Picture Canyon

8. 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, school programs and other events. Visit www.thearb. org.

9. The Inner Basin

Lockett Meadow may very well be one of the most beautiful campsites in the state—as it is surrounded by aspen and fir trees, tall grasses and wildflowers. It is also the starting point for the Inner Basin Trail, which leads up to the Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks mountain range. Note that the three-mile unpaved road can be rough on lower-clearance vehicles. Call the Peaks Ranger Station to learn more at (928) 526-0866.

10. Buffalo Park

For anyone visiting for a night or a few days in Flagstaff, take time to visit Flagstaff’s most beloved green space. Buffalo

Park is an open meadow on the top of McMillan Mesa, the rise in the center of town. It features a two-mile loop trail, the bisecting Arizona Trail and up-close views of Mount Elden and the nearby Dry Lake Hills. Take San Francisco Street north and make a right on Forest Avenue. Head up the hill and make a left on Gemini Road.

11. Picture Canyon

A gem within the city of Flagstaff that has recently received a good deal of polish is Picture Canyon. The small canyon along the Rio de Flag on the far eastern edge of Flagstaff 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.

12. Sycamore Canyon

Arizona’s Sycamore Canyon Wilderness was designated such in 1972, making it the state’s first Wilderness Area. Hikers here enjoy solitude among miles of natural beauty, with trails passing through forests of ponderosa pine, Gambel oak and juniper. The area is located about 40 miles southwest of Flagstaff, and is accessible via a number of highways and Forest Roads. fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino

13. Mormon Lake and Lodge

Located about 25 miles south of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road, Mormon Lake is the largest natural lake in the state of Arizona. It is formed from volcanic activity, complete with a natural dam created by a volcanic flow. While it disappears in dry years, it is a haven for birds and wildlife most of the time. The visit to Mormon Lake can be accentuated with a stay at Mormon Lake Lodge. Learn more at www.mormonlakelodge.com.

14. The Arizona Trail

For either a short jaunt or an expansive adventure, the Arizona Trail has been many years in the making and stretches 817 miles from Utah to Mexico. It has several miles of trail located through northern Arizona. A great section of it lies just to the east of

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