The most obvious and frequently-asked questions we get from visitors at Flagstaff.com center around directions, transportation and maps. After all, getting here is the most important step before you ever check into your lodging or hit the mountains with your boots, bike or board. While there's no telling what your individual travel style and requirements may be, it's probably helpful to understand that most people arrive in Flagstaff by car, starting from Phoenix (usually Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport). Flagstaff is about 151 miles north of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, which takes about 2 hours 15 minutes to drive. If you're not coming from Phoenix, get directions and driving distances from your particular departure city.
Driving yourself is the best way to get to Flagstaff because you'll find yourself using your car each day of your vacation to explore Flagstaff's 64 square miles, not to mention the fascinating scenic drives, day trips, attractions and cultural sites throughout northern Arizona, including the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Parks. Plus, the expense of renting a car or putting gas in your own vehicle is comparable to the total cost of airport-to-Flagstaff shuttles, which run about $45 per person each way. However, Flagstaff also has a strong bicycle and motorcycle culture, so if you want to ditch the gas-guzzler and rent or ride a bike while you're in town, you'll fit right in (and you'll avoid Flagstaff's traffic and parking congestion.)
To get to Flagstaff from Phoenix, take I-17 north 149 miles toward Flagstaff, where the interstate transitions into Milton Road. Milton then turns into Route 66 / Santa Fe Avenue in the heart of downtown Flagstaff, where you'll find many Flagstaff attractions, the Amtrak and Greyhound station, shopping, lodging and other businesses.
See All Driving Directions »When planning your vacation to Flagstaff, it helps if you familiarize yourself with where Flagstaff is located within Arizona. You'll have a better understanding of all that is available within a day-trip from Flagstaff — Phoenix, the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Rim Country, Navajo Country and more.
The second most frequently asked topic area is related to Flagstaff weather, what to pack and when to visit. Flagstaff lures in visitors year-round with its four-season climate. The summers are glorious and cool with temperatures in the 70°s (Fahrenheit) in the day and during monsoon season (late summer), Flagstaff often gets refreshed with afternoon rain. Flagstaff is also known as the "Dark Sky City" so camping and star-gazing is among one of the favorite things to do in the summer for Arizonans. Fall weather brings around the glowing aspen and oak leaves with day temperatures in the mid-60°s and lows in the 30°s. Winter in Flagstaff is snowy with freezing temperatures. Make sure you're prepared with full-winter clothing, and chains for non-4-wheel-drive vehicles are not a bad idea. Make sure to check road conditions in the winter at www.adot.gov. Spring is beautiful with warming temperatures, but still on the cool side. It's always a good idea to bring light jackets or sweaters when in Flagstaff, because it can be quite windy even on those warmer days.
Visitors to Flagstaff can easily experience the destination as a one-day to a two-and-a-half day trip with 1 — 2 overnight stays. Make the most of the day by arriving in Flagstaff in the early morning (allow for driving time from Phoenix or where-ever your trip begins) to view the San Francisco Peaks bathed in morning, midday and late afternoon light during your visit. No matter how long you stay, plan to spend a bunch of time outdoors. Walk around downtown, do a hike or two, and roam around NAU's campus. We will give you point-by-point "Greatest Hits" lists of things to do in Flagstaff on a One-Day or a Two-Day Itinerary. And of course, you can mix up these itineraries or reverse them entirely. Flagstaff is so laid back, almost nothing (except the train and guided tours) happens on a particular timetable, so relax and go with the flow of Flagstaff's youthful, outdoor-focused energy.
One Day Itinerary » Two Day Itinerary »Central Departure Location | Custom Options Available | Family-Friendly | Packages Available | Reservations Required | Romantic | Some Restrictions Apply | Flights from GCNP Airport | Flights from Las Vegas
Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Leaving from Flagstaff, our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterwards, we visit the famous … More
Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Leaving from Flagstaff, our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterwards, we visit the famous Horseshoe Bend, where you can peer off the edge at the mighty Colorado River!
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Shuttle Transportation | Food/Beverage Included | Discounts Available
Family-Friendly | Free Parking | Self Guided | Upgrades available | Pet-Friendly | Discounts Available | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity
Packages Available | Custom Options Available | Flights from GCNP Airport | Flights from Las Vegas
Professionally Guided | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Trip starts in Flagstaff
Central Departure Location | Custom Options Available | Discounts Available | Family-Friendly | Free Parking | Packages Available | Reservations Required | Upgrades available
Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fireplace(s) | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Pet-Friendly
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course is an elevated obstacle course set in the tall Ponderosa Pines. It is securely suspended between the trees at 15 to 60 feet off the ground. At Flagstaff Extreme, we believe the best family memories are usually ones that take place outdoors, so bring th … More
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course is an elevated obstacle course set in the tall Ponderosa Pines. It is securely suspended between the trees at 15 to 60 feet off the ground. At Flagstaff Extreme, we believe the best family memories are usually ones that take place outdoors, so bring the entire family! There are 5 adult courses and 1 junior course with obstacles ranging from tarzan ropes, to wobbly bridges, swinging logs, cargo nets, ziplines, and even an aerial surf board!
Come Play in the Trees and explore the outdoors like you never have before!
To see our availability or book a reservation, check out www.flagstaffextreme.com or give us a call at 888-259-0125!
(See our website for age and height restrictions)
Family-Friendly
Professionally Guided | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity
Outdoor Pool | Free Wi-Fi | Concierge Services | Fitness Center | Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service | Fireplace(s) | On-Site Restaurant | COVID-19 Precautions Taken | ADA Accessible | Groups/Meetings
Family-Friendly | Educational
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five millions people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our profess … More
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five millions people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.
Family-Friendly | COVID-19 Precautions Taken | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Trip starts in Flagstaff
Family-Friendly | Lunch
Family-Friendly | Educational
Family-Friendly | Private Trips | Navajo Operated
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 … More
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.
Family-Friendly | Hotel Pick-ups | Lunch