FLAGSTAFF AND VICINITY

Flagstaff (elev. 7,000 feet) lies atop the Colorado Plateau, a giant uplifted landmass extending into Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. As the land rose, vigorous rivers cut deeply through the rock layers, revealing beautiful forms and colors in countless canyons. Sheer cliffs of the Mogollon Rim mark the south edge of the Colorado Plateau.

While rivers cut down, volcanoes shot up. For the last six million years, large and small volcanoes sprouted in the San Francisco Volcanic Field around Flagstaff. The most striking include the San Francisco Peaks, of which Humphrey’s Peak at 12,633 feet is Arizona’s tallest mountain. Sunset Crater, the state’s most beautiful volcano, is the youngster of the bunch, last erupting about 800 years ago—just yesterday, geologically speaking.

Museum of Northern Arizona: The past comes to life in geologic, fossil, and archaeological displays. You’ll also see beautiful crafts and arts from prehistory to contemporary times at this wonderful introduction to Native American cultures of the region.
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Lowell Observatory: A tour takes you to the telescopes used in mapping the moon for the Apollo program and in the discovery of Pluto. Sky Tonight programs include a look through the 1896 24-inch Clark refractor telescope, weather permitting. (read more)

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park: Go back to Flagstaff’s early years on a tour through this grand structure. All of the furnishings are original to the 1904 mansion, and many are in the Arts and Crafts style. (read more)

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument: Explore a stark landscape of cinder cones, lava flows, and other volcanic features that look as if they’ve just cooled. (read more)

Wupatki National Monument: Take a close look at a variety of prehistoric pueblos along with a restored ball court. You’ll also enjoy views of volcanoes and the Painted Desert from the Scenic Loop between here and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. (read more)

Walnut Canyon National Monument: This national monument protects prehistoric cliff dwellings in an exceptionally beautiful little canyon. A trail winds down for a closer look. (read more)