St. George to Flagstaff

Flagstaff's walkable downtown follows the original Route 66 alignment through blocks of historic brick buildings housing breweries, restaurants, vintage shops, and galleries. The neon signs and retro motels evoke the Mother Road's golden era.

The historic observatory where Pluto was discovered in 1930. Evening programs let visitors peer through telescopes at planets, galaxies, and star clusters. Daytime solar viewing and interactive exhibits make it educational for all ages.

One of Arizona's oldest craft breweries, brewing since 1994. Great pub food, a rotating tap list, and a relaxed downtown atmosphere. A staple of the Flagstaff beer scene.

A popular craft brewery with Route 66 theming, creative seasonal beers, and a large tasting room. Food trucks rotate outside. Known for their Tower Station IPA and Lost Highway Black IPA.

A downtown gathering space hosting farmers markets, live music, festivals, and community events throughout the year. Surrounded by shops and restaurants. The Saturday farmers market is excellent.

Arizona's highest point at 12,633 feet. The summit trail is a strenuous 10-mile round trip gaining 3,333 feet of elevation through alpine meadows and above treeline. Panoramic views extend across northern Arizona. A bucket-list hike for peak baggers.

Flagstaff's ski resort on the San Francisco Peaks offers 2,300 feet of vertical drop with 55 runs. In summer, the scenic chairlift ride provides views and access to hiking trails. Average annual snowfall of 260 inches.

Over 50 miles of paved and unpaved trails connecting parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas throughout Flagstaff. Excellent for walking, running, and mountain biking through ponderosa pine forest without leaving town.

Flagstaff has become a premier mountain biking destination with trails ranging from beginner-friendly paths to expert-level singletrack through the pines. Fort Tuthill County Park and the Dry Lake Hills area are local favorites.

The most visited area of Grand Canyon National Park is just 80 miles (1.5 hours) south of Flagstaff via US-180 and AZ-64. The South Rim offers iconic viewpoints including Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View Watchtower. Open year-round unlike the North Rim.

A Flagstaff-to-Grand-Canyon day trip is very doable. Drive to the South Rim in 1.5 hours, spend 4-6 hours exploring rim viewpoints and short trails, then return to Flagstaff for dinner. The Hermit Road shuttle covers major overlooks along the western rim.

Departing from Williams (30 minutes west of Flagstaff), the historic Grand Canyon Railway offers a scenic 2.5-hour train ride to the South Rim. Entertainment on board, no driving stress, and a unique way to arrive at the canyon.

A world-class museum exploring the Colorado Plateau's geology, biology, and Native American cultures. Permanent collections include Hopi and Navajo art, paleontology exhibits, and rotating contemporary exhibitions. An essential stop for understanding the region.

A stunning 1904 Arts and Crafts-style mansion built by two prominent Flagstaff lumber baron brothers. Guided tours reveal the original furnishings, Tiffany stained glass, and the lifestyle of early Arizona's elite. A National Historic Landmark.

Sinagua cliff dwellings nestled in a limestone canyon just 10 miles east of Flagstaff. The Island Trail descends 185 feet past 25 cliff dwelling rooms built into the canyon walls around 1100 AD. Remarkable preservation and interpretive programs.

A scenic loop drive northeast of Flagstaff connects Sunset Crater Volcano (erupted around 1085 AD) and Wupatki National Monument (ancient pueblo ruins). The lava flows, cinder fields, and 800-year-old stone buildings tell a dramatic story of adaptation.

Flagstaff's premier fine dining in a beautifully restored historic carriage house downtown. Seasonal menus, craft cocktails, and an extensive wine list. The intimate atmosphere and creative dishes make it ideal for a special dinner.

A beloved Italian restaurant serving handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and creative Italian-inspired dishes in a cozy downtown setting. Great wine list and desserts. Reservations recommended on weekends.

All-day cafe and market serving excellent coffee, creative breakfast bowls, sandwiches, and baked goods. Set in a restored 1926 bungalow with a hip, eclectic atmosphere. Popular with locals and visitors alike.

Named for Flagstaff's designation as the world's first International Dark Sky City, this brewery crafts creative beers in a relaxed taproom. The outdoor patio is lively in summer. Food trucks provide eats.

A Flagstaff institution since 1994 serving wood-fired pizzas, hearty pub fare, and house-brewed beers. The bustling atmosphere captures the college-town energy. A perfect casual dinner after a day of exploration.