Flagstaff

Located in Northern Arizona, Flagstaff is perhaps best known as a base from which to explore the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders. However, it is also surrounded by other natural scenery such as the Sunset Crater National Monument and the Wupatki ruins.

The town’s name originates from a tree that was carved into a tall flagpole by members of a scouts group known as the Flagstaff Tea Party, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the United States in 1876.

Besides the natural landscape, the town is famous for being home to the Lowell Observatory, Northern Arizona University, and for the historic Route 66, which stretches from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles, passing through it.

Attractions

The Grand Canyon National Park, possibly the USA’s best known natural attraction, is situated approximately 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff, and is a breathtaking example of arid land erosion; the park area extends to almost 2,000 square mile, including a 277-mile stretch of the Colorado River. It is divided into the southern rim and the less visited northern rim, which is only open from mid-May to mid-October.

Sunset Crater was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions over 900 years ago, and is the youngest volcano in the Colorado Plateau. There is a visitor centre on site and also a one-mile Lava Flow Trail to walk along. The Wupatki National Monument, around 30 miles north of the town, has 800-year-old pueblos that were once home to thousands of inhabitants in the desert. The visitor centre displays exhibits that show how the people farmed and hunted.

In Flagstaff itself, there are a number of places to visit. The Lowell Observatory was founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell, with the Lowell telescope being built in 1896, and is best known for its use in discovering the planet Pluto in 1930.

The Museum of Northern Arizona has exhibits that show off the beauty and diversity of the Colorado Plateau, relating to Native American culture, natural sciences, and fine art. Also worth a visit is Northern Arizona University (NAU), for its range of performing arts, sports events, and art exhibitions.

Shopping

Flagstaff mall offers shoppers a standard range of designer goods. The downtown area has a number of boutiques, department stores, and galleries.

Nightlife and Eating Out

Flagstaff’s restaurants offer a variety of cuisine, including American, French, Italian, Indian, Oriental, and Mexican. Some recommended venues include San Felipe’s Cantina and Salsa Brava for Mexican food, Black Bean Burrito Bar and La Bellavia for traditional American diner food, and Black Bart’s Steakhouse for steak and prime rib, where there is also a daily musical show performed by the Black Bart’s Singers.

The Flagstaff Brewing Company and the Mogollon Brewing Company offer freshly brewed beers in a relaxed pub setting. Remember to bring a form of identification as most places, as is the case throughout the United States, will check for proof of age. Also worth a try are the Rendezvous Coffer House & Martini Bar and Beaver Street Brewery, which is Flagstaff’s first brewpub.

Tourist Information

Flagstaff Visitor Centre1 East Route 66FlagstaffAZ 86001

Tel: +1 928 774 9541Email: cvb@ci.flagstaff.az.usWebsite: www.flagstaffarizona.org

Airport

Flagstaff’s airport is very small and offers some flights to Phoenix, Arizona’s capital and largest city. The best option is to use Phoenix Airport, which has flights to Europe and Asia, as well as to domestic destinations. From Phoenix to Flagstaff the Greyhound bus will take approximately 2 hours.