-covered area has a visitor center where you can indulge in night-time stargazing.

Flagstaff Locations and Districts: North Flagstaff / Fort Valley - Flagstaff, Arizona (AZ), USA
The northern reaches of the town are host to a collection of arts-related buildings. A short drive from downtown Flagstaff along Fort Valley Road will take you to the Coconino Center for the Arts and the Arts Barn. A gallery, bookshop and auditorium rolled into one, this stretch of the highway is well worth a visit, with the Museum of Northern Arizona is located only a stone's throw away.

Flagstaff Locations and Districts: Northern Arizona University District - Flagstaff, Arizona (AZ), USA
If you cross the Santa Fe Railroad from downtown Flagstaff, you will arrive at the campus of Northern Arizona University. This lively area is home to thousands of students who support a colorful array of bars, cafés and shops, while the neighborhood is a popular place to hang out and watch the world go by. Free shuttle services operate during term time to whisk you around the university's diverse collection of art exhibits, while there are also regular performances held at the university theater.