7 Reasons Why Flagstaff, Arizona Should be More than a Stopover on Your Roadtrip
Flagstaff often pops up in people's travel plans through northern Arizona or towards the Grand Canyon. An original Route 66 destination, it has long played the role of the stopover for tired travelers. But, Flagstaff deserves more than one night. Here's why!
1. The Perfect Base for Northern Arizona
The Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and beautiful Sedona are all less than 2 hours away. And all in different directions. If you're planning to see all three, then you'll keep passing through Flagstaff each time you head to the next destination. Might as well stay in the middle of all three.
2. 7,000ft up!
Elevation helps. While the rest of Arizona and the southwest is heating up in the summer, Flagstaff stays cool in the 80s at night and low 60s at night. That's in August.
3. Breweries
As of 2019, there are 9 breweries in a town of 70,000 residents. That includes standouts like Mother Road Brewing and Dark Sky Brewing. You couldn't possibly hit them all in one night. Or could you?
4. Hiking
Flagstaff is a hiker's paradise. You can go up to the Snow Bowl for trails, Walnut Canyon, or anywhere in the surrounding mountains and forests.
5. Skiing
Didn't think you could ski in the Arizona desert? You can. And it's good skiing. The Snowbowl is less than 30 minutes away and another 5,000ft higher than Flagstaff. It has over 55 trails for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
6. Astronomy
Flagstaff is officially a dark sky city and Pluto was discovered at the Lowell Observatory in the hills above town. Now it's a major astronomical center that offers night tours. On clear nights they'll break out the telescopes and show you the planets and stars.
7. Vibrance
This a young town. Of the 70,000 residents, over 20,000 are students at Northern Arizona University. The median age of Flagstaff is 25.1. That makes me feel real old, but it also means the place is loaded with bars, restaurants, clubs, coffee shops, and there's always a buzz in the air. Walk around and you'll feel it. It's the perfect mix of lumberjack meets hipster. And it works.