Basic Beginnings

General Information

Lay of the Land

Getting to Flagstaff
Most Flagstaff visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport because it is the closest major international airport to Flagstaff. From there, it’s best to rent a car and drive yourself to Flagstaff via I-17,  which is about a 2.5 hour drive. There are a limited amount of flights from Sky Harbor Airport to Flagstaff Airport available, but that is an option. There are shuttle companies that offer daily scheduled trips for about $38 per person each way, while Amtrak has a train station in heart of town as does Greyhound bus service.

Lodging

Flagstaff experiences an influx of Phoenicians trying to beat the summer heat during the months of July – August. Grand Canyon visitors start coming around in May and keep flowing in all the way through October. Then the snow players take it from there during the months of December – February. This town has plenty of hotels, motels, cabins and bed and breakfasts, but it gets booked pretty quickly on holiday weekends, days following a good snow storm or extra hot days in The Valley.  Making plans in advance is recommended especially if you, your family or travel friends have accommodation preferences. Even the hostels get booked up regularly!

Hotels and Motels

A variety of hotels and motels are available all over greater Flagstaff. You’ll find both familiar brand hotel chains and independent properties. Prices range from $75 – $250 per night in the peak months and $50 to $200+ per night in the off-season.

Cabins
Flagstaff is the perfect place to rent a cabin. Flagstaff’s four season weather makes it inviting year round. Cool off  and relax in a summer cabin surrounded by wildflowers with picturesque mountains in the distance. Better yet, stay warm by a crackling fire with a cup of hot cocoa after a day of skiing or sledding in the winter wonderland. Cabins tend to be visitors’ first choice in Flagstaff lodging, so book early if possible.

Bed & Breakfasts

Flagstaff’s charming mountain home atmosphere makes it a perfect place to enjoy staying at a bed and breakfast. Rates vary widely based on the size, amenities offered and demand for these charming inns, but you’ll find anything from $125 per night to $350 per night, based on the season and the style, from simple to luxurious.

Pet-Friendly
Flagstaff is certainly pet-friendly. Several Flagstaff bed & breakfasts, inns, cabins and hotels cater to four-legged family members. Check out this list of dog friendly hotels in Flagstaff, which may or may not be complete, so don’t be afraid to call your hotel or bed & breakfast and ask if Spike or Fluffy can come along.

Dining

How to See Flagstaff…

“Is everyone here young and cool? Even that old man with a white beard acts like he’s 35.” – overheard at Charly’s Pub at the Weatherford Hotel

It’s true. Flagstaff tends to attract people who are looking for adventure. The vibrant spirit often appears as being young at heart – and it’s everywhere. It can’t be helped. From hiking, snowboarding and rock-climbing to Grand Canyon helicopter tours and Colorado River rafting, it all starts in Flagstaff. How do you want to see Flagstaff?

…on a Bicycle Ride Around Town

If you’re planning on staying in town, a bicycle is the perfect way to get around Downtown Flagstaff. That’s what the locals do! There are bike racks everywhere and nothing is far enough to actually need to hop in a car to get to.  In fact, finding a spot to part a vehicle can be quite the chore in this part of town. Rent a bike. You’ll be able to see, experience and interact with more  of everything, guaranteed. There are people from all over the world and all walks of life in the mountain town that you won’t want to miss.

…on a Guided Tour

You won’t want to miss a guided tour of Lowell Observatory. This was where the once so-called planet, Pluto, was discovered. Flagstaff’s fresh mountain air and clear skies make it a wonderful place to explore the Beyond. Other guided tours include the Museum of Northern Arizona, which features a wealth of geological and cultural information about the Southwest; then there is the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, a five-acre park showcasing an extraordinary early 1900s mansion owned by the Riordan family who logged Flagstaff in the city it is today.

Other tours that depart from Flagstaff are tours to the Grand Canyon. Many tours to the Grand Canyon leave from Flagstaff since it is the biggest city near the canyon. Visitors often take helicopter tours, jeep tours, bus tours, river trips or guided hikes. See Flagstaff.com‘s tour guide to get more information and pricing.

…On Foot (Hiking)

Flagstaff offers both easy and challenging hiking, and the reward for those willing to make the effort is a chance to marvel at the beauty of Flagstaff from above,

• Must-Do – Humphrey’s Peak

Humphrey’s is located 14.5 miles northwest to Flagstaff, Arizona. Take US 180 north for 7 miles, then Snowbowl Road (FR 516) for 7.4 miles to the Snowbowl lower parking lot. Find the Humphrey’s trailhead at the north end of the parking lot. All roads are paved.The trail is very well marked until you reach the saddle. The first 3 miles the trail gradually climbs the mountain, then the last 1 3/4 miles it gets steeper and more difficult. There are posts added on the last 3/4 of a mile to help mark the trail. It is very rocky and loose above 12,000 feet. The trail ascends 3 false summits before reaching the true summit. The trail is moderate to difficult, but anybody in some sort of shape can make it without consideration to elevation sickness. Total mileage is approximately 4 3/4 miles.

Trail Length:4.5 miles one way.
Elevation Range: 9,300 to 12,633 feet.
Elevation Gain: 3,333 feet.
Summit Peak: 12,633 feet.
Trail Rating: Strenuous.
Hiking Time: 3 hours one way.
Hiking Season: Late spring to fall.
Winter Permits: Required
Camping:No camping above tree line.

• Local Favorite – Mt. Elden Trails

The summit of Mt. Elden is a 9,299-foot peak on the north edge of Flagstaff. You can hike any of several good trails or drive up a rough road. Wildflowers, a variety of forests, and panoramic views reward those who ascend even part way. A fire-lookout tower marks the summit. Climb the tower, if it’s open, for the best views. On a clear day you’ll see much of north-central Arizona: Oak Creek Canyon and Mormon Lake to the south; the Painted Desert to the east; Humphrey’s Peak, Sunset Crater, and other volcanoes to the north; and Bill Williams Mountain to the west. Flagstaff lies directly below. An eruption of thick, sticky lava created Mt. Elden.
The hiking season runs from May to October, a bit longer for the drier eastern slope. You’ll need to carry water.  Allow at least half a day for a hike to the summit and back; elevation change is 1,300–2,400 feet, depending on the trailhead. Horseback riders and mountain bicyclists can use most of the trail system.

Rating: Moderate
Distance: 2.5 – 3.5 miles
Map and Information: Mt. Elden Trail Guide

 …On a Wall (Rock Climbing)

The Pit (Le Petit Verdon) is one of Flagstaff’s most accessible rock climbing areas for people of all skill levels. Most of the routes are sport but there are a handful of trad routes.

Take I-17 towards Flagstaff. Take the Lake Mary Road Exit. Turn right onto Lake Mary Road, then follow this road approximately 6 miles down. On your left, you will see “Canyon Vista” campground. This is where we are camped at the trailhead to the Pit. Park in the parking lot, trail starts at the end. Go down the small trail, take a right at the fork. You can see the crag from the parking lot and trail. Follow the trail to the other side, there you will see the bolts and pitches.

Flagstaff Temperatures and Precipitation:

Flagstaff receives an average annual snowfall of 99.5 inches
based on the 1st day of each month

Flagstaff Average Clear, Partly Cloudy and Cloudy Days by Month Annual Total

So, there you go! That’s our primer all the basics of visiting Flagstaff. Did we leave anything out? What else would you like to know? Feel fee to comment and we will reply!

It’s here! Arizona Snowbowl has officially opened for the 2011-2012 snow season. All resort amenities will be open.  Agassiz, Sunset and Hart Prairie chairs and the Little Spruce Conveyor will be operating daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Over 80% of the resort is now open with terrain available for all ability levels. This includes several of the new runs made over the summer! Flagstaff has been getting some unusually cold weather and the town is excited to have a great skiing and snowboarding season at Snowbowl.

Is this your first time to Arizona Snowbowl?

Arizona Snowbowl is located just 14 miles outside of Flagstaff. It takes about 2 1/2 – 3 hours to the top of the mountain if you’re coming from Phoenix. There are plenty of places to rent ski and snowboarding gear around town averaging about $30/day for a complete equipment set up not including clothing. There are several slopes perfect for beginners. In fact, this is one of the more beginner friendly places to learn. This resort has a great team of instructors to learn from if you feel like taking ski or snowboarding lessons at Snowbowl. So just come out, give it a try and have fun!

Arizona Snowbowl Info:

Lifts Operating

• 3 of 6; Agassiz, Sunset & Little Spruce Conveyor

Surface Conditions
Early season; please watch for marked and unmarked obstacles on the slope sunset Terrain Park

• Boxes: 1
• Rails:3
• Hits: –

For Arizona road conditions please visit ADOT’s website

Forecast: Read the National Weather Service forecast for Snowbowl

Rates:

Please remember that lift tickets purchased in advance do not guarantee vacancy at the Arizona Snowbowl. If our maximum occupancy has been reached on any given day, admission may be denied. An early arrival is recommended for those who purchased their lift tickets in advance.

*HOLIDAY DATES

• Thanksgiving: 11/24/11 – 11/27/11
• Christmas: 12/21/11 – 01/01/12
• Martin Luther King Weekend: 01/14/12 – 01/16/12
• President ’s Day Weekend: 02/18/12 – 02/20/12

Military Discount – Anyone with a DOD card is eligible for a $40 All Day Adult Midweek Lift Ticket. That is 25% in savings!
(Discount is valid Monday through Friday, non-holiday and cannot be combined with any other specials)

Military Discount is also offered at the Ski Lift Lodge & Cabins. Present your DOD card at the time of check-in to receive 10% off your accommodation!
(Does not apply towards our Stay & Ski package)

Stay and Ski FREE – 2 Lift Tickets for the price of 1 are available with your stay at the Ski Lift Lodge & Cabins.
This special is available upon check-in. One free ticket per room per night, but additional tickets are available for purchase on the mountain.

Great Discounts for Groups of 10 and more guests.

You can find more discounts like the Peaks Card, which is a five time use lift discount card, or places to rent a ski and snowboard equipment, and other fun stuff on our Peaks Card information page.

“One for the Road” by Teton Gravity Research
Two Showings at the Orpheum Theater
1st Showing – 7:00PM
2nd Showing – 9:00PM
Doors Open 30 Minutes Prior To Showtime
**Tickets Only Available at the Door**
Tickets are $8 for Students with Student ID
or $10 for non-Students

“Is this real life?” Yep. Thanks to Teton Gravity Research (TRG), we get to see what it’s like to not only live on the edge, but what it’s like to live off the edge, flying, falling, climbing… “One for the Road” follows world-class snow athletes in pursuit of challenging nature, physics, the human body and spirit. This film captures what most people will never get to experience. L-I-V-I-N!

Shot on location with some of the world’s most progressive snow sports athletes, TRG brings home epic footage of winter adventures using some of the world’s most technologically advanced cameras including Phantom, RED, GoPro HD, and Canon DSLR. From a record-breaking season in Jackson Hole to Iceland and the Balkan wonders of Macedonia – watch these athletes explore more as they continue through Montenegro, while shredding deep pillow lines at Baldface Lodge and uncover first descents in Pemberton, BC.

Only a select few cities have the privilege of seeing this in the theater and Flagstaff, Arizona is one of them. Tuesday, November 15, 2011, Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center (KPAC) is having its annual fundraiser at the Orpheum Theater. “One for the Road” will have two evening showings, 7pm and 9pm. Proceeds go to KPAC’s avalanche awareness and safety clinics. There will be raffles and silent auction items – and of course an amazing film being shown in a theater with some really great people.

Come support KPAC and experience an unbelievable adventure while sitting in a cozy, warm seat at the Orpheum Theater.

Athletes: Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, Ian McIntosh, Todd Ligare, Griffin Post, Chris Benchetler, Dylan Hood, Dash Longe, Daron Rahlves, Sven Kuenle, Erik Roner, Nick Martini, Dana Flahr, Rory Bushfield, Callum Pettit, Rachael Burks, Shroder Baker, Byron Wells, Andreas Hatveit, Tom Wallisch, Mike Riddle, Grete Eliassen, Josh Dirksen

Locations: Iceland; Macedonia; Montenegro; Pemberton, BC; Baldface Lodge, BC; Jackson Hole, WY; Juneau, AK; France; Utah; Squaw Valley, CA

If you can’t make it to the show, consider donating to KPAC.

Fourth of July Fireworks from Tempe 4th - Presented by Kiwanis Club of Tempe

Arizona is proud to present Fourth of July 2011 events all around the state. Here’s a vibrant burst of Arizona 4th of July events, listed by region or city, exploding all over our great state:

(All events below will occur on Monday, July 4, 2011 unless otherwise noted.)

Northern Arizona

• Grand Canyon – No fireworks in or around the National Park.
• Williams – Home Town Fourth of July. The celebration on July 4th and will include a fabulous parade, local BBQ, ice cream social and family activities. Visit www.williamschamber.org.
• Flagstaff – The 15th Annual Flagstaff Fourth of July Parade and Fire-Safe Fireworks – Celebrate the most spirited community events in Flagstaff. More info, visit flagstaffarizona.org
• Sedona – No fireworks in Sedona.
• Showlow – FreedomFest 2011 – Annual 4th of July Parade, festival events & the best fireworks display on the mountain. For more, visit showlowfreedomfest.com.

Central Arizona

• Tempe – Tempe Town Lake Festival or “Tempe 4th” on Tempe Town Lake. Produced by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe, this huge event at Tempe Beach Park opens at 4pm and will feature live music, family fun, a splash zone, an inflatable village, impressive food court and of course, the 60th Annual Kiwanis Club of Tempe Fireworks Spectacular – best fireworks show in the Valley – shot from Mill Avenue bridge. The spectacular family night Fireworks Show will be choreographed to patriotic and classical music and begins at 9:10pm. Get details on parking, tickets and attractions at tempe4th.com.
• Prescott – City of Prescott’s Fourth of July Celebration at Pioneer Park, located off Commerce near Willow Creek Road. All-day carnival, live music and the largest fireworks display in the tri-city area. Free admission for music and fireworks; pre-sale carnival wrist bands can be purchased for $12 or at the gate for $15. Fireworks show begins at 9:00 pm. For more information on tickets, attractions, events and parking, visit cityofprescott.net/events.
• Phoenix – Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix Fourth is the largest free fireworks event in the state. Come down to Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. Three stages of local entertainment, Kids’ World, classic car exhibit, food and refreshment vendors; the fun begins at 6pm. Expect large crowds and be sure to bring your blanket, lawn chairs and coolers. Even-bigger-than-before Fabulous Fireworks start sparking at approximately 9:30 pm.

Southern Arizona

• Tucson
  • ‘A’ Mountain Fireworks Show Desert Diamond/City of Tucson/Pima County fireworks show from“A” Mountain at Tucson Convention Center parking lot, with food vendors, beer garden, car show. Visit tucsonaz.gov for more information.
  • Let Freedom Sing’ Concert Arts Express celebrates America’s birthday with a concert of patriotic songs staged at Centennial Hall, University of Arizona. Visit arts-express.org for information.
  • Tucson Padres Star-Spangled Spectacular with Fireworks Tucson Padres vs Reno Aces holiday baseball game features All-American fun and food followed by a fireworks display at Kino Stadium. For information and tickets, visit web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t549
• Benson – Benson July 4th Celebration Benson will celebrate the 4th of July with its annual parade, a water fight between volunteer fire departments, and a family dance at Lions Park. See bensonvisitorcenter.com for details.
• Marana – Star-Spangled Spectacular with Fireworks Arizona Pavillions hosts Marana’s fireworks show, with children’s fun, ice cream stations, live music, and beer garden. Learn more at marana.com
• Tombstone – July 4th Celebration with Fireworks Enjoy a family-style July 4th celebration with a round robin softball tournament, food booths, and street entertainment – all starting at noon. Free admission; sponsored by Knights of Columbus and Tombstone Vigilantes. Come to Medigovich Field and Allen Street at dusk for fireworks presented by the Tombstone Fire Department. Visit tombstonechamber.com for a map and details.
• Tubac – Tubac Golf Resort’s Independence Day Extravaganza with Fireworks Tubac’s annual fireworks celebration features family activities, food vendors, kids’ face painting, DJ and live music, fireworks, and special VIP packages for guests at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa – tubacgolfresort.com.

If you have additional events to share, please feel free to post them in our comments!

Dear Arizona Travel: 

I am planning to visit Hopi country in late July and will most likely travel via Flagstaff from Phoenix. Could you please give me some advice on the best route and any other information relating to this? I only have a couple of days so want to make the most of it.I will most likely hire a car in Phoenix and drive north.

Thanks,

Richard L.

Hi, Richard!

First, directions to Hopi Country:
From Phoenix, take I-17 north right up to Flagstaff. It’s about a 2 hour drive.

www.hopiculturalcenter.com

Next, I assume you’ll be visiting the Hopi Cultural Center (www.hopiculturalcenter.com). The Hopi Cultural Center is located on the Second Mesa.

To get to the Hopi Cultural Center from Flagstaff: Take Highway 879A North to Townsend-Winona street. Turn right and proceed about 10 miles to Leupp road; turn left and continue north another 31 miles to the Kykotsmovi turn off (just past the Little Colorado River Bridge); continue north 48 miles to Kykotsmovi on Third Mesa. Approximately 92 miles from Flagstaff.

For your overnight lodging, you could stay at the Hopi Cultural Center’s lodge. Full disclosure:
I personally know nothing of the lodging there. But, if you’re aiming for a trip truly focused on immersing yourself in the Hopi culture, I think staying at their lodge absolutely makes the most sense!

I am much more familiar with Flagstaff and I lean toward encouraging you to make it your “home base” for two days based on a) my unfamiliarity with the Hopi Cultural Center’s lodge, and b) my own bias toward staying overnight in a more established city where there are greater options for dining and additional sightseeing. Our Flagstaff.com site has everything you need to know about Flagstaff hotels should you decide to go that route.

I hope you have a great time, Richard.  Feel free to keep us posted on how it goes!  I’d love it if you’d post comments or photos of your trip on our Facebook page at facebook.com/ariztravel!

Take care and enjoy your trip!
–ChristinaToo

PS: Readers – I need your help on this one! Have you stayed at the Hopi Cultural Center? Which do you recommend: lodging at the HCC or staying overnight in Flagstaff?

Dear Arizona Travel:

We plan to travel by car to Flagstaff in May and spend two days and two nights. We would like to spend one day in Sedona and one day at the Grand Canyon. What would be the best way to accomplish this?

J.G. — Austin, TX

Hello, J.G. This is a great question many of our readers are probably also asking.

Both Sedona and the Grand Canyon South Rim can be accomplished as day trips, starting from Flagstaff and going outward.  If you’re driving up from Phoenix, why don’t you go through Sedona first on the way to Flagstaff?  Take I-17 to Highway 179 and travel up through Sedona and see the sights.  Check out this suggested driving tour of Sedona for tips on seeing the best of Sedona by car and on foot.

Assuming you arrive in Sedona in the morning, you could see Sedona and be in Flagstaff by dinnertime.  Try Beaver Street Brewery for a casual dinner, or Pasto or Tinderbox Kitchen for a more upscale, foodie-worthy meal.

The following day, head out for the Grand Canyon bright and early.  You can either drive yourselves and see the South Rim on your own, attending free Ranger Talks, walking the Rim Trail, and having a nice lunch at the El Tovar Hotel, or you could drive from Flagstaff to Williams early in the morning and do the all-day round-trip Grand Canyon Railway journey. The GCR is a great way to relax and take in the Grand Canyon plateau, and you’ll have plenty of time at the Rim itself to do almost everything I mentioned above.  You board the train for the return trip about 3pm, and pull back into Williams around 5pm. Then you can have dinner at the Railway resort hotel, or in the town of Williams (try the Grand Canyon Brewing Company or the Red Raven Restaurant) or drive 25 miles back to Flagstaff for more dining and nightlife choices.

Enjoy your stay in Flagstaff! You’ll love touring Northern Arizona this way!

– ChristinaToo

Dear Arizona Travel:

I am planning to visit the US in late summer this year and would like to ask where to get some hiking maps of the Flagstaff surrounding area.

Sincerely,
Meinhard

Good day, Meinhard.

• Here is a great resource from which to order National Forest Service hiking maps.
• Also helpful are the trails noted by Arizona Snowbowl, the local ski resort.
• Try Kendrick Mountain Trail; here is a Kendrick trail map and a link to a post and photo gallery my Arizona Travel co-blogger, Chrissy, wrote about her personal experience hiking Kendrick Mountain Trail.

I wish you good, safe hiking! Enjoy.

– ChristinaToo

Dear Arizona Travel:

We are traveling from London 1 adult, 3 children- I do not want to drive. We would like to head for the Grand Canyon in late October -  maybe fly into Flagstaff and take the train. Then stay at a lodge, take a scenic flight and take the overnight mule trip. We then need to go back to Tucson where we plan to stay on a dude ranch. Can you help me build an itinerary?
Thanks,
Anne

Hi, Anne. I believe you’re in a position in which many potential Arizona visitors find themselves. It’s easy to misunderstand the geography of the area and be confounded by the array of available tours available at the Grand Canyon.  I’ll be honest and tell you that driving yourself yourself at least some of the trip is the most sensible way to go, but if you’re dead set against driving yourself, it’s not impossible to do it your way.

The Grand Canyon Railway does not depart Flagstaff; it leaves from Williams, which is 39 miles west of Flagstaff. Most people drive from Flagstaff to Williams, but you could take a taxi (try www.afriendlycab.com).  You can certainly stay in a lodge at the Grand Canyon rim, using the free shuttles to explore the South Rim itself, and take your scenic helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon from the South Rim area (flights depart from the airport near the Village of Tusayan. You’ll need a cab from the lodges at the Rim to go about 8 miles to the Grand Canyon airport helicopter pad for your flight.)

You will take the mule trip from the South Rim. Call Xanterra Parks & Resorts at (303) 297-2757 to reserve as soon as possible. Reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance and they fill up very, very quickly.

You may take the train back to Williams on a different day than your train trip up to the Grand Canyon rim, I believe up to 2 nights, 3 days between trips. If the Grand Canyon Railway folks give you the go ahead, note that the train goes back to Williams in the afternoon… just be sure to ask the mule trip folks if you’ll back back up at the Rim in time to catch the train back to Williams.

You’ll need to drive or take a cab back from Williams to Flagstaff and board your flight from Flagstaff, connecting through Phoenix to Tucson. As for transportation to the dude ranch in Tucson, I can only speculate that you’ll be able to take a cab from the airport to your final destination.

Thus, your itinerary might look something like this:

• Day 1:
  • Flight from (or connecting through) Phoenix to Flagstaff
  • Cab ride to Williams
  • Stay overnight in Williams (For your itinerary, I recommend the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel)
• Day 2:
  • Train ride up to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
  • Explore Rim by shuttle and on foot
  • Cab ride to Grand Canyon Airport for a helicopter tour
  • Cab ride back to Grand Canyon Village at the Rim
  • Stay overnight in one of the Lodges (book up to 13 months in advance)
• Day 3:
  • Depart on Mule Trip from the South Rim
  • Stay overnight at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Canyon (book at least 13 months in advance)
• Day 4:
  • Return from the Mule Trip, back up the Rim
  • Take the afternoon train back to Williams
  • Cab ride to Flagstaff
  • Stay overnight in Flagstaff
• Day 5:
  • Flight from Flagstaff through Phoenix to Tucson
  • Cab ride to Dude Ranch (theoretically)

Hope this helps! Take care and enjoy this very full and exciting-sounding trip!

–ChristinaToo

Dear Arizona Travel:
I am staying in Scottsdale in April. I want to go to Sedona, see Painted Desert, Grand Canyon, and some place that has black volcanic rock and petrified trees. I have 2 days, and want to spend 1 night and then return to Scottsdale. What’s a good plan?
Sheila O.

Hi, Sheila! First of all…. oooookaaaaaay. There’s no way you can do all of this in two days, but you can do most of it. Which is more important to you, the Grand Canyon or the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert? They’re opposite directions from Flagstaff, and equidistant at about ~170 miles each way. Either way, you’ll definitely be spending a lot of time in your car (about 12-15 hours of driving total). Be prepared to log ~600 miles and about 12 hours of driving and sightseeing one day, 8 hours the other. Be sure to fill up your car in Sedona or Flagstaff (both pricey areas for gas)… the National Park areas you’ll be visiting are REMOTE.

Here’s a sample itinerary for Option 1 – Sedona / Petrified Forest / Painted Desert / Sunset Volcano and links to a maps and helpful National Park Service websites.

Day 1 early morning: Drive to Sedona (90 – 120 minutes, 125 miles.)
Day 1 morning: Stop in Sedona for a bit, walk around Uptown Sedona.
Day 1 morning: Continue up AZ-89 up Oak Creek Canyon toward Flagstaff. (40 minutes from Sedona to Flagstaff)
Day 1 mid-day: Drive east of Flagstaff on I-40 toward Painted Desert / Petrified Forest National Park (3 hours, 168 miles)
Day 1 evening/night: return to Flagstaff for an overnight. The Park closes at 5pm in winter…. not sure if they’ll be on Spring/Summer hours yet or not. See Flagstaff.com for Flagstaff hotel options. (Return 3 hours, 168 miles)
Day 2 early morning: Head north of Flagstaff on AZ-89 toward Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument – this is where you’ll have volcanic rock. (2 hours, 115 miles)
Day 2 midday: Return to Flagstaff for lunch (2 hours, 115 miles.)
Day 2 evening: Return to Scottsdale (2 hours, 140 miles.)

Here are links to some terrific information:
Petrified Forest
Sunset Crater
Painted Desert
Google Map for this custom itinerary

Day 1 early morning: Drive to Sedona (90 – 120 minutes, 125 miles.)
Day 1 morning: Stop in Sedona for a bit, walk around Uptown Sedona.
Day 1 morning: Continue up AZ-89 up Oak Creek Canyon toward Flagstaff. (40 minutes from Sedona to Flagstaff)
Day 1 mid-day: Drive north of Flagstaff on AZ 89 toward Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument – this is where you’ll have volcanic rock. (2 hours, 115 miles)
Day 1 evening/night: return to Flagstaff for an overnight. (return 2 hours, 115 miles)
Day 2 early morning: Head northwest of Flagstaff on Us 180 toward Grand Canyon National Park (100 minutes, 80 miles)
Day 2 late afternoon: Return to Flagstaff (100 minutes, 80 miles)
Day 2 evening: Return to Scottsdale (2 hours, 140 miles)

Here are some resources and links:
Grand Canyon
Google Map for this custom itinerary

Good luck! Let us know which itinerary you choose and feel free to send us pictures of you climbing on volcanic rocks!

– ChristinaToo

Dear Arizona Travel:

Visiting the US for the first time from Wales UK in early April. We will stay in Phoenix for 2 days with our daughter at Uni.,then shuttle to Flagstaff for much of the remainder of our 10 day trip. The Budget Inn, Flagstaff, seems to be well considered or do you have another to recommend?
However, we fancy seeing Las Vegas for a short trip (1 or 2 nights.) Please can you advise us on travel? We would welcome advice. Thank you.

Rebecca R.

Dear Rebecca,

Your trip sounds wonderful! Welcome to the US!

Flagstaff’s weather should be lovely in early April; you’ll experience high temps of about 57°F (14°C) and lows around 26°F (-3°C) with a majority of the month being sunny or partly cloudy.

The Budget Inn in Flagstaff is not a hotel with which I’m personally familiar but I can recommend a couple of other hotels that might suit your budget as well as be a bit more comfortable for a 10-day stay. Look for “Inn and Suites” type hotels, which has become a sort of code word or euphemism for “upscale motel.”  I think a suite hotel, with a typical two-room setup (or at least a bachelor suite with a separate sitting area) and sometimes a fridge, microwave or even a full kitchen, makes an extended stay more comfortable, less expensive and healthier (when you prepare some of your own meals and snacks in the suite.)

Try these Flagstaff inn and suites:

• Hotel Aspen Inn Suites (around $64/night for a two-room suite in early April) Book Here
• Days Inn and Suites (around $75 – $99/night for a mini-suite to two-room suite in early April) Book Here
• Embassy Suites Flagstaff (around $129/night in early April) Book Here

» Another smart tip: Look for hotels with a 3rd or 4th Night Free promotion, and those with complimentary Continental or full breakfast included in the rate (such as Embassy Suites) to add further value to your 10-day stay.

Embassy Suites Flagstaff

Las Vegas is a great 1 – 2 night side trip idea, and it’s easy to drive there from Flagstaff.  I suggest you rent a car (I would rent a car in Phoenix for the entire trip, myself… Flagstaff is a walkable city, but you’ll need a car at some point, since cabs get expensive and there is no public bus or metro transportation in and around Flagstaff.) Drive yourselves to Las Vegas via Interstate 40 to US-93. Las Vegas is approximately 250 miles (402 km) and takes 4 hours, 10 minutes.  You can browse, compare and book Las Vegas hotels on Flagstaff.com’s hotel booking tool, and I suggest you opt for a Las Vegas hotel on “The Strip” versus Downtown Las Vegas or Off the Strip. Of course, the Strip is where you’ll find the ultimate in luxury hotels (and prices) but there are several budget-friendly casino resort hotels such as Bally’s that will put you right in the center of the action and still leave money left over for a little gambling and entertainment.

You can’t come to Flagstaff for ten days and not venture out to see the Grand Canyon (another reason to have your own rental car.) It’s just 90 minutes from Flagstaff to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, and you can soak up the awesome beauty in a day-long trip, walking along the Rim Trail to different view points, attending free Park Ranger talks and dining in the Grand Canyon National Park lodges and visitors’ areas. Check out our sister website, theCanyon.com, for things to do at the Grand Canyon, from helicopter tours to day hikes to free events.

Once again, welcome to the US and enjoy your trip!

– ChristinaToo