Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a city of over 67,000 people near the San Francisco Peaks mountain range of northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon. Situated at an altitude of 6990 feet, Flagstaff and much of the surrounding region are substantially cooler than the low desert that dominates the southern part of the state. Though still dry by east coast standards, enough rain and snow falls in the area to allow a forest of ponderosa pine trees to cover the landscape. Winters tend to be cold, and heavy snowfall is expected on an annual basis.

• Flagstaff Visitor Center, 1 E Rte 66 (next to the Amtrak station, +1 928-774-9541.

Flagstaff Visitor Center, 1 E Rte 66 (next to the Amtrak station, +1 928-774-9541.

• Lowell Observatory, 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, +1 928-774-3358. Daily 9AM-10PM. An astronomical research center from which the dwarf planet Pluto was discovered, this historic institution is on a mesa overlooking the west side of town. The staff leads guided daytime tours, and visitors use the Observatory's 24" Clark telescope and smaller portable telescopes during regular evening programs (inquire). $12 (adults), $10 (students/seniors), $5 (children 5-17).
• Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd, +1 928-774-5213. Daily 9AM-5PM except some holidays. On the north side of town, it has displays on Native American life and the natural history of the region. A good selection of Native American folk art, particularly Navajo rugs, is available at the gift shop. $10 (adults), $9 (seniors), $7 (students), $6 (Native Americans, youths 10-17).
• Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S Woody Mountain Rd, +1 928-774-1442. W-Su 10AM-4PM, May-Oct. This 200-acre botanical garden, environmental research station, and nature center displays one of America's largest collections of high country wildflowers. Daily guided tours at 11AM and 1PM. Wild Birds of Prey programs at F-M noon and 2PM. $7 (adults), $6 (seniors), $3 (youth 3-17).
• Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, 409 W Riordan Rd, +1 928-779-4395 (reservations). Daily 9:30AM-5PM May-Oct, 10:30AM-5PM Nov-Apr. This fine example of an Arts and Crafts style house was built in 1904 for a prominent local family. Guided tours are conducted at the top of the hour, reservations recommended. $10 (adults 14+), $5 (youths 7-13).
• Pioneer Museum, 2340 N Fort Valley Rd, +1 928-774-6272. M-Sa 9AM-5PM. This small state museum collects, preserves and exhibits artifacts, documents and photographs of the history of Flagstaff and northern Arizona. It also hosts a number of events throughout the year. $6 (adults), $5 (seniors/students/active military), $3 (youths 7-17), Free (children 0-6).
• Fort Tuthill Military Museum, Arizona 89A, +1 928-226-0965. May-Sep Th-Fr 12PM-4PM (based on staff availability), S-Su 10AM-4PM. A former National Guard training facility built in 1929, this small museum now has displays devoted to regional military history. $3 (adults 13+), Free (seniors, children, active military, National Guard members).
• Northern Arizona University Art Museum, 321 McMullen Circle, Bldg 10 Room M205, NAU Campus (on the corner of Tormey Ave and Knoles Dr, +1 928-523-3471. Tu-Sa noon-5PM during the school year. Has rotating exhibits featuring local and international artists. Free.
• Coconino Center for the Arts, 2300 N Fort Valley Rd (next to Sechrist Elementary School, behind the Pioneer Museum, +1 928-779-2300. Tu-Sa 11AM-5PM. The largest gallery in northern Arizona, showcases local and regional art.
• Elden Pueblo Historic Site, Hwy 89 and Townsend-Winona Rd, +1 928-526-0866. Daily 24 hr. A Sinagua archeological site which was inhabited from 1050-1275 BCE. An easy interpretive trail circles the ruins. It is managed by the Coconino National Forest Service, which hosts a number of educational programs and workshops at the site. Free.
• Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve, +1 928 213-2154. Free.

Lowell Observatory, 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, +1 928-774-3358. Daily 9AM-10PM. An astronomical research center from which the dwarf planet Pluto was discovered, this historic institution is on a mesa overlooking the west side of town. The staff leads guided daytime tours, and visitors use the Observatory's 24" Clark telescope and smaller portable telescopes during regular evening programs (inquire). $12 (adults), $10 (students/seniors), $5 (children 5-17).

Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd, +1 928-774-5213. Daily 9AM-5PM except some holidays. On the north side of town, it has displays on Native American life and the natural history of the region. A good selection of Native American folk art, particularly Navajo rugs, is available at the gift shop. $10 (adults), $9 (seniors), $7 (students), $6 (Native Americans, youths 10-17).

Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S Woody Mountain Rd, +1 928-774-1442. W-Su 10AM-4PM, May-Oct. This 200-acre botanical garden, environmental research station, and nature center displays one of America's largest collections of high country wildflowers. Daily guided tours at 11AM and 1PM. Wild Birds of Prey programs at F-M noon and 2PM. $7 (adults), $6 (seniors), $3 (youth 3-17).

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, 409 W Riordan Rd, +1 928-779-4395 (reservations). Daily 9:30AM-5PM May-Oct, 10:30AM-5PM Nov-Apr. This fine example of an Arts and Crafts style house was built in 1904 for a prominent local family. Guided tours are conducted at the top of the hour, reservations recommended. $10 (adults 14+), $5 (youths 7-13).

Pioneer Museum, 2340 N Fort Valley Rd, +1 928-774-6272. M-Sa 9AM-5PM. This small state museum collects, preserves and exhibits artifacts, documents and photographs of the history of Flagstaff and northern Arizona. It also hosts a number of events throughout the year. $6 (adults), $5 (seniors/students/active military), $3 (youths 7-17), Free (children 0-6).

Fort Tuthill Military Museum, Arizona 89A, +1 928-226-0965. May-Sep Th-Fr 12PM-4PM (based on staff availability), S-Su 10AM-4PM. A former National Guard training facility built in 1929, this small museum now has displays devoted to regional military history. $3 (adults 13+), Free (seniors, children, active military, National Guard members).

Northern Arizona University Art Museum, 321 McMullen Circle, Bldg 10 Room M205, NAU Campus (on the corner of Tormey Ave and Knoles Dr, +1 928-523-3471. Tu-Sa noon-5PM during the school year. Has rotating exhibits featuring local and international artists. Free.

Coconino Center for the Arts, 2300 N Fort Valley Rd (next to Sechrist Elementary School, behind the Pioneer Museum, +1 928-779-2300. Tu-Sa 11AM-5PM. The largest gallery in northern Arizona, showcases local and regional art.

Elden Pueblo Historic Site, Hwy 89 and Townsend-Winona Rd, +1 928-526-0866. Daily 24 hr. A Sinagua archeological site which was inhabited from 1050-1275 BCE. An easy interpretive trail circles the ruins. It is managed by the Coconino National Forest Service, which hosts a number of educational programs and workshops at the site. Free.

Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve, +1 928 213-2154. Free.

• Twin Arrows Casino Resort, 22181 Resort Boulevard.

The area surrounding Flagstaff is a hotspot for outdoor activities.

• Many of the bicycle and outdoor sports stores in downtown Flagstaff carry Favorite Hikes: Flagstaff and Sedona and Mountain Biking Arizona Guide: Fat Tire Tales and Trails, two excellent guidebooks written by local Flagstaff mountain bike enthusiast Cosmic Ray.
• Absolute Bikes, 202 E Hwy 66, +1 928 779-5969. Mountain bikes can be rented
• Mount Elden, +1 928-526-0866 (Ranger District Office). This area is managed by the Coconino National Forest, and is an excellent starting point for exploring the area with numerous trails running up and alongside most faces of the mountain. One of the most popular trails is Elden Lookout Trail, which scales all 2800 ft (855m) from base to summit, and has access to the lookout tower at the top which looks down on the entire city. The trail can be accessed from Hwy 89 across from the Flagstaff Mall and next to the Ranger Station (35.230295, -111.579234). Free.
• San Francisco Peaks, +1-928-527-3600. Managed by the Coconino National Forest, the San Francisco Peaks northwest of Flagstaff offer a number of hiking trails for all skill levels, as well as opportunities for mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, and skiing. The range is crowned by the 12,637-ft Humphreys Peak, and is held sacred by the Havasupai, Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes. Maps and trail information can be obtained from the Coconino National Forest Headquarters (1824 S. Thompson St.).
• Arizona Snowbowl, 9300 N Snowbowl Rd, +1 928-779-1951. Alpine skiing. One of only three ski resorts in the state of Arizona. Despite the surrounding desert, Flagstaff is a popular skiing destination for the Southwest due to the high elevation. Interestingly, the Snowbowl is one of the first ten ski resorts established in the United States. Snowbowl is in the San Francisco Mountains, which offer pleasant high-country hiking after the snow melts, including a trail to Humphreys Peak, highest mountain in Arizona. Access to some of the San Franciscos is restricted, as they're sacred to several of the area's Native tribes.
• Flagstaff Nordic Center, 16848 Hwy 180 (parking lot alongside Hwy 180 at Mile Marker 232, +1 928-220-0550. One of the southwest's best cross-country skiing areas with over 50km of well-groom ski trails and 25km of snowshoe trails. In the summer the trails are open for hiking and mountain biking. Trail passes and equipment rental prices are listed here; overnight cabin rental is also available.
• Jay Lively Activity Center, 1650 N Turquoise Dr, +1 928-213-2340. City-owned permanent indoor ice skating rink. Offers ice skating lessons, public skating sessions, and also hosts ice hockey games. Price varies.
• Northern Arizona Yoga Center, 113 S San Francisco St, +1 928-774-3144. Northern Arizona Yoga Center is the largest yoga studio in town. This studio offers more than just yoga: they also host Salsa parties, Tango classes, Capoiera, Pilates, and Tai Chi. They are also a great supplier of yoga clothing and accessories. They are partners with the Vertical Relief Climbing Gym. Dual memberships are available. $15 drop in.
• Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course, Fort Tuthill Loop Rd (Fort Tuthill County Park. A suspended obstacle course with more than 70 aerial challenges for children and adults. $45 (adults and teens), $25 (kids 7-11).
• Trailriding
  • Hitchin’ Post Stables, 4848 Lake Mary Rd, +1 928-774-1719. Offers guided horseback riding excursions forest land southeast of Flagstaff, ranging from 1 to 8 hours in length. $45-250.
  • Morrison Brothers Windmill Ranch, Newman Park (Exit 328 off I-17, +1 928-606-3973. A working cattle ranch which now offers guided horseback riding excursions to day visitors, ranging in length from 1 to 1.5 hours. $45-70 (adults), $35-55 (children).

Absolute Bikes, 202 E Hwy 66, +1 928 779-5969. Mountain bikes can be rented

Mount Elden, +1 928-526-0866 (Ranger District Office). This area is managed by the Coconino National Forest, and is an excellent starting point for exploring the area with numerous trails running up and alongside most faces of the mountain. One of the most popular trails is Elden Lookout Trail, which scales all 2800 ft (855m) from base to summit, and has access to the lookout tower at the top which looks down on the entire city. The trail can be accessed from Hwy 89 across from the Flagstaff Mall and next to the Ranger Station (35.230295, -111.579234). Free.

San Francisco Peaks, +1-928-527-3600. Managed by the Coconino National Forest, the San Francisco Peaks northwest of Flagstaff offer a number of hiking trails for all skill levels, as well as opportunities for mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, and skiing. The range is crowned by the 12,637-ft Humphreys Peak, and is held sacred by the Havasupai, Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes. Maps and trail information can be obtained from the Coconino National Forest Headquarters (1824 S. Thompson St.).

Arizona Snowbowl, 9300 N Snowbowl Rd, +1 928-779-1951. Alpine skiing. One of only three ski resorts in the state of Arizona. Despite the surrounding desert, Flagstaff is a popular skiing destination for the Southwest due to the high elevation. Interestingly, the Snowbowl is one of the first ten ski resorts established in the United States. Snowbowl is in the San Francisco Mountains, which offer pleasant high-country hiking after the snow melts, including a trail to Humphreys Peak, highest mountain in Arizona. Access to some of the San Franciscos is restricted, as they're sacred to several of the area's Native tribes.

Flagstaff Nordic Center, 16848 Hwy 180 (parking lot alongside Hwy 180 at Mile Marker 232, +1 928-220-0550. One of the southwest's best cross-country skiing areas with over 50km of well-groom ski trails and 25km of snowshoe trails. In the summer the trails are open for hiking and mountain biking. Trail passes and equipment rental prices are listed here; overnight cabin rental is also available.

Jay Lively Activity Center, 1650 N Turquoise Dr, +1 928-213-2340. City-owned permanent indoor ice skating rink. Offers ice skating lessons, public skating sessions, and also hosts ice hockey games. Price varies.

Northern Arizona Yoga Center, 113 S San Francisco St, +1 928-774-3144. Northern Arizona Yoga Center is the largest yoga studio in town. This studio offers more than just yoga: they also host Salsa parties, Tango classes, Capoiera, Pilates, and Tai Chi. They are also a great supplier of yoga clothing and accessories. They are partners with the Vertical Relief Climbing Gym. Dual memberships are available. $15 drop in.

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course, Fort Tuthill Loop Rd (Fort Tuthill County Park. A suspended obstacle course with more than 70 aerial challenges for children and adults. $45 (adults and teens), $25 (kids 7-11).

Trailriding

• Hitchin’ Post Stables, 4848 Lake Mary Rd, +1 928-774-1719. Offers guided horseback riding excursions forest land southeast of Flagstaff, ranging from 1 to 8 hours in length. $45-250.
• Morrison Brothers Windmill Ranch, Newman Park (Exit 328 off I-17, +1 928-606-3973. A working cattle ranch which now offers guided horseback riding excursions to day visitors, ranging in length from 1 to 1.5 hours. $45-70 (adults), $35-55 (children).

Trailriding

• Hitchin’ Post Stables, 4848 Lake Mary Rd, +1 928-774-1719. Offers guided horseback riding excursions forest land southeast of Flagstaff, ranging from 1 to 8 hours in length. $45-250.
• Morrison Brothers Windmill Ranch, Newman Park (Exit 328 off I-17, +1 928-606-3973. A working cattle ranch which now offers guided horseback riding excursions to day visitors, ranging in length from 1 to 1.5 hours. $45-70 (adults), $35-55 (children).

• First Friday ArtWalk, Heritage Square (downtown, +1 928-779-2300. Every first Friday of the month art galleries and restaurants stay open until late in the evening, with live street entertainment and music centered around Heritage Square. Free.
• Zuni Festival of Arts and Culture, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd (Museum of Northern Arizona, +1 928-774-5213. Held annually in late May, this two-day festival sponsored by NAU celebrates Zuni culture with dance and music, and arts and crafts demonstrations and exhibits. $12 (adults), $8 (youth/student/American Indian), free (children under 10).
• Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd (Museum of Northern Arizona, +1 928-774-5213. Held annually on the 4th of July weekend, this festival celebrates Hopi traditions and culture with music, dance, food, and arts and crafts exhibits. $12 (adults), $8 (youth/student/American Indian), free (children under 10).
• Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd (Museum of Northern Arizona, +1 928-774-5213. Held annually in early August, celebrates Diné (Navajo) culture with music, dance, lectures, food, art, and weaving demonstrations. $12 (adults), $8 (youth/student/American Indian), free (children under 10).
• Celebraciones de la Gente, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd (Museum of Northern Arizona, +1 928-774-5213. Held in late October, this festival celebrates the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Activities include mariachi music, storytelling, and arts demonstrations. Ofrendas (private altars) are exhibited in the courtyard. $12 (adults), $8 (youth/student/American Indian), free (children under 10).
• Arizona Highland Celtic Festival, Foxglenn Park, +1 928-556-3161. Held every July, with music, dance, and food and drink. $15/1-day, $22/2-days (adults); $4/1-day, $6/2-days (children 3-12).
• Pickin' in the Pines Bluegrass & Acoustic Music Festival, Ft Tuthill County Park, +1 928-525-1695. Held annually in mid-September.
• Coconino County Fair, 2446 Ft Tuthill Loop (Coconino County Fairgrounds, +1 928-679-8000. Held annually in September and features traditional fair exhibits, entertainment, livestock auctions, and carnival rides. $8 (adults), $5 (children and seniors).
• Dew Downtown Flagstaff, San Francisco St (downtown, +1 928-213-2300. A two-day urban snowboarding and skiing festival held on the streets of downtown Flagstaff. Free.

First Friday ArtWalk, Heritage Square (downtown, +1 928-779-2300. Every first Friday of the month art galleries and restaurants stay open until late in the evening, with live street entertainment and music centered around Heritage Square. Free.

Zuni Festival of Arts and Culture, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd (Museum of Northern Arizona, +1 928-774-5213. Held annually in late May, this two-day festival sponsored by NAU celebrates Zuni culture with dance and music, and arts and crafts demonstrations and exhibits. $12 (adults), $8 (youth/student/American Indian), free (children under 10).

Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd (Museum of Northern Arizona, +1 928-774-5213. Held annually on the 4th of July weekend, this festival celebrates Hopi traditions and culture with music, dance, food, and arts and crafts exhibits. $12 (adults), $8 (youth/student/American Indian), free (children under 10).

Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd (Museum of Northern Arizona, +1 928-774-5213. Held annually in early August, celebrates Diné (Navajo) culture with music, dance, lectures, food, art, and weaving demonstrations. $12 (adults), $8 (youth/student/American Indian), free (children under 10).

Celebraciones de la Gente, 3101 N Ft Valley Rd (Museum of Northern Arizona, +1 928-774-5213. Held in late October, this festival celebrates the Mexican holiday [[Day of the Dead|Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead]]. Activities include mariachi music, storytelling, and arts demonstrations. Ofrendas (private altars) are exhibited in the courtyard. $12 (adults), $8 (youth/student/American Indian), free (children under 10).

Arizona Highland Celtic Festival, Foxglenn Park, +1 928-556-3161. Held every July, with music, dance, and food and drink. $15/1-day, $22/2-days (adults); $4/1-day, $6/2-days (children 3-12).

Pickin' in the Pines Bluegrass & Acoustic Music Festival, Ft Tuthill County Park, +1 928-525-1695. Held annually in mid-September.

Coconino County Fair, 2446 Ft Tuthill Loop (Coconino County Fairgrounds, +1 928-679-8000. Held annually in September and features traditional fair exhibits, entertainment, livestock auctions, and carnival rides. $8 (adults), $5 (children and seniors).

Dew Downtown Flagstaff, San Francisco St (downtown, +1 928-213-2300. A two-day urban snowboarding and skiing festival held on the streets of downtown Flagstaff. Free.

Twin Arrows Casino Resort, 22181 Resort Boulevard.

• Aspen Sports, 15 N San Francisco St, +1 928-779-1935. M-Sa 8AM-7PM, Su 9AM-5PM. A good source of outdoor sporting gear.
• Babbit’s Backcountry Outfitters, 12 E Aspen Ave, +1 928-774-4775. Winter: M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su 10AM-5PM; Summer: M-Sa 9AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM. Stocks a good range of camping gear, and rents out some gear as well.
• Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, 1520 S Riordan Ranch St (Varsity Shopping Center, +1 928-774-0005. Daily 9AM-10PM. This Tucson-based used bookstore chain also carries used CDs, DVDs, video games, etc. There is an onsite café, electric vehicle charging station, and free Wi-Fi, and pets are welcome in the store.
• Flagstaff Mall & The Marketplace, 4605 N Highway 89 F-36, +1 928-526-4827. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM; restaurant and department store hrs vary. Anchored by Sears, JCPenney, and Dillard's.
• Starrlight Books, 15 N Leroux St, +1 928-774-6813. An independent used bookshop.

Aspen Sports, 15 N San Francisco St, +1 928-779-1935. M-Sa 8AM-7PM, Su 9AM-5PM. A good source of outdoor sporting gear.

Babbit’s Backcountry Outfitters, 12 E Aspen Ave, +1 928-774-4775. Winter: M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su 10AM-5PM; Summer: M-Sa 9AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM. Stocks a good range of camping gear, and rents out some gear as well.

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, 1520 S Riordan Ranch St (Varsity Shopping Center, +1 928-774-0005. Daily 9AM-10PM. This Tucson-based used bookstore chain also carries used CDs, DVDs, video games, etc. There is an onsite café, electric vehicle charging station, and free Wi-Fi, and pets are welcome in the store.

Flagstaff Mall & The Marketplace, 4605 N Highway 89 F-36, +1 928-526-4827. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM; restaurant and department store hrs vary. Anchored by Sears, JCPenney, and Dillard's.

Starrlight Books, 15 N Leroux St, +1 928-774-6813. An independent used bookshop.

• August Moon, 1300 S Milton Rd, +1 928-774-5280. M-Sa 11AM-9PM. No frills, but excellent Chinese food and friendly service. Delivery too.
• Dara Thai Restaurant, 14 S San Francisco St, +1 928-774-0047. Downtown, centrally located serving decent Thai food. Get a seat by the window and view San Francisco Street while you dine. Takeout available.
• Hunan East, 1926 N 4th St #8 (East Side. Su-Th 11AM-8:45PM, F-Sa 11AM-9PM. Great Chinese food in a casual atmosphere. Takeout available.
• Little Thai Kitchen, 1051 S Milton Rd, +1 928-226-9422. A Thai restaurant popular with locals.
• Pato Thai, 104 N San Francisco St, +1 928-213-1825. Downtown, another popular one with locals.

August Moon, 1300 S Milton Rd, +1 928-774-5280. M-Sa 11AM-9PM. No frills, but excellent Chinese food and friendly service. Delivery too.

Dara Thai Restaurant, 14 S San Francisco St, +1 928-774-0047. Downtown, centrally located serving decent Thai food. Get a seat by the window and view San Francisco Street while you dine. Takeout available.

Hunan East, 1926 N 4th St #8 (East Side. Su-Th 11AM-8:45PM, F-Sa 11AM-9PM. Great Chinese food in a casual atmosphere. Takeout available.

Little Thai Kitchen, 1051 S Milton Rd, +1 928-226-9422. A Thai restaurant popular with locals.

Pato Thai, 104 N San Francisco St, +1 928-213-1825. Downtown, another popular one with locals.

• Fratelli Pizza, 119 W Phoenix Ave; 2120 N 4th St, +1 928-774-9700 (Phx Ave location). A pizza place that is well-loved by the locals. They have cheese, pepperoni, and pesto slices, and many specialty pies. Their pizza is hand-tossed, thin crust, brick oven pizza, like what is found back east.
• New Jersey Pizza Company, 2224 E Cedar Ave #6, +1 928-774-5000. Daily 4PM-9PM. Excellent choice for those looking for an all organic menu or more exotic options than the typical pizza restaurant offers.
• NiMarcos Pizza, 101 S Beaver St, +1 928-779-2691. Locally owned and operated in Flagstaff for years, NiMarcos offers semi-thick crust pizza, salads and soft-serve ice cream. Go in and order your own pie or just buy a slice. Local favorite.
• Oregano's Pizza Bistro, 605 Riordan Rd, +1 928-773-8600. Daily 11AM-9PM. Fantastic Chicago-style pizza with a great throw-back atmosphere.
• Pizzicletta, 203 W Phoenix Ave (Off milton road near route 66, +1 928-774-3242. Su-Th 5PM-9PM, F-Sa 5PM-10PM. A Neapolitan style pizza place with house made gelato. Takeout available. You can sit next door at Mother Road Brewery and order from Pizzicleta next door. $11-15 per pie.

Fratelli Pizza, 119 W Phoenix Ave; 2120 N 4th St, +1 928-774-9700 (Phx Ave location). A pizza place that is well-loved by the locals. They have cheese, pepperoni, and pesto slices, and many specialty pies. Their pizza is hand-tossed, thin crust, brick oven pizza, like what is found back east.

New Jersey Pizza Company, 2224 E Cedar Ave #6, +1 928-774-5000. Daily 4PM-9PM. Excellent choice for those looking for an all organic menu or more exotic options than the typical pizza restaurant offers.

NiMarcos Pizza, 101 S Beaver St, +1 928-779-2691. Locally owned and operated in Flagstaff for years, NiMarcos offers semi-thick crust pizza, salads and soft-serve ice cream. Go in and order your own pie or just buy a slice. Local favorite.

Oregano's Pizza Bistro, 605 Riordan Rd, +1 928-773-8600. Daily 11AM-9PM. Fantastic Chicago-style pizza with a great throw-back atmosphere.

Pizzicletta, 203 W Phoenix Ave (Off milton road near route 66, +1 928-774-3242. Su-Th 5PM-9PM, F-Sa 5PM-10PM. A Neapolitan style pizza place with house made gelato. Takeout available. You can sit next door at Mother Road Brewery and order from Pizzicleta next door. $11-15 per pie.

• Casa Bonita, 1551 S Milton Rd (by Wendy's, +1 928-773-0065. Su-W 11AM-10PM, Th-F 11AM-11PM. Has great Mexican food and a great bar menu with afforable prices, though more expensive than some of the other local restaurants. A good family spot, but lacks authentic flavor.
• El Charro Cafe, 409 S San Francisco St, +1 928-779-0552. Located between the campus of Northern Arizona University and the downtown area, this an authentic Mexican food restaurant. The nachos are actually crisp and the enchilada sauce tastes how it should! Very affordable and very genuine.
• Kachina Restaurant, 522 E Rte 66, +1 928-779-1944. M 10AM-8PM, T-Th 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM. Located on the eastern fringe of downtown, yet another great locally owned Mexican restaurant.
• La Fonda Mexican Restaurant, 1900 N 2nd St (East Side, +1 928-779-0296. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 10AM-8PM. Same location since the 50s, this a well-loved Mexican restaurant with great salsa and authentic dishes. Is busy most times so expect to wait to be seated.
• MartAnne's Cafe, 10 N San Francisco St, +1 928-773-4701. M-Sa 7:30AM-2:30PM. Mexican breakfast/brunch. Awesome food, huge portions at fairly reasonable prices. Cash only.

Casa Bonita, 1551 S Milton Rd (by Wendy's, +1 928-773-0065. Su-W 11AM-10PM, Th-F 11AM-11PM. Has great Mexican food and a great bar menu with afforable prices, though more expensive than some of the other local restaurants. A good family spot, but lacks authentic flavor.

El Charro Cafe, 409 S San Francisco St, +1 928-779-0552. Located between the campus of Northern Arizona University and the downtown area, this an authentic Mexican food restaurant. The nachos are actually crisp and the enchilada sauce tastes how it should! Very affordable and very genuine.

Kachina Restaurant, 522 E Rte 66, +1 928-779-1944. M 10AM-8PM, T-Th 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM. Located on the eastern fringe of downtown, yet another great locally owned Mexican restaurant.

La Fonda Mexican Restaurant, 1900 N 2nd St (East Side, +1 928-779-0296. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 10AM-8PM. Same location since the 50s, this a well-loved Mexican restaurant with great salsa and authentic dishes. Is busy most times so expect to wait to be seated.

MartAnne's Cafe, 10 N San Francisco St, +1 928-773-4701. M-Sa 7:30AM-2:30PM. Mexican breakfast/brunch. Awesome food, huge portions at fairly reasonable prices. Cash only.

• Bigfoot BBQ, 120 N Leroux St (in basement of Old Town Shops, +1 928-226-1677. This is the place to go if you have a hankering for a pulled pork sandwich or a batch of fried okra. They even serve gourmet hotdogs. Owned by a Georgia native turned Flagstaff resident, you won't want to miss out on this!
• Brandy's Restaurant & Bakery, 1500 E Cedar Ave #40 (Midtown Shopping Center, +1 928-779-2187. Daily 6:30AM-3PM. Breakfast features quiche of the day, seven grain French toast, specialty egg dishes, homemade pastries and many other quality items. Lunch features tons of tasty sandwiches and burgers. Dinner is slightly more upscale but definitely affordable ($10-$15 a plate) and features the wonderful creations of Chef Sherman Johnson. Tequila Lime Chicken and Garlic Stuffed Pork just to name a couple. Dinner is only served Tuesday thru Saturday. Breakfast served until 2:30PM on Sunday.
• Buster's Restaurant & Bar, 1800 S Milton Rd, +1 928-774-5155. Daily 11AM-10PM. Casual fine dining with decent food. A good place, but may be a disappointment for those expecting the spectacular.
• Charly's Pub & Grill, 23 N Leroux St (Weatherford Hotel, +1 928-779-1919. Daily 8AM-10PM. Live blues music in the evening.
• Diablo Burger, 120 N Leroux St #112 (an oddly shaped circular building next to an Italian restaurant with outdoor seating, +1 928-774-3274. M-W 11AM-9PM, Th-Sa 11AM-11PM. Although tricky to find and seating is rather limited, this place is one of those extraordinarily rewarding discoveries for the persistent traveler. Their burgers ($8-10) are made from range-raised beef from a ranch just north of Flagstaff, served on an English muffin with a boatload of Belgian-style fries. In fact, all of their ingredients are from local businesses whenever possible. They also offer a handful of good regional beers. Their commitment to doing good by staying local even extends to their billing practices: they don't accept credit cards. Bring cash - you'll be glad you did!
• Horsemen Lodge, 8500 Hwy 89 (3.5 miles north of Flagstaff Mall, +1 928-526-2655. Open for dinner with a great salad bar. The place to go for a nice, tender steak! Decorated with a authentic ranch style atmosphere.
• Macy's European Coffeehouse, 14 Beaver St (south side of the tracks, +1 928-774-2243. They roast their own coffee and have lots of vegan foodstuffs. A favorite amongst the hippies.
• Western Gold Steakhouse, 2515 E Butler Ave (in the Little America Hotel, +1 928-779-7979. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Western Gold Steakhouse is one of Flagstaff's most popular dining choices, American cuisine.

Bigfoot BBQ, 120 N Leroux St (in basement of Old Town Shops, +1 928-226-1677. This is the place to go if you have a hankering for a pulled pork sandwich or a batch of fried okra. They even serve gourmet hotdogs. Owned by a Georgia native turned Flagstaff resident, you won't want to miss out on this!

Brandy's Restaurant & Bakery, 1500 E Cedar Ave #40 (Midtown Shopping Center, +1 928-779-2187. Daily 6:30AM-3PM. Breakfast features quiche of the day, seven grain French toast, specialty egg dishes, homemade pastries and many other quality items. Lunch features tons of tasty sandwiches and burgers. Dinner is slightly more upscale but definitely affordable ($10-$15 a plate) and features the wonderful creations of Chef Sherman Johnson. Tequila Lime Chicken and Garlic Stuffed Pork just to name a couple. Dinner is only served Tuesday thru Saturday. Breakfast served until 2:30PM on Sunday.

Buster's Restaurant & Bar, 1800 S Milton Rd, +1 928-774-5155. Daily 11AM-10PM. Casual fine dining with decent food. A good place, but may be a disappointment for those expecting the spectacular.

Charly's Pub & Grill, 23 N Leroux St (Weatherford Hotel, +1 928-779-1919. Daily 8AM-10PM. Live blues music in the evening.

Diablo Burger, 120 N Leroux St #112 (an oddly shaped circular building next to an Italian restaurant with outdoor seating, +1 928-774-3274. M-W 11AM-9PM, Th-Sa 11AM-11PM. Although tricky to find and seating is rather limited, this place is one of those extraordinarily rewarding discoveries for the persistent traveler. Their burgers ($8-10) are made from range-raised beef from a ranch just north of Flagstaff, served on an English muffin with a boatload of Belgian-style fries. In fact, all of their ingredients are from local businesses whenever possible. They also offer a handful of good regional beers. Their commitment to doing good by staying local even extends to their billing practices: they don't accept credit cards. Bring cash - you'll be glad you did!

Horsemen Lodge, 8500 Hwy 89 (3.5 miles north of Flagstaff Mall, +1 928-526-2655. Open for dinner with a great salad bar. The place to go for a nice, tender steak! Decorated with a authentic ranch style atmosphere.

Macy's European Coffeehouse, 14 Beaver St (south side of the tracks, +1 928-774-2243. They roast their own coffee and have lots of vegan foodstuffs. A favorite amongst the hippies.

Western Gold Steakhouse, 2515 E Butler Ave (in the Little America Hotel, +1 928-779-7979. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Western Gold Steakhouse is one of Flagstaff's most popular dining choices, American cuisine.

• Fry's, 201 N Switzer Canyon Dr, +1 928-774-2719. Daily 5:30AM-midnight. Has a full-service hot and cold deli, and onsite pharmacy.

Fry's, 201 N Switzer Canyon Dr, +1 928-774-2719. Daily 5:30AM-midnight. Has a full-service hot and cold deli, and onsite pharmacy.

For beer fans, Flagstaff boasts several brewpubs and microbreweries.

• Altitude's Bar & Grill, 2 Beaver St #200, +1 928-214-8218. Daily 11AM-10PM. Relaxed atmosphere, great outdoor seating and a cozy fireplace inside for the winter months. Live music.
• Beaver Street Brewery, 11 S Beaver St, +1 928-779-0079. Restaurant: S-Th 11AM-11PM, F-Sa 11AM-12PM; Brewpub: S-W 11AM-1AM, Th-Sa 11AM-2AM. Brewpub. Serves up a wide range of their own beers, as well as a good selection of reasonably priced and tasty German-style pub grub (sausages, mashed potatoes and the like).
• Flagstaff Brewing Company, 16 E Rt 66, +1 928-773-1442. Daily 11AM-2AM. Brewpub serving ales, pub food, and a good selection of whiskeys.
• Historic Barrel+Bottle House, 110 S San Francisco St, +1 928-774-0454. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight. The popular brewpub serves locally-crafted and imported beers, and pub food.
• Lumberyard Brewing Company, 5 S San Francisco St, +1 928-779-2739. S-Tu 11AM-11PM, W-Sa 11AM-2AM. A brewery/restaurant with outdoor area. Has good food and great beer. They have square-dancing nights one day a week.
• Mother Road Brewing Company, 7 South Mikes Pike St. (Corner of W Phoenix Ave and South Mikes Pike St., +1 928 774-9139. M-Th 2PM-9PM, F-Sa 12PM-10PM, Su 12PM-9PM. Really, really good craft brews with friendly service. Pizzicletta handles the food menu. $4-6 for a pint.
• The Museum Club, 3404 E Rte 66, +1 928-440-5214. This historic log-built roadhouse opened in 1939, and has hosted the likes of Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Known primarily for live country music.
• Tiffany Tree Lounge, 2515 E Butler Ave (in the Little America Hotel, +1 928-779-7979. Shares a common area with Western Gold Restaurant (see listing above).

Altitude's Bar & Grill, 2 Beaver St #200, +1 928-214-8218. Daily 11AM-10PM. Relaxed atmosphere, great outdoor seating and a cozy fireplace inside for the winter months. Live music.

Beaver Street Brewery, 11 S Beaver St, +1 928-779-0079. Restaurant: S-Th 11AM-11PM, F-Sa 11AM-12PM; Brewpub: S-W 11AM-1AM, Th-Sa 11AM-2AM. Brewpub. Serves up a wide range of their own beers, as well as a good selection of reasonably priced and tasty German-style pub grub (sausages, mashed potatoes and the like).

Flagstaff Brewing Company, 16 E Rt 66, +1 928-773-1442. Daily 11AM-2AM. Brewpub serving ales, pub food, and a good selection of whiskeys.

Historic Barrel+Bottle House, 110 S San Francisco St, +1 928-774-0454. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight. The popular brewpub serves locally-crafted and imported beers, and pub food.

Lumberyard Brewing Company, 5 S San Francisco St, +1 928-779-2739. S-Tu 11AM-11PM, W-Sa 11AM-2AM. A brewery/restaurant with outdoor area. Has good food and great beer. They have square-dancing nights one day a week.

Mother Road Brewing Company, 7 South Mikes Pike St. (Corner of W Phoenix Ave and South Mikes Pike St., +1 928 774-9139. M-Th 2PM-9PM, F-Sa 12PM-10PM, Su 12PM-9PM. Really, really good craft brews with friendly service. Pizzicletta handles the food menu. $4-6 for a pint.

The Museum Club, 3404 E Rte 66, +1 928-440-5214. This historic log-built roadhouse opened in 1939, and has hosted the likes of Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Known primarily for live country music.

Tiffany Tree Lounge, 2515 E Butler Ave (in the Little America Hotel, +1 928-779-7979. Shares a common area with Western Gold Restaurant (see listing above).

Although Flagstaff is well within the southern half of U.S., it receives more snowfall than just about any other American city. Always come prepared in wintertime.

There is not a huge crime problem, but certain areas noted below should be avoided, mainly at night.

Sunnyside, one of Flagstaff's larger neighborhoods, is on the east side of town (bordered by Cedar Ave. on the north, 4th St. on the east, Izabel St. and Cedar Hill on the west and Route 66 on the south). Sunnyside is an incredibly diverse and interesting neighborhood but is also one of the most poverty stricken neighborhoods in the city. Most points of interest are restaurants located on the edge of the neighborhood in the business districts which are generally safe any time of day. The area has been inflicted with some gang activity, mostly in the very center of the neighborhood. Just don't walk the neighborhood at night or hang out in an area that seems unsafe.

The other area that becomes unsafe at night is some areas of what locals call the "South Side". South of the railroad tracks, west of Lone Tree Road, east of Milton and north of the NAU campus is the general designation of this area. The exception being most of the areas along South Beaver St. and South San Francisco St., which are safe even at night because the night-time music, restaurant and bar scene that takes place along these streets. Areas closer to campus and on side streets such as South O'Leary and South Fontaine should be avoided at night. Though a lot of college students inhabit the area, drug addicts and transients do also, along with some gang activity.

• Flagstaff Public Library, 300 W Aspen Ave, +1 928-213-2330. M-Th 10AM-9PM, F 10AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM. Public computers available. 30 minutes of wi-fi is available to visitors with valid ID; additional online access can be purchased.
• East Flagstaff Community Library, 3000 N 4th St #5, +1 928-213-2348. M-Th 9AM-9PM, F 9AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-1PM, Su 1PM-5PM. Public computers available. 30 minutes of wi-fi is available to visitors with valid ID; additional online access can be purchased.

Flagstaff Public Library, 300 W Aspen Ave, +1 928-213-2330. M-Th 10AM-9PM, F 10AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM. Public computers available. 30 minutes of wi-fi is available to visitors with valid ID; additional online access can be purchased.

East Flagstaff Community Library, 3000 N 4th St #5, +1 928-213-2348. M-Th 9AM-9PM, F 9AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-1PM, Su 1PM-5PM. Public computers available. 30 minutes of wi-fi is available to visitors with valid ID; additional online access can be purchased.

• Arizona Daily Sun. Daily newspaper, also available in print.
• Flagstaff 365. Has comprehensive listings for events in the Flagstaff area.

Arizona Daily Sun. Daily newspaper, also available in print.

Flagstaff 365. Has comprehensive listings for events in the Flagstaff area.

An unusual number of national parks and monuments are close to Flagstaff, the largest and most famous of which is the Grand Canyon, but there are three right nearby. Note that there is a $25 Flagstaff Area National Monuments Annual Pass which works for all three monuments, and covers entrance fees for up to four people—this may be cheaper for groups visiting multiple sites.

• Walnut Canyon National Monument, +1 928-526-3367. Nov-Apr daily 9AM-5PM, May-Oct daily 8AM-5PM. Contains a number of Native American cliff dwellings built in a narrow canyon. Two trails allow good views of the ruins and the canyon. $5, good for 7 days; Park Pass applies.
• Wupatki National Monument, +1 928-679-2365. Daily 9AM-5PM, closed Dec 25. Contains a collection of Native American ruins scattered along a circular drive that also passes by Sunset Crater (an extinct volcano). Probably some of the finest outside of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. Plan on spending most of the day on this loop drive. $5, good for 7 days at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments; Park Pass applies.
• Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, +1 928-526-0502. Nov-Apr daily 9AM-5PM, May-Oct daily 8AM-5PM. At the southern end of the loop drive that connects it to Wupatki National Monument, this monument contains a relatively new volcano. The main eruption around 1064 C.E. built most of the cinder cone, with the last eruption in 1260 C.E. adding the spectacular to the cone's top. $5, good for 7 days at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments; Park Pass applies.

The Grand Canyon is just a short drive further, as is Navajo Country. Alternatively, head north to see Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. The detour through Sedona on the way South to Phoenix offers a scenic route west of the freeway.

Walnut Canyon National Monument, +1 928-526-3367. Nov-Apr daily 9AM-5PM, May-Oct daily 8AM-5PM. Contains a number of Native American cliff dwellings built in a narrow canyon. Two trails allow good views of the ruins and the canyon. $5, good for 7 days; Park Pass applies.

Wupatki National Monument, +1 928-679-2365. Daily 9AM-5PM, closed Dec 25. Contains a collection of Native American ruins scattered along a circular drive that also passes by Sunset Crater (an extinct volcano). Probably some of the finest outside of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. Plan on spending most of the day on this loop drive. $5, good for 7 days at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments; Park Pass applies.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, +1 928-526-0502. Nov-Apr daily 9AM-5PM, May-Oct daily 8AM-5PM. At the southern end of the loop drive that connects it to Wupatki National Monument, this monument contains a relatively new volcano. The main eruption around 1064 C.E. built most of the cinder cone, with the last eruption in 1260 C.E. adding the spectacular to the cone's top. $5, good for 7 days at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments; Park Pass applies.