Come to Flagstaff for the epic skiing. Stay for the cozy resorts, local brews, and crystal-clear stargazing.
Flagstaff is a mere twosome of hours northwards on the I-17 from the cactus - breed capital of Phoenix . Home to Northern Arizona University , Flagstaff is an equal portmanteau of college townsfolk and idyllic retirement amongst the Ponderosa Pines . With account date back to the late 1800s , this former hub of Route 66 activity has continually reinvent itself without miss its mountain town appeal . At nearly 7,000 metrical unit natural elevation , Flagstaff is a respite from scorching temps during the summertime . But come wintertime , visitor are draw to the powdery hills of Snowbowl .
Although the drive from Phoenix is easy , it can be plagued with heavy traffic . There is a small regional airdrome with flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor . Flagstaff is also a halt on Amtrak for those who pick out to ride the rails into townsfolk . Ultimately , there ’s no apology to not amount and revel this star of Arizona ’s coolheaded High Country .
Drive time:
2 hours from Phoenix , AZ4 hours from Las Vegas , NV
If you don’t do anything else: Hit up Snowbowl
At the peak of Mount Humphreys , the highest point of the San Francisco Peaks and the Department of State , isArizona Snowbowl . The skiing and snowboarding destination , one of only a couple in the entire 48th state , is situated approximately 20 minutes north of Flagstaff , which makes the city a pure base coterie for a weekend of snow - driven natural action . With a top top of 11,500 feet that can be reach by cosmetic surgery , there are 55 lead for attendees to cut up up that provide every degree of difficulty . The average snowfall is over 200 inch , though it can variegate wildly ; if Mother Nature is n’t playing nicely , the season will still open in November , albeit with valet de chambre - made snow .
Once you ’re finished up on the side , strike up the Basecamp Restaurant to refuel with chili or potato rounds off of the hearty bill of fare . Do n’t feel like driving back to Flagstaff ? Basecamp offers lodgings that set out from family - well-disposed modern hotel elbow room to small cabins with gas stoves .
Fill the weekend with: Outdoors activities in Flagstaff
Flagstaff has a long account with space , being bring up the world ’s first International Dark Sky Place and home to theLowell Observatory , where Pluto was first discover . visitor can determine out the scope that spotted the former 9th major planet as well as two other telescope , an open deck of cards lookout , talks with astronomers , stargazing , and more .
More of a cross country skier than downhill ? Go discipline outArizona Nordic Villageand get your skis on ! About 20 transactions from town , there are 24 miles of lead available to go trek cross country style or shoulder strap on snowshoes to make your way through the snow and stunning scenery . Yurts and cabins are on website to book and run away down for the night .
For the more geologically inclined , tug 20 miles toSunset Crater Volcano National Monument . Almost 1,000 years ago , its violent eruption shaped the entire area and is currently the youngest vent on the Colorado Plateau . There ’s some slap-up hiking to be had but you could also search the 34 land mile loop via car .
Courtesy of Arizona Snowbowl
shopworn of schlepping through the snow ? Make certain to spend some clock time wander through the adorable streets of Flagstaff’sHistoric Downtown . There ’s plenty to keep you use up , between art galleries , vintage grocery store , shops with seasonal commodity , and spots to snaffle a flying bite or drink . Keep an center on the calendar for lots of free amusement events as well .
Eat, drink, and sleep
The best restaurants and bars in Flagstaff
Before a day of winter sports or soak up the sights , start things off with a cup of hot java fromMatador Coffee Roasting Co. The local sire and Logos companionship hire their coffee shop knowledge from Seattle and take it down to the Southwest , providing NAU students well - craft caffeine . Plus , a purchase of a drip coffee provides you free refill all day long . channelise to local legendBun Huggersfor charbroiled burgers , which have been served amongst scarred wood tables and walls oppressed with memorabilia since 1979 . Besides the burgers , everything fried is pleasant-tasting — mushrooms , onion plant ring , and of row , Gallic fries that you may also desire to drench in chilly and cheeseflower .
locate appropriately in one of the last timber buildings from Flagstaff ’s past , Lumberyard Brewing Co.has been brewing and wait on visitant since 2010 . Their award - win class unit of ammunition brew are all named to cite the town ; the Taproom and Grille eating place is in the perfect positioning to snaffle a drink and some food before search the repose of Historic Downtown . Your exploration should take you to the nearbyDark Sky Brewing . The wildly popular company has craft over 750 different recipes over the class and keeps 40 different beers on pat between their Taproom and Beer Garden , the two locations sitting contiguous . snap up one of their award - acquire IPAs or lagers to warm up up against the wintertime frigidness .
For a taste of the Italian custom , go toFat Olivesfor Vera Pizza Napoletana slices . Chef John Conley introduced patrons to his accolade - winning pizza pie over 25 years ago and is one of only a few VPN - certified pizzeria in the state . Their fresh , handcrafted pies with import fixings are Ellen Price Wood - terminate to finish off the authentic tone . If you ’re look for wood - fired ingredients done a different way , head over to theOld Town ShopsforBigfoot BBQ . The basement restaurant fume all their pith in - house using hickory and the tantalizing smells easily permeate the adjoiningBasement Marketplaceshop full of trendy wearable and accessories . you’re able to obtain all the traditional barbecue delights , include a choice of item that are inspired by food at truck plosive in the South .
At dinner time , book a booking atAtriafrom James Beard Semifinalist chef Rochelle Daniel . Her seasonality focused menu showcases all of the fine constituent from Northern Arizona . The eatery ’s luminousness and blowy vibe contrasts well against snow-covered night and hearty homemade pasta and meat - base entrees warm the soul against the cold . If you have the fourth dimension , volume the eight - course of action taste menu .
Where to stay in Flagstaff
Flagstaff is part of the historic Route 66 and a duet of fresh bushel hotels are embrace the nostalgia vibes . High Country Motor Lodgehas taken its former roadside motel property and revive the 123 rooms to have updated yet agrestic accents and astronomic appealingness . It also partner with Snowbowl to provide guests dismiss ski passes . There ’s the Nordic Spa to take advantage of after a solar day on the slopes with a red-hot bath , sweat room , and cold-blooded dip .
Also reopening after an extensive renovation , Americana Motor Hotelis a retro - futurist motor hotel with 89 disingenuous rooms , a yr - round of golf heated pool , fence in “ Barkyard ” with dog slipstream place , a spacious backyard with firepits , and telescope . There ’s even a vintage change of location brochure single-foot in the entrance hall to complete the Route 66 vibraphone .
Accommodations with lodge - style rustic vibraharp that ultimately palpate snug and luxe , Little America Hotelis another bang-up spot . For a really historic hitch , get a way at theHotel Monte Vista , which will celebrate their centesimal anniversary in 2026 . The Historic Downtown spot is rumored to be one of the most haunted billet in the entire state , but it stands to cause after all the change the hotel has been part of over the previous 100 . The longstanding anchor dot of the city is the perfect place to check out all that Downtown has to offer and its layer & breakfast expressive style accommodation make it a intimate position to return to each night .
Courtesy of Arizona Snowbowl
Courtesy of Lowell Observatory
Courtesy of Atria
Hotel Monte Vista is the perfect Flagstaff Base Camp.|Matt Baxter / unsplash
