Flagstaff Arizona Hotels - City Information

I-40 runs east to west across northern Arizona, with Flagstaff right in the middle. The city is medium-sized, with a metro area population of about 135,000. One of the largest draws to Flagstaff is its proximity to the Grand Canyon, just 80 miles to the city’s north, making one of the Flagstaff AZ hotels a great home base for your visit.

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) serves as the regional airport, and U.S. Airways offers flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with many connecting flights. Plenty of visitors drive to Flagstaff, making the city part of a whirlwind tour of the U.S. west, but there is also public bus service available, provided by Mountain Line.

Downtown Flagstaff is certainly historic, evidenced by native rock and brick construction. You might enjoy taking a self-guided walking tour of this district – pop into the Visitor Center in the Historic Train Station on old Route 66 for a map. Be sure to see the Orpheum Theater, a hundred years old and still in operation (with a little renovation, of course!)  Heritage Square, an outdoor amphitheater and plaza, brings live concerts and community events to downtown; First Friday Art Walks are also popular for exploring downtown galleries, filled with local art works.  

Flagstaff is home to Northern Arizona University’s primary campus; the Lumberjacks compete in NCAA Division 1 athletics, including football games which are held at NAU Walkup Skydome. The NFL Arizona Cardinals also utilize this venue for their preseason training camp, open to the public each summer. Ardrey Auditorium is the University’s performing arts theater; you can see Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra performances here.

One of Flagstaff’s best attractions is the Museum of Northern Arizona, which preserves over 5 million Native American artifacts and more than 40 buildings, some of which have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum also hosts popular annual Festivals of Arts and Culture, celebrating the Zuni in May, the Hopi in July and the Navajo in August. These are excellent shopping opportunities for really great art treasures.

Flagstaff enjoys four seasons with primarily mild weather conditions, and the mix of elevations and clear air invites outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument are both located just northeast of Flagstaff, with the highest point in Arizona, Humphreys Peak in Kachina Peaks Wilderness, about 12 miles to Sunset Crater’s west. Arizona Snowbowl, a popular ski resort, is also found north of the city. Besides great snow skiing, Snowball features the Scenic Skyride which offers spectacular views of the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff; hiking trails for all abilities are offered, too. Take advantage of the crystal clear skies by visiting Lowell Observatory, on the western outskirts of Flagstaff, to explore vast galaxies with the exciting Discovery Channel Telescope.

Fort Tuthill County Park offers over 400 acres just south of Flagstaff, a great locale for getting back to nature on its 6.5 miles of biking, hiking and horse riding trails. The park hosts the annual Coconino Country Fair in September, with carnival rides, fair food, 4-H exhibits and large concerts. You will also find over 50 miles of trails for walking and bicycling in and about the city, called the Flagstaff Urban Trails System.

Sedona, Arizona is just thirty miles to the south, perfect for a day trip. Sedona is known for its art galleries, beautiful Red Rock Country, and as a spiritual center.

Grand Canyon National Park, as earlier mentioned, brings many visitors to Flagstaff. This World Wonder is visually stunning and a virtual outdoor playground for visitors. Many people spend more than a week exploring the park, and return year after year. Why don’t you plan to spend a little vacation time in Flagstaff this visit?  You will not regret it!