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Flagstaff Outdoor Recreation

Flagstaff is all about outdoor recreation. The San Francisco Peaks and Mt. Elden provide outdoor enthusiasts with a dozens of trails for hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers to explore. Mormon Lake and Lake Mary are just a short drive from town and are used for kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, and even some kiteboarding. Look up into the sky and you'll even see hang gliders and paragliders soaring above Mt. Elden. And of course, during the winter, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and other winter activities are big on Mt. Humphreys and around the base of the San Francisco Peaks. In Flagstaff, you could throw a stone and hit a rock climber. There are so many crags in the area that it's just a matter of choosing what style of climbing you want to do for the day and what kind of rock your up for. And with a climbing community comes the slacklining. If it's a sunny warm day, you'll find slacklines set up at the park or in people's front yards. And let's not forget cyclists. Whether distance or elevation change is your thing, Flagstaff has routes for every cyclist to enjoy. There are so many other outdoor sports and things to do that were not even mentioned. And if all this sounds like a little too much for you, there are some really great things to do outside in Flagstaff that don't require you to be a hardcore outdoor adventurer.

Almost every weekend during the spring and summer, there are typically festivals and cultural events going on. From the Fat Tire Film and Brew Festival to the Celtic Festival, Flagstaff has a surprisingly full outdoor entertainment schedule. There's the annual Pickin' in the Pines bluegrass festival, cultural performances downtown every Friday and free movies at The Square every weekend during the summer. There's something for everyone to do outdoors. Nature is this town's pulse. So get outside and experience the heart of Flagstaff.

RECOMMENDED FLAGSTAFF OUTDOOR RECREATION

Cabins & Yurts At AZ Nordic Village

Stay in a yurt or cabin at the AZ Nordic Village, a premier outdoor recreation destination just north of Flagstaff. Perfectly situated in the cool pine and aspen forests at 8,000 ft of elevation between Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park, the Village offers rustic cabin and yurt rent
Stay in a yurt or cabin at the AZ Nordic Village, a premier outdoor recreation destination just north of Flagstaff. Perfectly situated in the cool pine and aspen forests at 8,000 ft of elevation between Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park, the Village offers rustic cabin and yurt rentals year-round, and summer campsites that are RV-friendly. Frontcountry yurts and cabins are available for those seeking easy access, and five backcountry yurts offer solitude and natural settings with more comforts than a typical backpacking adventure. Many miles of hiking and biking trails leave right from the Village, and there are numerous other activities nearby, including the Lava River Cave, Red Mountain, Arizona Snowbowl, the Arizona National Scenic Trail, and many other hiking and biking trails.

In the winter season, the Arizona Nordic Village hosts a groomed trail system for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and fatbiking. Over 20 miles of trails offer opportunities for everybody to have a winter adventure!
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Hopi Cultural and Archaeological Day Trip from Flagstaff

This fascinating journey will take you into the heart of Hopi country. Visit the oldest continuously occupied villages in the United States on our fascinating, in-depth tour into the heart of Hopi lands. Tour departs from Sedona and Flagstaff.
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Bearizona Wildlife Park - Williams, AZ

Welcome to Bearizona Wildlife Park. We are a Wildlife adventure, open year round.Located on 160 acres in the city of Williams Az. We are right off Route 66 on the way to the Grand Canyon, just a short drive from Sedona and Flagstaff. The park consists of a 3 mile drive thru and Fort Beariz
Welcome to Bearizona Wildlife Park. We are a Wildlife adventure, open year round.Located on 160 acres in the city of Williams Az. We are right off Route 66 on the way to the Grand Canyon, just a short drive from Sedona and Flagstaff. The park consists of a 3 mile drive thru and Fort Bearizona. In the drive thru, you will take your own vehicle or our Wild Ride Bus through pristine Natural habitats for many North American Species. In these free roaming areas You will see wolves, bears, bison, and many other large species that can come right up to your car. Where the drive thru ends Fort Bearizona begins. Park your car and come on in. This is where you will find our smaller animals like river otters and bobcats. The barnyard, which is our petting zoo and fun for all ages. The Raptor Free Flight program, where birds of prey fly right over your head. All Shows which include animal meet-n-greets and training presentations. Big Bear Gift shop, over 8,000 sq feet of treasures and also housing Arizona’s largest model train, a historically accurate replica of the railroad from Williams depot to the grand canyon. For dining options we have the Bearizona Grill for a quick snack or our themed Canyonlands restaurant where you can sit and have a hot meal and a cold beverage overlooking our remarkable jaguar enclosure. You can Hop on our website for all current show times and we hope you can come visit us soon. Not only will you learn about lots of Awesome North American animals but you will also have an amazing time while your doing it.
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Predator Zip Lines - Camp Verde, AZ

Experience the wind ripping through your hair on a thrill ride over nature's wildest predators. Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime on a world-class zip line over Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde Arizona! We are conveniently located less than 20 miles from Sedona, in the heart of

Experience the wind ripping through your hair on a thrill ride over nature's wildest predators. Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime on a world-class zip line over Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde Arizona! We are conveniently located less than 20 miles from Sedona, in the heart of Northern Arizona's wine country, just minutes from tasting rooms and vineyards. From the top of the towers, you can see majestic red rocks, the San Francisco peaks, and the whole breathtaking Verde Valley including Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Jerome. Come join us for a Zip Line adventure that you'll never forget! Ride the most exciting zip line ever devised, over Out of Africa and soar over Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Hyenas, Bears, Jaguars and other natural predators!

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Out Of Africa Wildlife Park - Camp Verde, AZ

Come see Tiger Splash show performed daily. Watch Bengal tigers in natural play as they "hunt" their caretakers. Open Monday-Sunday 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Just 40 minutes from Sedona.
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Flagstaff Oktoberfest

Munich returns to downtown Flagstaff, AZ with the annual Flagstaff Oktoberfest. Kick off the autumn season with bratwurst, pretzels and Plenty of Beer! Guests will enjoy many crowd favorites including live music, brat eating contest, stein holding competition and much more. Lace up your di
Munich returns to downtown Flagstaff, AZ with the annual Flagstaff Oktoberfest. Kick off the autumn season with bratwurst, pretzels and Plenty of Beer! Guests will enjoy many crowd favorites including live music, brat eating contest, stein holding competition and much more. Lace up your dirndl, throw on your lederhosen and grab a stein because Flagstaff is celebrating 14 years of the Flagstaff Oktoberfest!
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Flagstaff Area National Monuments

Visit all three Flagstaff Area National Monuments: Walnut Canyon National Monument (7.5 miles), Sunset Crater Volcano (14 miles) and Wupatki National Monument (32 miles) are all nearby.
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Fun Flagstaff History Segway Tour

Flagstaff is best known as the gateway to the San Francisco Peaks mountain range and the Grand Canyon, but it’s worth spending some time exploring the historic town too. On this tour, discover Flagstaff’s small-town charms on a guided tour and choose from a variety of options. Join a wa

Flagstaff is best known as the gateway to the San Francisco Peaks mountain range and the Grand Canyon, but it’s worth spending some time exploring the historic town too. On this tour, discover Flagstaff’s small-town charms on a guided tour and choose from a variety of options. Join a walking tour and enjoy extra time to browse the shops and take photos; explore further on a leisurely bike tour; or zip between the sights on a Segway.

  • Explore Flagstaff by bike, Segway, or on foot
  • Plenty of stops to admire the sights and take photos
  • Receive tips on what to see and do in Flagstaff from a local guide
  • Choice of tour departure times throughout the day
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    Colorado River Smooth Water Float Trip from Flagstaff

    Plan the perfect desert adventure during this full-day excursion combining sightseeing and a scenic boating trip on the Colorado River. Tour the Painted Desert and shop for Native American crafts at Cameron Trading Post. Then board a boat for a scenic Colorado River float, passing below

    Plan the perfect desert adventure during this full-day excursion combining sightseeing and a scenic boating trip on the Colorado River. Tour the Painted Desert and shop for Native American crafts at Cameron Trading Post. Then board a boat for a scenic Colorado River float, passing below the 1,000-foot (300-meter) tall walls of Glen Canyon, the famous “Balancing Rocks,” and much more.

  • Enjoy a desert sightseeing trip and scenic float on the Colorado River
  • Travel through the Navajo Nation and the Painted Desert
  • Shop for Native American art at the historic Cameron Trading Post
  • See the "Balancing Rocks" and the towering walls of Glen Canyon
  • Stop for lunch at a riverside beach and search for local petroglyphs
  • Perfect way to enjoy a desert adventure
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    The Arboretum

    Open to the public from May through October, The Arboretum at Flagstaff is home to 2,500 species of plants in greenhouses, gardens, and natural habitats. The Arboretum offers guided tours, school programs, and other events
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    Haunted Downtown Flagstaff Segway Tour

    Explore the streets of downtown Flagstaff—on foot, by bike, or via Segway—during this family-friendly sightseeing excursion, a great choice for first-time visitors. Hear stories of spooky ghost sightings and Wild West history, and learn fun facts about the city. A headset is provided so

    Explore the streets of downtown Flagstaff—on foot, by bike, or via Segway—during this family-friendly sightseeing excursion, a great choice for first-time visitors. Hear stories of spooky ghost sightings and Wild West history, and learn fun facts about the city. A headset is provided so you don’t miss a word your guide says. Plus, choose from multiple times to easily fit this tour into your schedule.

  • Discover the haunted history of Flagstaff, Arizona
  • Opt to explore the local streets on foot, by bike, or via Segway
  • Headset provided, so you can hear your guide clearly
  • Choose from multiple times to best suit your schedule
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    Guided Outdoor Rock Climbing & Indoor Climbing Gym

    Flagstaff Climbing Center is located in historic downtown Flagstaff. The center features over 6500 square feet of widely varied climbing terrain to suit all abilities and climbing styles. Guides are available to hire for outdoor climbing trips. Choose from several areas around Northern Ari
    Flagstaff Climbing Center is located in historic downtown Flagstaff. The center features over 6500 square feet of widely varied climbing terrain to suit all abilities and climbing styles. Guides are available to hire for outdoor climbing trips. Choose from several areas around Northern Arizona including Sedona.
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    Full-Day Inner Canyon River Tour to the Bottom of Grand Canyon

    Spend a day exploring the Grand Canyon's Inner Gorge on a full-day excursion from Flagstaff—ideal for travelers of all ages and physical conditions. With this tour, save time searching for parking or waiting in the visitor center’s long lines, and journey 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) to th

    Spend a day exploring the Grand Canyon's Inner Gorge on a full-day excursion from Flagstaff—ideal for travelers of all ages and physical conditions. With this tour, save time searching for parking or waiting in the visitor center’s long lines, and journey 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) to the bottom of the canyon in an air-conditioned, off-road vehicle. This leaves just enough time for lunch at the river’s edge.

  • Explore the Inner Canyon in air-conditioned comfort with a guide
  • Skip the crowds at the Grand Canyon’s parking lots and the lines at the visitor center
  • Ideal for travelers of all ages and physical conditions
  • Round-trip transport from Flagstaff and Williams hotels included
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    In the Spotlight

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