Flagstaff is a four-season town, and each season offers an array of activities for the recreation-minded. There’s camping in the summer, skiing in the winter, and while hiking in the spring and fall, you can enjoy fields of wildflowers or the vista of changing foliage.

Many residential properties back up to the Coconino National Forest and include public trail access points. Many are along the Flagstaff Urban Trail System, 50 miles of interconnecting trails that wind through Flagstaff. The trails have varying degrees of difficulty to suit all tastes and hikers; horseback riders and mountain bikers often can start their outdoor experience not far from their front doors.

The city and county provide many other recreational venues. The Flagstaff Aquaplex houses a large leisure pool complete with slides and fountains, and three-lane lap pool; a regulation-sized, multi-activity gymnasium; walking and running tracks; and a two-story climbing wall. The city also provides about 30 pocket, neighborhood, community and regional parks. Most of the parks feature children’s activity areas. Two parks, Thorpe and Bushmaster, have “bark parks,” specially gated areas where dogs are allowed off their leashes. Amenities at the city parks include tennis, racquetball, volleyball and basketball courts, baseball, softball and soccer fields, and horseshoe pits. Skate tracks are available at Foxglenn and Bushmaster parks. The city also has a BMX (bicycle motocross)-exclusive park, “The Basin,” on West Street. Picnic ramadas can be rented for gatherings at several of the parks. The county’s Fort Tuthill complex, which hosts the annual County Fair on Labor Day Weekend, includes trails and an amphitheater.

Agassiz at Arizona Snowbowl is considered one of the most advanced ski runs in the Southwest and is one of 40 runs, ranging from beginner to expert, at our ski resort, which is celebrating its 75th year in 2013. Recently began snowmaking at the mountain ensures a consistent ski season regardless of the weather. During the summer, you can still enjoy the Arizona Snowbowl by hopping on its Scenic Skyride to 11,500 feet. Views of both downtown Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon can be seen on the summer ride. At the top of the chairlift, take time to walk around the mountain before riding back to the lodge. You can reach Arizona Snowbowl at (928) 779-1951.

If you are a cross-country skiing or snowshoeing enthusiast, the Flagstaff Nordic Center is very popular with both local residents and visitors. It offers year-round camping in huts and “yurts” – portable, circular tents with bent wood frames. You can enjoy nighttime skiing or snowshoeing under the moon and stars on the facility’s 40 kilometers of trails on Friday nights or anytime if you are a season passholder. Find out more at (928) 220-0550.

For general snowplay, you can go to Wing Mountain out on Highway 180. For up-to-date information on conditions, call (602) 923-3555.

There are four private golf courses and one public course in Flagstaff. The Continental Country Club Elden Hill Golf Course is open to the public, while its Aspen Valley course is private. Both offer 18 holes, clubhouse facilities and pro shops.

South of Flagstaff on 89A is Forest Highlands, a private golf community with two 18-hole courses; two clubhouses; tennis, outdoor pool, volleyball and basketball courts; and a year-round health and fitness center. Forest Highlands Canyon course, created by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, has been ranked among the top 100 courses in the world by Golf Magazine, and Golf Digest rated it as the No. 1 private course in Arizona. The Meadow Golf Course, also designed by Weiskopf, is a more traditional, park-like walking course and is rated No. 8 by Golf Digest.

The Jay Morrish signature course at the Pine Canyon Club features numerous ponds and trout-stocked lakes. A par 72 that plays to 7,223 yards from the back tees, the strength of the course is arguably its versatility. A minimum of six tees at every hole accommodate players of all ability. It supports a robust year-round and seasonal residential community with an outdoor pool area and numerous other amenities.

Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club stretches across 454 acres and golf takes center stage. Designed by U.S. Open Champion Jerry Pate, this 7,160 yard championship course takes full advantage of the beauty of its setting. The par 71 course winds gracefully through the community, providing dramatic elevation changes and equally dramatic vistas.

But if your idea of golf involves a Frisbee® and not a nine iron, Flagstaff can accommodate you. The city has numerous disc golf courses. For a list and locations, www.flagstaffdiscgolf.org.

At the nearby lakes, most notably Lake Mary, you can boat, fish, water ski and jet ski. The National Forest Service publishes guides that give information on regulations governing use, available facilities and licenses required. A weekly fishing report is provided by the Arizona Game & Fish Department, which is also the local resource for hunting requirements and information. (928) 774-5045 or www.azgfd.gov.

Numerous species of wildlife live in and around the Flagstaff area. Take short drives outside of the Flagstaff area on the highways at dawn or dusk to search out animals. To look for elk drive down Lake Mary Road toward Mormon Lake or take I-17 to Kachina Village; the meadow on the right is a favorite spot in the summer. Drive Highway 180 between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon to spot deer and elk. Other types of wildlife thrive in our forests, including fox, coyote, mountain lion and bear, and are occasionally spotted on Mount Elden or the San Francisco Peaks. Remember to take your camera, drive slowly, pull off of the road if you decide to stop and please don’t approach or aggravate the animals, they are wild and their actions may be dangerous. Information is available through Arizona Game and Fish at (928) 774-5045.

If you would like guaranteed animal sightings, there are several nearby attractions that can offer you animals ranging from deer to bears to wild cats. At the Grand Canyon Deer Farm petting zoo, 25 miles west of Flagstaff on I-40, visitors of all ages are able to pet and feed different species of deer and view a number of different animals. Please call (928) 635-4073 or (800) 926-DEER for hours and rates. Close by at Bearizona, there are bison, black bear, wolves and other animals you can view from the safety of your vehicle. There is also an extensive walk through section including a Bear “kindergarten” of young cubs. You can reach Bearizona at (928) 635-2289. About 45 minutes south of town is Out of Africa Wildlife Park, where you can see tigers and lions being fed and actually offer treats to giraffes yourself on the African Bush Safari. (928) 567-2840.

Horseback riding in the summer is an additional way you can enjoy the beauty of the forest and possibly catch a glimpse of wildlife. Check out Hitchin Post Stables, (928) 774-1719 or hitchinpoststables.com.

Camping is a favorite pastime year-round at private campground/RV Parks. Most of the outlying public campgrounds close on a seasonal basis. For listings contact the Peaks Ranger District at (928) 526-0866 or see the Chamber Camping/RV guide on page 25.

With small and large game roaming the forests of Northern Arizona, hunting is a favorite activity of many residents and visitors. Hunting is under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, (928) 774-5045, so check with the office before going off in search of squirrel, turkey, dove, bear, deer and elk.

For those wanting more adventure in the wild, a whitewater rafting or kayaking trip on the Colorado River should be considered. Because of our proximity to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is the go-to city for whitewater rafting, with several outfitters in town. Options include one-day to 21-day trips that are easy floats or encounter class IV rapids. Some trips are specifically designed for the physically challenged. Listings of outfitters are available at the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, (928) 774-4505.

If you enjoy adventure out of the water, Flagstaff’s mountains offer challenging terrain for rock climbers and rappellers. The area’s recommended climbing site is near Walnut Canyon off Lake Mary Road near Canyon Vista campground. Obtain directions from the Coconino National Forest at (928) 526-0866. For names of experienced mountain and rock climbing guides, call the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, (928) 774-4505, or the Visitor Center, (928) 774-9541 or (800) 842-7293. Indoor rock climbing is also available at Vertical Relief, 205 S. San Francisco Street, (928) 556-9909.

For a complete look at recreation opportunities in Flagstaff, including coupons for recreation and tour companies, visit www.flagstaffchamber.com.

The city’s Historic Downtown is one of Flagstaff’s biggest tourism draws. A bustling area chock filled with fine shopping, dining and exploring is definitely worth a visit. Come to the Flagstaff Chamber for our detailed map of the many businesses jammed into a four-square block area and its adjacent neighborhood, Southside. For a trip back in time, you can visit the Hotel Weatherford and the Hotel Monte Vista, both beautifully restored historic hostelries. At the center of it all is Heritage Square, which during the summer is not only a great place for socializing, but an outdoor movie theater and a concert venue. You can check out the schedule of events atwww.heritagesquaretrust.org.

Known as an astronomy and geology hotbed, Flagstaff is home to several stellar attractions including Lowell Observatory, one mile directly west of downtown Flagstaff on Mars Hill. Founded in 1894, making it one of the oldest observatories in the U.S., Lowell is where the first evidence of the expanding Universe was gathered in 1912, where Pluto was discovered in 1930, and where the Moon was mapped in the 1960s for the Apollo program. Lowell is also home to the Discovery Channel Telescope, completed in 2012, the fifth largest in the continental U.S. Daytime tours, telescope viewing, special exhibits and multimedia shows are available. For a program schedule, call (928) 233-3211.

The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a research station and environmental education center with gardens for the public to enjoy. For more than 30 years, The Arboretum has been educating visitors and local residents about the native plants and natural history of the region. The 200-acre property features 2,500 species of high-elevation plants and flowers and over 100 species of birds in the area. There are guided nature walks through the gardens, youth programming, seasonal wildlife presentations with rehabilitated native animals, annual events and educational programs. The Arboretum is open May through October and is located four miles south of historic Rt. 66 in West Flagstaff. For more information, call (928) 774-1442 or visit www.thearb.org.

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park includes two almost identical homes built in 1904 by Michael and Timothy Riordan. The homes are connected by a rendezvous room and altogether contain 13,000 square feet of floor space and sit atop Kinlichi Knoll in Flagstaff. The Riordan brothers were members of a prominent Arizona family who played a significant role in the development of Flagstaff and northern Arizona and were involved in lumber, railroads, cattle, banking and politics. The architect for the Riordan homes was Charles Whittlesey, who was also the architect for the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon. azstateparks.com/parks/rima/index.html.

The influence of the southwest and Native American cultures is easily seen in our arts and architecture. Members of the nearby Navajo and Hopi tribes have been trading in Flagstaff for generations, and some of our local galleries have evolved from trading posts of previous centuries.

Most of our southwest history and culture can be found at the Museum of Northern Arizona(MNA), originally founded in 1928 as the repository for Native American artifacts and natural history specimens from the Colorado Plateau. The museum has seven exhibit galleries, interactive activities, storytellers and cultural interpreters.

The MNA has its own nature trail, a pristine habitat with high desert flora and fauna, and also sponsors “Venture Tours” with naturalists, scientists, authors and artists in the Grand Canyon and Four Corner regions. Venture trips can range from researching dinosaur finds with paleontologists to hiking the Grand Canyon rim with geologists. It also has a Discovery Program that provides weekly summer camps for kids, overnight adventures and other events with professional educators to introduce the arts, sciences, culture and history to students of all ages.

Every year the museum holds its “Heritage Program,” which celebrates the arts and cultures of Northern Arizona and the Four Corners region. Four events are held that provide an opportunity to meet Native and regional artists and cultural interpreters. The Annual Zuni, Hopi and Navajo Festivals of Arts and Culture take place throughout the spring and summer, while the Celebraciones de la Gente is usually during the fall. musnaz.org or call (928) 774-5213.

Flagstaff is the closest border town to America’s largest Native American reservation – Navajoland – and both Navajo and Hopi lands are a short drive from the city. Many tribes once inhabited areas around Flagstaff. Walnut Canyon National Monument, 7.5 miles east of Flagstaff off of Interstate 40 exit 204, is the ancient home of the Sinagua Indians. Gain an understanding of the people and their lifestyle by walking through the informative visitor center. You can walk along the rim of the canyon or descend the 240 steps to the ruins of ancient cliff dwellings built into the mountainside. The Canyon is open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. November to April and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May to October. Please call (928) 526-3367 for more information.

Just east of Flagstaff on Highway 89 is the Elden Pueblo. This Pueblo is thought to be 800 years old and is still being excavated. Archaeologists have unearthed hundreds of artifacts providing a glimpse into the lifestyle of the people who once lived there. Guided tours of the site are available. For more information, contact the program manager at (928) 527-3452 or the Peaks Ranger Station at (928) 526-0866.

Continue 15 miles northeast of Flagstaff on Highway 89 and you will come to Sunset Crater/Wupatki National Monuments. Sunset Crater is part of the San Francisco Peaks Volcanic Field. It is the youngest, least-eroded and one of the longest-lived cinder cone volcanoes. Public hiking to the top of the crater is closed due to deterioration, but a variety of paths are still open for visitors to walk along the volcanic rock or take a ranger-guided tour. Follow the 36-mile loop through changing scenery into the Wupatki ruins. These ruins have been well preserved and cared for, offering visitors the opportunity to explore them. The areas around the ruins are still being studied in efforts to discover other historical sites and information. Sunset Crater and the Wupatki National Monument are open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. in the winter and 8 a.m.–5 p.m. in the summer. You can find out more about Flagstaff area national monuments by calling (928) 526-1157.

The result of a violent meteorite impact some 59,000 years ago,Meteor Crater, located 40 miles east of Flagstaff on I-40, reaches a depth of 550 feet. It is considered the world’s best preserved meteor crater site. In addition to tours around the crater and an interactive discovery center, the facility features an Astronaut Hall of Fame. For more information call (928) 289-2362.

The Lava River Cave is a 2/3 of a mile-long lava tube formed roughly 700,000 years ago by molten rock that erupted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie. Ample evidence of how the tube was born is written in the rocks of which it is formed. Small wave-like undulations in the floor are the remains of ripples frozen in the last trickle of molten rock that flowed from the cave. Stone icicles hanging from the ceiling show where a final blast of volcanic heat caused the rock to partially re-liquefy and drip. Dress appropriately when you come to visit, with warm clothes and sturdy shoes. The cave is as cool as 42 degrees even in summer and the rocks are always sharp and slippery. Bring two or three sources of light, in case one happens to fail; it can be very dark one mile from the nearest light source. For general information, call the Peaks Ranger Station at (928) 526-0866.

Other great outdoor places to explore in and around the city include Buffalo Park, Mount Elden, and Old Caves Crater as well as the 50 miles of trails that make up the Flagstaff Urban Trail System.

And, of course, no trip to Flagstaff would be complete without visiting the Grand Canyon, just 80 miles outside the city by car (Highway 180 to Highway 64, or Highway 89 to Highway 64) or by train, via Williams on the Grand Canyon Railway (800-THE-TRAIN). There are also private tour companies that provide transportation services to the canyon.

DAY TRIPPING 
The Navajo & Hopi Reservations Tour. In Flagstaff, head north on Highway 89. A mile or so north of the Flagstaff Mall, turn right on Townsend Winona Road, and head east to Leupp Road (Navajo Route 15). Turn left and head northeast 50 miles to the intersection of State Highway 87. Fifteen miles or so after turning left onto Leupp Road you are on the Navajo Reservation. Watch for the small round buildings, called hogans — the traditional Navajo home. Turn left on Highway 87 and head north for 30 miles to the intersection of State Route 264 at Second Mesa. (You enter Hopi Reservation territory once you pass the village of Seba Delkai.) Turn left and head west, watching for the Hopi Cultural Center (928-734-2401) on the right. Here you will find a museum, food, restrooms, galleries and a shop. Inquire as to which villages are open to tourists, what dances are scheduled and open to the public, and where local Hopi craftsmen and artists may be observed working. Do not attempt to visit any village without first receiving permission at the Cultural Center. Photography is strictly forbidden. After leaving the Cultural Center, head west on SR 264 for 17 miles, returning to the Navajo Reservation. Twenty miles further on, just above the junction of SR264 and U.S. 160 is the town of Tuba City. Visit the Tuba City Trading Post, where you can walk through an authentically furnished Navajo hogan. Take U.S. 160, west to U.S. 89, turn south toward Flagstaff. Total miles: approximately 245. Allow a full day for this trip.

Sunset Crater/Wupatki National Monument. From Flagstaff, follow Highway 89 north approximately 15 miles to the Sunset Crater turnoff, turn right (east) and enter the park (fee required). Here you will find strange rivers of lava from an eruption that occurred 900 years ago, but what looks like could have taken place yesterday. There are numerous trails and viewpoints along the way, but visitors are cautioned to remain on established trails to avoid being injured on the sharp and brittle lava flows. Immediately east of the flows is the impressive and well-formed Sunset Crater, so named by John Wesley Powell for its red-orange hue near its peak.

From Sunset Crater, continue north on the same road to Wupatki National Monument. In this park are several well-preserved Indian pueblo-style ruins, and a unique and rare “ballcourt.” There is a Park Service Station and Interpretive Center, which explains the history and geology of the area. The self-guided trails are easily accessible to visitors for close-up inspection of the sites. From Wupatki, continue on Highway 89, turn left (south) and return to Flagstaff. Total miles: approximately 70. Allow one-half day for this trip.

Grand Canyon Tour. World-famous Grand Canyon is located just 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff. By train: Catch the Grand Canyon Railway at Williams. Daily trips to and from the Grand Canyon on renovated historic steam-engine trains are not only fun and eco-friendly, but are also a good way to avoid traffic delays during peak seasons. By car: Follow Highway 180 north to the junction of Highway 64, then continue north to Tusayan and the park entrance. At Tusayan, you will find helicopter and airplane tours of varying lengths and routes, as well as spectacular Grand Canyon movies and guest concessions. Just north of Tusayan is the park entrance (fee required) and Grand Canyon Village. At the Village, you can visit museums, take self-guided or guided rim walks, or hike down into the Canyon itself via Bright Angel or Kaibab Trails. Hikers should remember that the canyon trails can be quite strenuous, and you should allow twice as much time coming out as going in. Mule pack trips and overnight hike trips are available but require advance reservations. Contact the National Park Service at (928) 638-7888 for details. From Grand Canyon Village, follow Highway 64 toward Cameron. Along this scenic route are numerous rim viewpoints and, as you descend from the Coconino Plateau, spectacular views of the high desert regions of the Navajo Reservation and the Little Colorado Valley. At Cameron, you will find visitor services and Native Americans trading at the Historic Cameron Trading Post.

From Cameron, head south across the reservation on Highway 89 and into the cool Ponderosa pine forest surrounding Flagstaff. Total miles: approximately 185. Allow a full day for this trip.

Meteor Crater/Petrified Forest/Painted Desert Tour. Take I-40 east from Flagstaff to Exit 233 for Meteor Crater. The result of a violent impact some 50,000 years ago, the crater reaches a depth of 550 feet and is among the best-preserved impact craters in the world. The Apollo Astronauts did lunar training here. On-site is an Astronaut’s Hall of Fame, the Museum of Astrogeology and a visitors center. There is an admission fee. Return to I-40, head east 75 miles and exit at #311 to visit the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert. The Painted Desert sightseeing road is five miles long and the Petrified Forest Road is 20 miles long. Admission is required. Both parks have visitor centers and ranger talks and conduct tours. Return to Flagstaff via I-40 west (110 miles). Total miles: 275. Get an early start and allow a full day.

Oak Creek/Red Rock Tour. From Flagstaff, take Highway 89A (located at Airport turnoff, Exit 337, on I-17 south of town) and head south. Approximately 13 miles south, the road leaves the lush pine forests of the high country and twists and turns down through geologic time to the spectacular inner regions of Oak Creek Canyon. The road follows the course of Oak Creek past famous Slide Rock State Park and Indian Gardens, then into the town of Sedona and, just beyond, the Verde Valley. In Sedona you will find numerous shops and galleries in a dramatic red rock setting. Continue southwest on 89A to the town of Jerome. Once a booming mining town, Jerome is now but a ghost of its former being. Perched precariously on the edge of Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Verde Valley, Jerome today is a haven for artists and a living museum to early industrial activity. Returning north on 89A, be sure to visit the well-preserved Indian ruins at Tuzigoot National Monument.

Near Cottonwood, take the Highway 260 cutoff to I-17 and Camp Verde. At Camp Verde you will find the restored U.S. Calvary Fort of Fort Verde State Historical Park and, nearby, the ancient and well-preserved cliffside ruins of Montezuma National Monument.

After Montezuma, return to Flagstaff by following I-17 north. Total miles: approximately 145. Allow a full day for this trip.

CHURCHES 
There are more than 40 places of worship in Flagstaff, representing most faiths.

COMMUNICATIONS 
Arizona Daily Sun is the city’s daily newspaper. There are also several weekly and monthly publications focusing on everything from arts and entertainment to business to campus life at Northern Arizona University.

Additionally, the city boasts of several radio stations with a variety of formats. Northern Arizona University has a television station, and numerous Phoenix-based television stations are available as well.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES 
Flagstaff offers much for both residents and visitors. Local attractions include the Arboretum of Flagstaff, Coconino Center for the Arts, Lowell Observatory, Museum of Northern Arizona, Pioneer Museum and Riordan Mansion State Park.

Recreation opportunities are abundant. The city of Flagstaff maintains about 30 community parks plus recreation facilities and public pools. Coconino County also has several parks, including Fort Tuthill fairgrounds, which hosts the annual County Fair.

The city is the county seat and houses numerous governmental agencies and services. It is a gateway to many of Arizona’s most popular attractions, including the Grand Canyon, Navajo and Hopi Reservations, Lake Powell and Sedona.

OTHER IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS 
Visitor Attractions & Resources 
Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce — (928) 774-4505 
Flagstaff Visitor Center — (800) 842-7293 
Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau — (928) 779-7611 
The Arboretum of Flagstaff — (928) 774-1442
Arizona Snowbowl — (928) 779-1951 
Meteor Crater — (928) 289-2362
Museum of Northern Arizona — (928) 774-5213 
Lowell Observatory — (928) 233-3211

RESIDENTIAL RESOURCES 
Arizona Daily Sun — (928) 774-4545 
Flagstaff/Coconino Public Library — (928) 779-7670 
East Flagstaff Library — (928) 774-8434
Flagstaff Medical Center — (928) 779-3366 
Flagstaff Police Department — (928) 774-1414 
Northern Arizona Association of REALTORS — (928) 779-4303
Pulliam Airport — (928) 556-1234 
Joe C. Montoya Community & Senior Center — (928) 774-1068
U.S. Postal Service — (928) 714-9302

UTILITIES 
APS 
2200 E. Huntington Dr. Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Electric Service — (800) 253-9405

UniSource Energy Services 
2901 W. Shamrell Flagstaff, AZ 86001 
Natural Gas Service — (877) 837-4968

CenturyLink 
Phone & Internet Service — (888) 635-8550

SuddenLink Communications 
1601 S. Plaza Way Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Cable Television & Internet Service — (877) 778-2486

GOVERNMENT SERVICES 
City of Flagstaff 
211 W. Aspen, Flagstaff, AZ 
Main Number — (928) 774-5281 
Water — (928) 779-7637 
Sales Tax, Licensing & Revenue — (928) 213-2250

Coconino County 
219 E. Cherry, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 
Administrative Center — (928) 774-5011 
Health Department — (928) 679-7272
Sheriff’s Department — (928) 774-4523 
Voter Registration — (928) 679-7860

Arizona Department of Transportation 
(Motor Vehicle Division) 
1851 S. Milton Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86001 
Title/License/Registration — (928) 779-7562

Arizona Game & Fish
3500 S. Lake Mary Rd. Flagstaff, AZ 86001 
Main Number — (928) 774-5045

Department of Economic Security 
397 Malpais Ln. Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Job Security — (928) 779-4557

EDUCATION 
Flagstaff Unified School District 
3285 E. Sparrow Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86004 — (928) 527-6000

Coconino Community College 
2800 S. Lone Tree Rd. Flagstaff, AZ 86001 — (928) 527-1222
3000 N. Fourth Street Flagstaff, AZ 86004 — (928) 526-7600

Northern Arizona University 
Main Number — (928) 523-9011

Contributed by David Anderson, Capstone Homes sales consultant/associate broker. Contact David at (928) 606-2316 or danderson@capstonehomesaz.com