Flagstaff: Nature, Dark Skies and History

Flagstaff brings together a variety of travel interests: a citywide trail network, a forest area with opportunities to observe nature, experiences focused on the night sky, and historic sites. The destinations below offer specific ideas for planning your visit.

Trails and Nature in Flagstaff

The Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) is a citywide network of non-motorized trails used for cycling, walking, hiking and running, as well as for recreation and transportation. Flagstaff has about 59 miles of FUTS trails in total. Approximately half are paved, while the other half have a compacted gravel surface. Both the approximate size of the network and its different surfaces are useful details to consider when planning outdoor activities.

The Observatory Mesa Natural Preserve offers a different kind of nature experience. The area encompasses 2,251 acres of natural forest ecosystem and serves as a wildlife corridor for large mammals between the San Francisco Peaks and the Mogollon Rim. Possible activities include hiking, running, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, wildlife watching and nature photography. You can focus on exercise here, or on observing and photographing nature.

Dark Night Skies and Lowell Observatory

Flagstaff was recognized as the world’s first International Dark Sky City on October 24, 2001. Located on Mars Hill in Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory offers year-round programs, interactive exhibits, telescope viewing and experiences beneath a dark night sky. The designation applies to the city; the observatory offers specific visitor experiences focused on astronomy and the night sky. These are distinct but related aspects to consider when planning your trip.

The City’s History in Its Buildings and Places

The Museum of Northern Arizona’s museum building opened in 1936 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. The Railroad Addition Historic District has also been listed on the Register, since 1983. It includes historic buildings associated with travel, commerce and community life from the late 19th century through the 1940s. The two places offer different historical perspectives: one is a museum building with specific opening and listing dates, while the other is a district with buildings spanning several decades.

Riordan Mansion was built in 1904 for the two Riordan families, who operated a sawmill in Flagstaff. If you would like to visit the interiors, note the access requirement: they can only be visited as part of a one-hour guided tour. Check the visitor details before your trip. This makes a visit to the house different from a tour that does not include access to indoor spaces: Walk This Talk is a walking audio tour that honors the original route of Route 66 in Flagstaff along Phoenix Avenue and Mikes Pike.

Planning Your Stay

The Flagstaff Visitor Center is located on Route 66 in the historic downtown train station. There, you can get personalized travel information as well as free travel guides, maps and brochures. This can help you find your way as you plan a trip that includes trails, dark skies and historic sites.

Discover more destinations: Tusayan, Williams, Bellemont, Sedona, Tuba City, Grand Canyon Village, Page

Return to the main travel overview: Coconino.