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!

Dear Arizona Travel,
Two friends and I take a yearly trip in the fall, and this coming fall we’re planning to come to Sedona, in late October.  We like to stay in a nice/luxury cabin or large suite with three beds, a living area and kitchen, ideally a bit away from the main hustle and bustle, with quiet, privacy, and scenic surroudings [sic].  We would also love to have a pool to relax by, maybe a spa (although we can also go to a day spa).  We don’t mind driving a bit to get into town.  We’re hoping to hike a bit, and relax a lot.  I checked options on your [Sedona] website, but they are overwhelming – any suggestions to get me pointed in the right direction?  Thanks much.
–Mary S.

One of our suggestions: Junipine Resort in Oak Creek Canyon

Hi, Mary.  Great news: I have three terrific suggestions! While any one of these may not fit all your criteria, they are definitely a step in the right direction. All three of the following properties are located up Oak Creek Canyon, away from the hustle and bustle of Sedona, in beautiful creekside surroundings great for hiking and walking (especially in the fall with the changing colors – gorgeous!) that’s very quiet, scenic, and peaceful.  All of these have cabin or house options with kitchens as you requested.

While none of these places have a pool (it will be a tad chilly for swimming anyway) you can always sit on the banks of the creek or go wading and swimming at Slide Rock State Park – also located in Oak Creek Canyon – a very popular swimming hole with a natural waterslide, cliff jumping, etc.  However, if you do check out a day spa, try Sedona Rouge in West Sedona; it’s a boutique hotel and day spa where spa guests are encouraged to come early and stay late, enjoying the pool for the day (www.sedonarouge.com).

Junipine Resort

Phone: 928.282.3375 – www.junipineresort.com

• In my opinion, this is the most “resort-like” of the three.
• 12 acres with 2.5 acres of common area on Oak Creek
• 50 condominiums that they refer to as ‘creekhouses’

Forest Houses

Phone: 928.282.2999 – www.foresthousesresort.com

• Forest Houses Resort is situated on 20 wooded acres in upper Oak Creek Canyon.
• 17 individual houses
• No children or loud parties allowed

Briar Patch Inn

Phone: 928.282.2342 – www.briarpatchinn.com

• 19 Sedona cabins nestled in the historic Oak Creek Canyon.
• Closest to “town” but still nestled away
• Breakfasts included (delicious!)
• Creekside massages in the gazebo or in your cabin. Facials and yoga also available (read: relaxing!)

I advise you to call each of the properties above, speak with their friendly staff people, and see which one best fits your wish list. I feel certain that you’ll find one of these to be the right fit!

Have a great girls’ trip!

–ChristinaToo

Planning a Sedona vacation and you want to bring Rover along? Now you can travel unleashed! Check out these suggestions for activities and lodging accommodations that are family and pet friendly.  These hotels and attractions are doing more than just accepting pets, they’re catering to them! So pack your pooch and check into these exceptional family and pet friendly Sedona accommodations and attractions!

• Sedona Dog Park – Thanks to the generosity of the residents of the city of Sedona’s only dog park is complete. Hundreds of donations by residents and two large donations by anonymous donors made this possible. The Sedona Dog Park is located in West Sedona, just north of Highway 89A on Soldier Pass Road.
• Sedona Pet Friendly Hotels, Cabins & Resorts. Fido can sleep at the foot of the bed…even when you’re on vacation.  Lodging choices like El Portal, Best Western Inn of Sedona, L’Auberge de Sedona, Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa, the Lodge at Sedona and half a dozen others allow pooches and people alike!  See our complete list of pet friendly hotels, cabins and resorts for more information.
• Activities – Adventure Company Jeep Tours offers a variety of jeep tours of Sedona’s spectacular red rock country. If Rover is well-behaved, he’s welcome to join in on the journey as long as none of the other riders object. If your dog is a large breed and needs his own seat, you may be required to pay for a separate ticket. Of course, dogs must be leashed at all times and cleaned up after. If you and the pup like more solo activities, try hiking Coconino National Forest or Slide Rock State Park.
• Outdoor Restaurants – Dining al fresco in Sedona offers more than just a great view of the red rocks or Oak Creek; it also offers a chance to dine with your doggie. Check out restaurants with patio seating like Dahl & Diluca’s Cucina Rustica, Blue Moon Cafe, Ken’s Creekside Cafe, Rene at Tlaquepaque, Wildflower Bakery and Troia’s Pizza, Pasta, Amore.
• Sedona Arizona Pet Stores – Forget Fido’s favorite toy? Need some last minute supplies? Try Bark N’ Purr Pet Care Center, Sedona Pet Supply, Cody’s Pet Emporium and Sedona Ace Hardware.

There’s really nothing quite like Spring Training in Arizona. In many other parts of the country, snow still sits on the ground, while Phoenix, Glendale and Scottsdale invite you with sunshine, baseball -America’s favorite pastime-, cold beer, happy people (regardless of who is winning the game), hot dogs, peanuts, family…you get the point. Spring Training is the time and place where people from all over the country get together and genuinely appreciate all the wonderful things being to be experienced all in one place.

Spring Training Locations

View Arizona Spring Training Map – Greater Phoenix Spring Training Sites in a larger map

• Glendale Stadium
• Goodyear Ballpark
• Hohokam Stadium
• Maryvale Baseball Park
• Peoria Sports Complex
• Phoenix Municipal Stadium
• Scottsdale Stadium
• Surprise Stadium
• Tempe Diablo Stadium
• Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

Hotel Theodore 7353 East Indian School Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 The Hotel Theodore is your getaway to the extraordinary. This sophisticated Scottsdale oasis offers a spectrum of amenities sure to astound even the most seasoned traveler. More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

3 Palms Hotel 7707 East McDowell Road Scottsdale, AZ 85257 When you enter our stunning yet intimate lobby, the desert stone accents set in the hand laid white crystal granite warn you to expect something special including a level of service that some people… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

W Scottsdale 7277 East Camelback Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Sizzling hot and sparkling cool, W Scottsdale is infused with natural water elements flowing with meditative energy surrounded by exhilarating arts, sophisticated shopping, destination golf and a… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

Hilton Scottsdale Resort Villas 6333 North Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250-5428 Located in Scottsdale Arizona the Hilton Scottsdale Resort – Villas hotel offers impeccable accommodations in a beautiful resort-style setting. A warm welcome and exceptional luxury awaits whether… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

Hotel Indigo SCOTTSDALE 4415 North Civic Center Plaza Scottsdale, AZ 85251 New Boutique Hotel in Downtown Scottsdale, Arizona Boasts Affordable Luxury Hotel Indigo Scottsdale is a new boutique hotel located in trendy Old Town Scottsdale, within walking distance of the… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel · Packages Available!

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites SCOTTSDALE 3131 North Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 You are invited to Stay Smart and enjoy resort style amenities beyond your expectations at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Scottsdale. Whether you are coming in on business or just to get… More Info · Details on this Spring Training Hotel · Packages Available!

The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician 6000 East Camelback Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Valley of the Sun. Located in Scottsdale surrounded by the stunning Sonoran Desert is one of America’s most luxurious resorts. Recipient of the AAA 5 Diamond Award, Phoenician Residences, Luxury… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale Old Town 7324 East Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85251 Free Internet (Wired, Wireless and Public Wi-Fi) Come and experience deluxe accommodations a relaxed atmosphere and true Southwestern hospitality at the Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale Old Town hotel in Arizona. Located in the heart of Old Town our… More Info · Details on this Spring Training hotel

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

Dear Arizona Travel: My wife and I with two teenagers would like to visit the Grand Canyon around the middle of March ’11. Stay one night and spend the morning. Is this too short notice for lodging? We will be driving from Texas.

Thanks,
Frank P., TX

Hi, Frank!

You should be able to find lodging outside the park without any trouble. Look for hotels in the Village of Tusayan, just 5 miles outside the southern entrance to the South Rim. Some hotels you might like are Red Feather Lodge, or the Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn.

If you have your heart set on staying inside the park, you may be able to book a room just in the nick of time. A quick check of the website for Xanterra Resorts & Lodges, the in-park lodging provider, – www.grandcanyonlodges.com – shows that all the in-park lodging is currently sold out except for Maswik Lodge. There are some rooms and cabins at Maswik Lodge that may appeal to you, your wife and two teenagers. However, you’ll pay almost three times the nightly rate of the Tusayan hotels, because of the supply and demand for lodging inside the National Park.

Both options are great; you’ll just have to weigh your budget, expectations and needs – and of course, book right away if you want to get one of the few remaining rooms inside Grand Canyon National Park for your date.

Best wishes,
– ChristinaToo

Dear Arizona Travel: Do you have any recommendations as to the best place to stay for a timeshare in Sedona? There are a number of timeshares listed in Interval International but no recommendations.

Thank you.

Alan

Hi, Alan. Well, I suppose that depends on what you’re looking for. However, now that Diamond Resorts owns two of the greater resort areas (the Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort, the Sedona Summit – both in the same Village of Oak Creek resort area – and the Los Abrigados Resort & Spa, located adjacent to Tlaquepaque in Uptown Sedona) you cannot go wrong with them. I personally like the Los Abrigados Resort because of its location adjacent to dining, shopping and entertainment, with the most popular part of Sedona (known as Uptown, or Main Street ) within walking distance, it’s a great launching pad for everything you want to do in Sedona. Call Diamond Resorts at 1.877.374.2582.

Another option, if you’re looking for a resort that is more all-inclusive of amenities / activities and puts you a little further remote (read: peace and quiet) try the Sedona Pines Resort. It’s in West Sedona and will afford you a central location for hiking in Boynton Canyon and Red Rock State Park. Call (928) 282-6640.

Enjoy your Sedona vacation, Alan!

–ChristinaToo

Peak tourist season at the Grand Canyon is upon us. Nearly four of the five million annual visitors will descend upon the national park between May and September, and about half of them are seeking lodging inside the park boundaries. Are you one of them? One of our readers wrote in asking for information on Phantom Ranch, perhaps the most popular Grand Canyon National Park lodges. Read on to get tips about staying at Phantom Ranch and links to information on all the Grand Canyon National Park lodges.

Dear Arizona Travel,

I visited Phantom Ranch at the Grand Canyon back in 1995 and loved it; it’s definitely time to do it again. What are the rates at Phantom Ranch and what do I need to know about staying there? Also, I plan to leave a car at the North Rim and hike down the Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch. I need information on shuttle transportation from the South Rim back to the North Rim.

Best regards,

René from Toronto, ON, Canada

ChristinaToo says:
Hi, René.

A stay at Phantom Ranch, the only lodging located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, is one of the most in-demand experiences at the Grand Canyon. Operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts South Rim, Phantom Ranch can only be reached by Colorado River raft or by mule or on foot via the Bright Angel and Kaibab trails. Visitors stay comfortably in dormitories or rustic cabins, and reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance. Due to high demand for overnight stays at Phantom Ranch, advance reservations should be made as far in advance as possible. If you’re late to the party, don’t despair. If you have flexible dates, you could get lucky and nab a room if someone else cancels. Persistence is key, so call Xanterra every day and keep checking back. To reserve a stay and get detailed information about the Grand Canyon National Park lodges, you must call 888.29.PARKS (888.297.2757) toll-free within the U.S. or 303.29.PARKS (303.297.2757) outside the U.S. or fill out the reservation request form at Xanterra Parks & Resorts’ website: http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/lodging-704.html.

Shuttle bus transportation between the South and North Rims of the Grand Canyon is available from mid-May through mid-October. This service is provided by Transcanyon Shuttle. Rates are available by calling Transcanyon Shuttle directly. The shuttle departs North Rim at 7:00am and arrives at South Rim at 12 noon. Shuttle departure from South Rim is at 1:30pm, arriving back at North Rim at 6:30pm. Special schedule arrangements can be made with advance notice. Reservation deposit is requested at least 30 days in advance (deposit is 1/2 of the total price). Deposit can be made by personal check, cashier’s check or money order. No credit cards are accepted at this time. Mail your reservation payment to: Transcanyon Shuttle PO Box 348 Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023 Or, call them at (928)-638-2820 for more information.

Enjoy your trip!
-Christina

Today, visitors who research and plan their Grand Canyon vacations online often look to
other visitors to learn about the most popular Grand Canyon lodging and accommodations. You want to share your own experiences and read others’ recommendations before choosing the Grand Canyon lodging option that’s right for you and your family or group. That’s why, in 2007, we polled thecanyon.com visitors to hear about your Grand Canyon lodging plans. Now it’s time to reveal the results. So what will you do?

Follow the numerous visitors who will choose popular lodges and hotels, or beat the crowds and book a quaint, personal bed & breakfast or cabin?

• National Park lodge – 20%
• Hotel – 33%
• Motel – 16%
• Bed and breakfast – 9%
• Cabin, vacation home or timeshare – 14%
• Anywhere pet-friendly – 1%
• Other – 7%

The owners of the Lodge on Route 66 are excited to announce the opening of another upscale motel in Williams, Arizona. The owners of the lodge have contracted with Choice Hotels International to open a dual-idenity motel called The Rodeway Inn & Suites / Downtowner on Route 66. The property is the first of its kind for Choice Hotels. The Downtowner on Route 66 has been remodeled with an “up town” urban feel.

The rooms have been redesigned to rival any upscale resort with appointments like natural stone floors, granite countertops, solid wood contemporary furnishings, and comfortable leather chairs. The 600 thread-count Egyptian cotton linens will offer you a wonderful night’s sleep. If your travels take you to Northern Arizona or the Grand Canyon, check out the new Rodeway Inn & Suites/Downtowner on Route 66 in Williams, Arizona.