18. The Arboretum at Flagstaff. A research and environmental education center, The Arboretum at Flagstaff is home to 2,500 species of plants in greenhouses, gardens and natural habitats—located on 200 acres within the national forest. The Arboretum offers guided tours, classes and more, and is open to the public from May-October. Visit www.thearb.org.
19. Flagstaff Extreme. Flagstaff Extreme is a high-in-the-pines series of rope and obstacle courses that are both fun and challenging. Located in Fort Tuthill County Park about five miles south of Flagstaff, the attraction features four main adventure courses of varying skill levels, ziplining and an area designed for younger participants. Visit www.flagstaffextreme.com.
20. Walnut Canyon National Monument.
With hundreds of ruins built into the stone alcoves and ledges of a steep canyon, Walnut Canyon National Monument offers a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Sinagua. It’s one part of the triumvirate of national monuments surrounding Flagstaff with Sunset Crater and Wupatki. Learn more at www.nps.gov/waca.
21. Sandys Canyon. A canyon complex south of Flagstaff offers solitude and wildness not far from the city limits. The Sandys Canyon Trail intersects with the Arizona Trail and offers a myriad of exploring options among the limestone cliffs. Take Lake Mary Road six miles and it’s on the left. Get more details at the Peaks Ranger District at (928) 5250886.
22. Picture Canyon. One doesn’t have to go too far to get away from the hustle and bustle. For a brief intown hike, try Picture Canyon, a small canyon along the Rio de Flag on the far eastern edge of Flagstaff that features ancient rock art—also known as petroglyphs—on its walls. Head out to Route 66 as it passes by the Flagstaff Mall and turn left at El Paso Flagstaff Road, go a half-mile to the trailhead. A three-mile trail known as the Tom Moody Loop traverses this area. 14 99 Things to do in Northern Arizona
18 23. Elden Pueblo Ruins. Remnants of an ancient culture abound throughout the greater Flagstaff area with antiquities tied to the Sinaguan and other cultures. Located about a mile north of the Flagstaff Mall on the west side of U.S. 89, Elden Pueblo is an archaeological site thought to have been part of a major trading system. Call (928) 699-5421 for more information.
24. Biking Mount Elden and Dry Lake Hills.
Flagstaff boasts incredible biking in the San Francisco Peaks, namely the Mount Elden and Dry Lake Hills area. Many mountain biking masters test their skills on such trails as the Rocky Ridge Trail, the Sunset Trail, the Schultz Creek Trail and the Oldham Trail, plus the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District plans to add up to 55 miles of new trails in the near future.
