Suggestions for Flagstaff, Arizona?

[catbyte]

Hi guys,

I'm going to Flagstaff on December 1 and flying back on the 6th. We're going mainly for some sort of Star Wars art show that my friend is dying to see. This will take up one day, but neither one of us has been there before so I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions about what to do while we're there. We're flying into Phoenix on Sunday, 12/1 and staying there overnight then driving to Flagstaff on Monday. We're staying in Flagstaff until Thursday, then driving back to Phoenix for our return flight on Friday the 6th.

If any of you have any "must-see" suggestions for either Phoenix or Flagstaff, please let me know. Thanks so much!

[LunaSea]

1. Lowell Observatory,

And the Titan Missile Museum, if you get near Tuscon.

[catbyte]

17. Thank you!

[ChazII]

30. Both Lowell Observatory and Sedona. n/t

[atreides1]

2. Here you go!!!

Flagstaff is home to the Lowell Observatory, known for the discovery Pluto. Just outside of Flagstaff are the Lava Tube Caves, Meteor Crater and Walnut Canyon. There are also tours to the Grand Canyon and Sedona.

[Mike 03]

5. Sedona is a spectacular suggestion

There's a lot to do there. It's beautiful and Slide Rock Park is a great place to hang out--probably too cold to swim this time of year. Be sure and check the weather. I'm not that far from Sedona and our temps are about to drop and we'll be getting four days or so of rain and possible snow at higher elevations.

[catbyte]

12. Thanks so much! I didn't realize that Sedona would be on the way.

Thanks so much for your other tips, too. I really appreciate it.

[catbyte]

18. Thanks so much!

They all sound wonderful.

[Mike 03]

3. You'll be about an hour and a half from the Grand Canyon.

That might be out of your way, or you might want to stay in Flag, but just thought I'd mention it.

[JDC]

4. Maybe drive over to Williams. Old Route 66 town

The Grand Canyon is just North of Flagstaff. I'd go there if you've never been. Even if it's just for an hour or two. .

[sweetloukillbot]

6. Sunset Crater and Wupatki Ruins are cool

You’re also not far from Sedona, and the drive down through Oak Creek Canyon is gorgeous.

[catbyte]

16. Thank you!

[sweetloukillbot]

19. One more thing

If you are into wine, there is a stretch of wine country southeast of Sedona, again, about an hour/90 minutes from Flag. And if you are a Tool fan, Maynard Keenan's winery is down there.

[catbyte]

21. That's a great idea. Thanks so much!

[hunter]

40. I'll second that.

https://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wupatki_National_Monument

The blowhole there is amazing when the weather is changing.

[Mike 03]

7. The weather might be fine when you go, but just want to let you know

It's 25 degrees in Flagstaff this morning with snow predicted later in the week. Our weather is volatile this time of year. Some years quite cold, but others, we've been able to go to the park the week before Christmas with just a very light jacket or sweater (I'm midway between Phoenix and Flag).

[Cracklin Charlie]

8. Stop in Sedona on the way north from Phoenix.

It’s stunningly beautiful.

Flagstaff is an hour or so from the Grand Canyon, another good looking place.

Was there a couple years ago for sunrise in Sedona. Happy Trails!

[catbyte]

13. Thank you!

[handmade34]

9. I have only

driven through Flagstaff on my way to the Grand Canyon (a must if you've never been there) I loved working in the Phoenix area and loved going to the Zoo and hiking the trails. I guess I am no help but my daughter is living in Cave Creek right now and you could hang with her... she is one of the best people I know!

[Midnightwalk]

10. Macys restaurant

Good sandwiches. I’m craving an avocado blt right now.

[catbyte]

15. Thanks!

[Bradshaw3]

11. Several but depends on weather

In addition to those mentioned.

If the weather is amenable:
Walnut Creek Canyon National Park outside Flagstaff:
https://www.nps.gov/waca/index.htm

Sedona's Red Rocks are beaituful but it is very touristy although not as much that time of year. If you do stop in Sedona, finish the drive to Flag by going up Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. It is spectacular. I would also recommend Jerome, a former mining town on the side of a mountain turned artist community not far from Sedona. Have to eat at the Haunted Hamburger there for the food and views of the Verde Valley.

Restaurants in Flagstaff:
Grimaldis or Pizzicletta pizza and Satchmos cajun.

Welcome to the area.

[catbyte]

14. Thanks so much! I appreciate the restaurant tips, too.

[sweetloukillbot]

20. Is Mike and Rhonda's still good up there?

Best biscuits and gravy when I was there. The one in Phoenix is still damn good, but I haven't been to the Flag one in probably 15 years.

[Bradshaw3]

24. I haven't been there in a long time either

I have friends in Flag so visit there occasionally but live farther south.

[yellowdogintexas]

35. definitely Jerome if you can squeeze it in

the whole town is built up the side of a high hill/small mountain and all the streets are switchbacked up the side.

Lots of cool shops and eateries.

Also: Tuzigoote National Monument and Montezuma's Castle which are ancient dwellings.

If you have never been to Grand Canyon, do it if weather permits. However if weather gets in the way, Sedona/Jerome is a fun area.

My daughter got married in Sedona and it was beautiful

[Lady Freedom Returns]

22. We're getting snow on the mountains here in Tucson, so...

Take a good coat.

[catbyte]

23. Thanks for the tip. I'm watching the weather closely.

There seems to be quite a temperature change between Phoenix and Flagstaff. Changes in elevation! I remember one of the times I went to Maui in February. I was basking in the sun on the beach but couldn't visit the summit of Haleakala because the road was closed because of a Winter Storm Warning.

[JonLP24]

25. As far as Flagstaff I thought it was boring

Must see is probably historical sites around it or the Grand Canyon.

[denbot]

26. Cruiser's diner, and a few blocks East on the same block there is a Cajun joint that is excellent.

If you got the time (and an extra $80+ burning a hole in your pocket) take the train to the Grand Canyon for a few hours.

[Anon-C]

27. Some great suggestions here. Godspeed and have a great trip.

[jberryhill]

28. You'll pass by Montezuma's Castle on the drive up

An interesting national monument, cared for by your National Park Service.

[sweetloukillbot]

29. Also along the way - Arcosanti

A "city of the future" self-sustaining community. I'm not sure how much it is open for visitors (haven't been since grade school), but it is interesting.
My favorite Flagstaff landmark is Ruff's Liquor right at the curve of Route 66 - big ol' sign saying "Liquor and Guns." There was a song by Uncle Tupelo that I think may have referenced it. Again, dunno if it is still there.

[catbyte]

36. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm hoping the weather will cooperate. It looked okay a few days ago but

now they're talking storms both here and there around the time we're leaving. It's always a crap shoot this time of year, though. That's what travel insurance is for, I guess!

[benld74]

31. Meteor Crater 37 miles east on US40,,,

The Eagles- Winslow, Arizona 40 miles further east.

Of course the Grand Canyon too

[catbyte]

37. Thanks! I thought of Jackson Browne when I saw Winslow. We think alike.

[Juneboarder]

32. Flagstaff is a cool little town, but not much going on there.

I would definitely check out the Grand Canyon for a day. There is also Antelope Canyon to walk through the slot canyon, and Sedona is a really cool place with lots of hiking spots. On your drive to Flagstaff or back to Phoenix, I suggest stopping at Arcosanti, right off the 17 and pick up some bells.

[catbyte]

38. Thanks so much for the suggestions. I hope the weather cooperates & there's not much snow.

[whistler162]

33. Remeber to get your kicks

and don't forget Winona.

[struggle4progress]

34. I'd suggest that Flagstaff move to New Mexico

but since nobody ever listens to my suggestions, I really don't know why I'm even bothering

[Nac Mac Feegle]

39. The Canyon, of course.

As has been said multiple times. But if you have the time, and are in a car, go out the East entrance, and stop by Cameron. The Historic Cameron Trading Post, the stone buildings North of the roundabout, there is a Navajo weaving exhibit aside from the other stuff. If you can, stop for a meal at the restaurant there. i recommend the Navajo Taco, but be hungry, it's large.

At The Canyon, try to go to the Yavapai Point Geology Museum, Hermit's Rest, and the Grandview Point.

Take your camera and plenty of film/digital storage and batteries.

Wear warm clothes and footwear suitable for a bit of walking. The South Rim is approximately 7000 feet above sea level and it's December. It could be cold.

Enjoy yourself, and make sure you take in the beauty.

And watch out for wildlife. There are elk and deer all over The Canyon that you can almost reach out and touch. Don't. Pictures only.