Student life in Flagstaff
With four seasons, Flagstaff is a vivid and welcoming town. Here, college life comes with mountain views, local charm, and nonstop adventure, from hiking and skiing to live music and downtown coffee shops.
167 scenic trails in the Flagstaff area
Downtown Flag has a walk score of 95
8thsnowiest city in the U.S.
A four-season mountain town in Arizona
In Flagstaff, every season brings something new: crisp fall hikes under golden aspens, winter snowboarding adventures, springtime trail runs, and cool summer nights under the stars. Living here means year-round access to the outdoors and a campus experience wrapped in natural beauty.
In addition to its beautiful setting, Flagstaff offers a welcoming, close-knit community where downtown coffee shops, art galleries, and music venues become your favorite local hangouts. Whether you’re grabbing brunch with friends or browsing the farmers market, you’ll feel right at home in this laid-back, adventure-ready town.
Things to do in Flagstaff
Wander Historic Downtown
Downtown Flagstaff is walkable, artsy, and full of character. Grab a latte, explore local boutiques, and check out weekend street fairs. Step into the historic Hotel Monte Vista or The Weatherford Hotel for a peek into the town’s past through railroad-era charm and ghost stories. Don’t miss Route 66 murals or the Flagstaff Music Festival in September, where local bands take center stage.
Stargaze at Lowell Observatory
As the world’s first International Dark Sky City, Flagstaff is made for stargazing and Lowell Observatory is your front-row seat to the universe. Explore the cosmos with powerful telescopes, interactive exhibits, and nighttime stargazing events. You can even volunteer and be part of the celestial magic.
Hit the trails
Whether you're hiking, biking, or just looking for a scenic stroll, Flagstaff’s trail system is made for exploration. Forest paths, canyon views, and mountain summits are all within reach. Just check the weather, pack smart, and get outside.
Day trips near Flagstaff
Sedona
Less than an hour from Flagstaff, Sedona is a red rock paradise. Hike dramatic trails, snap photos of the glowing desert cliffs, cool off in hidden swimming spots, or explore its thriving art scene. It’s the perfect quick getaway when you need a change of scenery.
Grand Canyon National Park
It’s world-famous for a reason. Just 90 minutes from Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon offers hiking, rafting, photo ops, and views you’ll never forget. With over 277 miles of landscape to explore, it’s the kind of day trip that feels like an epic adventure.
Antelope Canyon
Two hours from Flagstaff, this iconic slot canyon is known for its swirling, sculpted walls and ethereal light beams. Only accessible via guided tour, Antelope Canyon sits on the Navajo Reservation and offers an unforgettable, photo-worthy experience you'll be talking about for years.
Sunset Crater
Flagstaff, Arizona, is located within the San Francisco Volcanic Field, a large area with over 600 volcanoes and volcanic features. The most recent eruption was about 1,000 years ago at Sunset Crater. The area is now protected as Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.