azcentral.com
Jun. 20, 2006 04:55 PM
About the town: Flagstaff (called "Flag" by the locals) is the seat of Coconino County. At an elevation of almost 7,000 feet, Flagstaff is among the highest cities in the U.S. It has a distinct four-season climate and boasts the 12,643-foot Humphreys Peak, the highest point in the state.
Why go? Whether you are fleeing the heat in summer heat, making a beeline to the northern snows in winter, or simply want to experience an East Coast-like autumn complete with turning leaves, Flagstaff is a perfect all-season getaway. Outdoor opportunities for hikers, bikers, skiers and rock climbers are bountiful. The city is also a great home base from which to explore northern Arizona. Plus, it’s within easy driving distance from the Grand Canyon.
Good eats: Whether you're in the mood for just a salad or a bowl of pasta, Flagstaff offers a wide range of eateries. Two of our favorites are Charly's (23 North Leroux St., 928- 779-1919) and Alpine Pizza (7 North Leroux St., 928-779-4109). Most restaurants are easy to find, right off the main thoroughfare or in the downtown area. Tip: If you're unsure and need a second opinion about where to eat, just ask. Flagstaff folks are the friendly sort who'd gladly chat up a storm and send you down the right culinary path.
Points of interest: Lowell Observatory is best known for the discovery of Pluto. It's a great place to discover astronomy through daily-guided tours and evening programs. The Museum of Northern Arizona offers exhibits in archeology, geology, and fine art of the Colorado Plateau. Notable displays include the annual Zuni, Hopi, Navajo, and Hispanic exhibitions.
Nearby attractions: Scenic destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Sunset Crater, Oak Creek Canyon, Meteor Crater, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, and the San Francisco Peaks are all within easy driving distance of Flagstaff.
Best time to go: Pick your season. Any time of year is a good time to visit Flagstaff.
Sunset Crater Volcano
What is it? The monument is the Colorado Plateau’s most recent volcanic eruption. It is the youngest, least-eroded cinder cone in the San Francisco Volcanic Field.
Why go? It is fascinating to examine the lava flows and curious geologic formations up close. It is a great day trip from Flagstaff and is only minutes away. Long story short: This place is really cool and worth the trip.
The hikes: Lava Flow Trail is a 1-mile loop trail with a .25 mile accessible loop. It is a self-guided trail exploring a variety of volcanic formations. The Lenox Crater Trail provides an opportunity to climb a cinder cone. This steep trail is 1 mile round trip and requires about 30 minutes up and 15 minutes down! Scenic drive and trails are open all year, from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open daily except December 25.
Editor's tip: Hike one of the two trails or stop and take in a program given by park rangers. Allow at least 1 hour to stop at the Visitor Center and hike the Lava Flow Trail. Use extreme caution hiking on lava - it is sharp, brittle, and unstable.
Where is it? From Flagstaff, take U.S 89 north for 12 miles, turn right on the Sunset Crater - Wupatki Loop road and continue 2 miles to the visitor center.
Best time to go: Summer, spring and fall.
Wupatki National Monument
What is it? The monument was the prehistoric home of the Anasazi and Sinagua peoples. At its peak, it was the tallest, largest, and perhaps the richest and most influential pueblo in the region. It was home to 85-100 people.
Why go? The preserved ruins of five, freestanding pueblos – set against the beautiful desert landscape – makes make this a wonderful day trip from Flagstaff. The new visitor center exhibits feature artifact displays, a model pueblo room, computer recreations of pueblo construction, and more.
Getting around: Most visitors tour the national monument by car and foot. Much of Wupatki can be experienced by driving the 35-mile loop road connecting the park to US 89. Allow 2 hours to see five prehistoric pueblos. The Wupatki Pueblo Trail is a self-guided tour of the largest pueblo in the park. Don't miss the blowhole, a fascinating geologic feature. The trail is less than .5 mile round trip.
Editor's tip: For a special ranger-guided backpacking experience, consider the Crack-in-the-Rock hike, offered on weekends in April and October. This trip explores fantastic rock art and pueblo architecture in an area not normally open to the public. This a strenuous, 16-mile, cross- country overnight trip, carrying a 30-40 pound pack. Each hike is limited to 13 people; minimum age is 10. For more information, e-mail Mary_Blasing@nps.gov.
Where is it? From Flagstaff, take US 89 north for 12 miles, turn right at sign for Sunset Crater Volcano - Wupatki National Monuments. The visitor center is 21 miles from this junction.
Best time to go: Summer, spring and fall.
Why go? Whether you are fleeing the heat in summer heat, making a beeline to the northern snows in winter, or simply want to experience an East Coast-like autumn complete with turning leaves, Flagstaff is a perfect all-season getaway. Outdoor opportunities for hikers, bikers, skiers and rock climbers are bountiful. The city is also a great home base from which to explore northern Arizona. Plus, it’s within easy driving distance from the Grand Canyon.
Good eats: Whether you're in the mood for just a salad or a bowl of pasta, Flagstaff offers a wide range of eateries. Two of our favorites are Charly's (23 North Leroux St., 928- 779-1919) and Alpine Pizza (7 North Leroux St., 928-779-4109). Most restaurants are easy to find, right off the main thoroughfare or in the downtown area. Tip: If you're unsure and need a second opinion about where to eat, just ask. Flagstaff folks are the friendly sort who'd gladly chat up a storm and send you down the right culinary path.
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Points of interest: Lowell Observatory is best known for the discovery of Pluto. It's a great place to discover astronomy through daily-guided tours and evening programs. The Museum of Northern Arizona offers exhibits in archeology, geology, and fine art of the Colorado Plateau. Notable displays include the annual Zuni, Hopi, Navajo, and Hispanic exhibitions.
Nearby attractions: Scenic destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Sunset Crater, Oak Creek Canyon, Meteor Crater, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, and the San Francisco Peaks are all within easy driving distance of Flagstaff.
Best time to go: Pick your season. Any time of year is a good time to visit Flagstaff.
Sunset Crater Volcano
What is it? The monument is the Colorado Plateau’s most recent volcanic eruption. It is the youngest, least-eroded cinder cone in the San Francisco Volcanic Field.
Why go? It is fascinating to examine the lava flows and curious geologic formations up close. It is a great day trip from Flagstaff and is only minutes away. Long story short: This place is really cool and worth the trip.
The hikes: Lava Flow Trail is a 1-mile loop trail with a .25 mile accessible loop. It is a self-guided trail exploring a variety of volcanic formations. The Lenox Crater Trail provides an opportunity to climb a cinder cone. This steep trail is 1 mile round trip and requires about 30 minutes up and 15 minutes down! Scenic drive and trails are open all year, from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open daily except December 25.
Editor's tip: Hike one of the two trails or stop and take in a program given by park rangers. Allow at least 1 hour to stop at the Visitor Center and hike the Lava Flow Trail. Use extreme caution hiking on lava - it is sharp, brittle, and unstable.
Where is it? From Flagstaff, take U.S 89 north for 12 miles, turn right on the Sunset Crater - Wupatki Loop road and continue 2 miles to the visitor center.
Best time to go: Summer, spring and fall.
Wupatki National Monument
What is it? The monument was the prehistoric home of the Anasazi and Sinagua peoples. At its peak, it was the tallest, largest, and perhaps the richest and most influential pueblo in the region. It was home to 85-100 people.
Why go? The preserved ruins of five, freestanding pueblos – set against the beautiful desert landscape – makes make this a wonderful day trip from Flagstaff. The new visitor center exhibits feature artifact displays, a model pueblo room, computer recreations of pueblo construction, and more.
Getting around: Most visitors tour the national monument by car and foot. Much of Wupatki can be experienced by driving the 35-mile loop road connecting the park to US 89. Allow 2 hours to see five prehistoric pueblos. The Wupatki Pueblo Trail is a self-guided tour of the largest pueblo in the park. Don't miss the blowhole, a fascinating geologic feature. The trail is less than .5 mile round trip.
Editor's tip: For a special ranger-guided backpacking experience, consider the Crack-in-the-Rock hike, offered on weekends in April and October. This trip explores fantastic rock art and pueblo architecture in an area not normally open to the public. This a strenuous, 16-mile, cross- country overnight trip, carrying a 30-40 pound pack. Each hike is limited to 13 people; minimum age is 10. For more information, e-mail Mary_Blasing@nps.gov.
Where is it? From Flagstaff, take US 89 north for 12 miles, turn right at sign for Sunset Crater Volcano - Wupatki National Monuments. The visitor center is 21 miles from this junction.
Best time to go: Summer, spring and fall.
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