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Flagstaff And Northern Arizona Resources And Activities

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A Collection Of Articles And Information About Flagstaff, Arizona, And The Surrounding Area

I'm originally from New England, but this eastern transplant has come to love life in and around Flagstaff, Arizona. So I tend to write about it a lot.

Here, I've put together my growing collection of articles and other sources of information about Northern Arizona. I hope these resources will be helpful to you if you're planning a visit to Flagstaff and other nearby points of interest, like Grand Canyon National Park for example, or if you're new to the area.

Feel free to use the "Contact Me" link on my profile page or the comments section below to ask any questions you might have.

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons / CC

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There's Something For Everyone in Flagstaff

Are you a hiker, a mountain biker, an art-lover? Is a day at a museum and a tasty Thai or Mexican or Himalayan meal what you're looking for? How about a free festival and then an evening of live music and dancing? You can find all that and more in this small city on historic Route 66.

Find out where to go for fun, good food, fitness, and fine lodging in....

Arizona
What To See And Do In Flagstaff, Arizona

I first visited Flagstaff in 1994, on my way to a river trip through the Grand Canyon. A year and a half later, in the middle of winter, I was back again....

Do You Like To Dance?

Salsa, swing, two-step, ballroom -- there's all of that and more in Flagstaff.

Find out where you can go for lessons, many of which are free or for a small suggested donation, and fun social dancing around town....

Flagstaff
Social Dancing in Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff may be a small city, but there's a LOT to do here. Something for everyone, really. And if you like to dance or want to learn, there are plenty of opportunities...

Read The Local Paper

Visit the
Arizona Daily Sun
website for the latest Northern Arizona news and events.

Live Outdoor Entertainment In Flagstaff

Listen to live music in Heritage Square

During the warmer months--generally, May through September--it's not hard to find something to entertain you in Flagstaff's local outdoor venues and even on city streets. Pictured here is an ensemble playing for those hanging out in Flagstaff's "outdoor living room," Heritage Square, where there are often free concerts and other events, like family-friendly evening movies and free dance lessons.

Wheeler Park, located downtown near City Hall and the west-side Public Library, is another popular venue for free outdoor entertainment and festivals.

And, if you don't mind paying for fresh air entertainment, you can check out the concert schedule at Pine Mountain Amphitheater.

There's Plenty To Do In Flagstaff When The Mercury Drops, Too

Just because the daylight hours grow shorter and the temperature gets colder, Flagstaff doesn't roll up its sidewalks.

Find out what you can do and where when the snow falls in "Flag" in....

Arizona
Fun Winter Activities In Flagstaff, Arizona

When some folks hear "Arizona," they think sunshine, desert, and year-round heat. Well, yes on the first two points but a definite no on the third....

A snowshoe outing with longtime Flagstaff resident and volunteer guide, Jack Welch

Exploring Picture Canyon

Snowshoeing in Flagstaff

That's Jack on the left in the plaid shirt. Jack is very active in the Flagstaff community. In addition to writing a guest column for the Arizona Daily Sun, his work with the Flagstaff Biking Organization and other volunteer activities, Jack organizes and leads group walks, hikes, and snowshoe outings in various locations around Flagstaff on both weekdays and weekends. For more information and a schedule, you can email Jack at adillo@aol.com.

You can find out more about Jack Welch in the article, A Man For All Trails, from the Arizona Daily Sun.

Find Out What's Going On In Flagstaff

Check out the
Community Calendar

Vintage Flagstaff

Some of the 180 photos in this book come from the personal collections of authors James E. Babbitt, a descendant of a pioneer Flagstaff family, and John G. DeGraff III, a collector of historical photographs of the area. Other photos are courtesy of the Arizona Historical Society, Babbitt Brothers Trading Company, the Northern Arizona Pioneers Historical Society, and Northern Arizona University. They combine to tell the story of early Flagstaff.
Flagstaff (Images of America) (Images of America (Arcadia Publishing))

Flagstaff (Images of America) (Images of America (Arcadia Publishing))

by: James E. Babbitt, John G. DeGraff III

Amazon Price: $14.54 (as of 05/26/2012)Buy Now
Used Price: $12.00

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Explore The Largest Ponderosa Pine Forest In The World

In and Around Flagstaff

In this article, I highlight a number of species that make the Coconino National Forest their home.

Wildlife
Wildlife of the Coconino National Forest

If you're ever in my neck of the woods here in Northern Arizona, I encourage you to explore the many wonders of the Coconino National Forest. At 1.8 million...

Enjoy The Trails And The Fresh Mountain Air In Flagstaff

Each hike described in this frequently updated book features a color map and photo, as well as GPS coordinates, directions to the trailhead, a description of the hike, an elevation change graph, a difficulty and mileage graph and information on the best times to hike and how crowded you can expect the trail to be.
Flagstaff Hikes, Revised 6th Edition; 97 Day Hikes around Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff Hikes, Revised 6th Edition; 97 Day Hikes around Flagstaff, Arizona

by: Richard K. Mangum and Sherry G. Mangum

Amazon Price: $15.23 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now
Used Price: $10.95

Beautiful Flagstaff Area Dayhikes

From easy to moderate and strenuous

 Flagstaff
Hiking Red Mountain Near Flagstaff, Arizona

Located in the Coconino National Forest, twenty-five miles northwest of Flagstaff, you'll find a volcanic cinder cone called Red Mountain. Red Mountain is unusual...

Hiking
Hiking O'Leary Peak in Flagstaff, Arizona

Located 20 miles north of Flagstaff is an old volcano known as O'Leary Peak. On top of O'Leary, on it's 8,916-foot east summit (there are two), is a fire lookout...



Hikes
Best Short Hikes In Flagstaff, Arizona

You don't have to hike all day long or do big miles to get the most of the great outdoors in and around Flagstaff. Here are some of my favorite local hikes...

The Art Scene Is Alive And Well In Flagstaff

Between a myriad of galleries around town--particularly in the downtown area, on the NAU campus, and at the Coconino Center for the Arts--lots of outdoor public installations, arts and crafts festivals, a popular First Friday Art Walk event each month, art shows at Lowell Observatory, and an annual Open Studios event, Flagstaff has plenty to satisfy the art enthusiast.

Learn more about....
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Public Murals Are Popular In Flagstaff

Here's one from the Absolute Bikes building, seen from Route 66

Absolute Bikes mural on Route 66 in Flagstaff

This mural was created in 2007 by mountain-biker and artist, Lyle Motley, who also painted a mural for Absolute Bikes' Salida, Colorado store in 1999.

It took Lyle two months to complete the Flagstaff mural, which is loaded with fun details, like the bandaids on the biker's knee and elbow.

Where to Eat in Flagstaff

From the best burgers in town to the best international cuisine and the best pizza -- you'll find all that and more here, along with a place to rate the food and the service at each restaurant.

Restaurants
Flagstaff, Arizona Restaurants

This isn't a collection of ALL the good places to eat in Flagstaff, but these are definitely some of the best. (Or I think so, anyway.) Each restaurant listing...

Visit the Heart of Downtown Flagstaff

Downtown changed a lot in the seven years I was gone, between 1996 and 2003. It not only looks a lot nicer, but it's also the hub of activity, including cultural events, First Friday Art walks, festivals, a farmer's market, several parades throughout the year, and more. Here, you'll also find an eclectic array of shops and restaurants, public parks, one of two public libraries within the city, and City Hall.

And in the center of downtown, there's also a popular place to hang out and watch free, live entertainment, paint, eat, chat with friends, people-watch, read or just sit and relax. Find out more about....

Arizona
Heritage Square: Flagstaff's Outdoor Living Room

Whenever I feel like going for a walk, I often find myself headed downtown, where I usually end up at Heritage Square. There's always something to see or...

The Weatherford Hotel In Historic Downtown Flagstaff

The Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff

The Weatherford Hotel opened its doors to the public on January 1st, 1900, and, during the next century, the building went through a number of changes. It once housed Flagstaff's first telephone exchange company, then a number of restaurants, a theater, a radio station, and a billiard hall. The building has survived fire, world wars, and a planned demolition. Today, The Weatherford Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it's a downtown destination, offering fine and casual dining and live entertainment. The hotel is also the sight of the annual Pine Cone Drop on New Year's Eve.

Flagstaff, Then And Now

This book was a gift from our real estate agent when my husband and I bought our first home in Flagstaff, and, years later, it still occupies a prominent place on our coffee table. Written by Flagstaff icons Richard and Sherry Mangum, who, for 15 years, dressed in period costumes and led popular historic walking tours in the downtown area, this book contains a lot of the content of those tours and much more, including the history of Flagstaff and a number of stories about colorful local characters and events. The then-and-now format and photos gives readers a look at today's landmarks as they once were.
Flagstaff: Past & Present

Flagstaff: Past & Present

by: Richard Mangum, Sherry Mangum

Amazon Price: $15.89 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now
Used Price: $3.45

Take A Self-Guided Tour Of Historic Downtown

This paperback includes a fold-out cover map to help guide you on a three-quarter-mile walking tour of downtown Flagstaff, covering 34 historic buildings.
Flagstaff Historic Walk : A Stroll Through Old Downtown (Arizona and the Southwest)

Flagstaff Historic Walk : A Stroll Through Old Downtown (Arizona and the Southwest)

by: Richard K. Mangum, Sherry G. Mangum, Platt Cline

Amazon Price: $11.95 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now
Used Price: $40.00

See What's Along (And Near) Historic Route 66 In Flagstaff

Did you know this is the highest city on the "Mother Road"?

Here I'll show you some of what you can see and do along this remaining section of the route as it passes through this small city at 7,000 feet.

Route 66
Route 66 Through Flagstaff, Arizona

Here, let me drive. We'll begin on the west side of town and take Route 66 east through Flagstaff until it departs towards Winona, where it disappears once again...

Visit the Home of the Expanding Universe

Lowell Observatory is one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the United States, founded in 1894 by astronomer Percival Lowell. Lowell welcomes more than 70,000 visitors each year, offering guided tours and views of the night sky through the original 24-inch Alvan Clark Telescope and other telescopes at the Mars Hill site.

Astronomy
Lowell Observatory And Life On Mars (Hill)

The first time I heard about Lowell Observatory was when my future husband, Steve, brought me to his hometown of Flagstaff, Arizona, in 1995, shortly after we'd...

Inside The Clark Dome At Lowell Observatory

Clark Telescope at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff

The Observatory's original 24-inch Alvan Clark Telescope is used today for public education. Built in 1896 at a cost of $20,000, this telescope was assembled in Boston and then transported by train to Flagstaff.

Flagstaff Is Just An Hour And A Half From Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is one of my favorite places on earth. I've worked there as a guide and have done quite a lot of hiking below the rim. These are two of my favorite hikes in the National Park....

Grand Canyon
Hiking The Grand Canyon, Rim To Rim

There is SO much one could write about hiking in the Grand Canyon, but I want to focus on hiking rim to rim using the popular "corridor" trails....

Grand Canyon
Hiking the South Bass Trail in Grand Canyon

It was August 24th. I had things on my to-do list for the next several days, but I couldn't pass up the invitation from a friend to hike Grand Canyon's South...

Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Hike: South Kaibab Trail - Tonto Trail West - Bright Angel Trail

I just did this 13-mile hike for the fourth time, and each time has been different. The same trails change with the season, the weather, the company (or lack...

Flagstaff & Northern Arizona Blogs

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Friends of Flagstaff's Future

A grassroots organization with a goal to "sus more...0 points

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What's New | Flagstaff Real Estate and Community News

Recent News and Commentary from Ann Heitland at RE more...0 points

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Flagstaff Trail Running

Thoughts, photos and videos from the group's Satur more...0 points

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Flagstaff Biking Organization

A group of cyclists who came together to "pro more...0 points

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Flagstaff Arizona Restaurant Reviews - Hottie & The Fatso

Hottie & The Fatso offer the best Flagstaff Ar more...0 points

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Deb's Search and Rescue Stories

Firsthand accounts from a member of the Coconino C more...0 points

More Flagstaff Resources

Photo credit: Au_Master on Flickr / CC

City Of Flagstaff
Official website

Flagstaff Webcam
Flagstaff area webcams and loads of local information

Go-Arizona.com
Flagstaff travel information

Flagstaff City Guide
The Best Things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance
FDBA sponsors free family events.

Current News Headlines From Flagstaff

Mapping the night's starry skies
(Josh Biggs/Arizona Daily Sun) Six telescopes spread over several acres focus in on the same star from the US Naval Observatory's site on Anderson Mesa south of Flagstaff. Each telescope collects the starlight with a small mirror, and then passes it ...
Feds approve operational changes to Northern Arizona dam
By FELICIA FONSECA AP FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - The federal government has approved two programs to further test high flows in the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and help boost the native fish population. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced ...
Endangered chub scooped out of Colorado River, flown by helicopter to add most ...
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. ? Fish flew last weekend along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, as part of an ongoing effort to add more spawning areas for one endangered species. Tiny humpback chub were scooped out of the Little Colorado River flowing out of the ...
Olympic swimmer's death mourned by Norway
Dale Oen died after suffering cardiac arrest while training in Flagstaff, Arizona. By Adam Pretty, Getty Images Alexander Dale Oen of Norway competes in the men's 50-meter breaststroke at the FINA World Championships on July 26, 2011 in Shanghai.
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  • poddys Dec 2, 2011 @ 4:40 pm | delete
    Excellent resource on Flagstaff. This is an area I would love to visit, but even if we were to win the lottery big time now, time is running out unfortunately. Nicely done, blessed.
  • RinchenChodron May 2, 2011 @ 5:18 pm | delete
    Wonderful information and enjoyed your pictures. I have a food niche lens you might enjoy.
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Jan 27, 2010 @ 7:51 pm | delete
    Great job; I'd like to visit Flagstaff.
  • Wednesday_Elf Jan 24, 2010 @ 1:05 pm | delete
    I once drove 'through' Flagstaff - that was the extent of my knowledge about the area until I read this interesting 'tour in words and pictures' of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. I HAVE visited Phoenix many times; does that count? Seriously, I remember emailing you yesterday to comment on the record-setting snowfall your area has received in the past week or so and, as many of us are unfamiliar with Arizona past the desert, sunshine and heat statistics , asked what elevation Flagstaff was in. By reading this story, I now know that the answer to my question is -- 7,000 feet! A story both interesting and educational. I enjoyed my 'visit' to Flagstaff through your writing.
  • GroovyFinds Jan 23, 2010 @ 2:23 pm | delete
    One of my favorite vacation spots!
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A Bit About Me

An eastern transplant living in the southwest

The hiking writer
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Ramkitten

Browse the Northern Arizona Travel Guide.
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