Flagstaff can be cold, maybe not Chicago during an ice storm cold, but it can get cold. With the average winter temperatures hovering in the 30's and 40's during the day, at night it can drop easily into the teens and even the negatives. Wear multiple layers as the temperature can change throughout the day. You will want to be ready for it! Bundling up means bringing long sleeves, jackets, thick socks, boots (not just tennis shoes), hats, scarves, and gloves. If you are going to do any snow play make sure your pants, gloves, and boots are all waterproof otherwise you will get wet and cold. There are many places in Flagstaff where you can buy winter weather gear if you forget or need more. We recommend you check out the local outdoor shops like Aspen Sports, Peace Surplus, or Babbitt Backcountry Outfitters.
Flagstaff is at almost 7,000 feet of elevation. This means the air is a lot thinner here and the sun's rays are consequently stronger. Sunscreen is a must, no matter the season, but particularly in winter because people tend to forget about it. If you're headed up to the mountain to ski or snowboard, sunscreen is even more important because the sun's rays will reflect off the snow and right onto your skin. It's similar to when you're at the beach and the sun reflects off the ocean, except make it brighter and stronger. Wear sunscreen whenever possible, and don't forget sunglasses or goggles when you're outside, snow blindness is a real thing!
If you're up in Flag during winter sledding or up on the mountain, don't forget to refuel yourself with calories frequently! It takes a lot more energy to run through a foot of snow than on the flat ground, so kids will be likely to burn more calories than they usually do. Keep snacks on hand to fight off the hungry beast and keep them fueled for more hours of snow play. Snacks like dried fruit and granola give boots of energy while keeping you fuller, longer. Don't forget, hot chocolate is kind of a must when it's cold outside! Late for the Train has some amazing hot cocoa for kids and Rendezvous in Downtown Flagstaff has some great “adult” hot beverages as well (and they open really early and close late, wink, wink).
Cold weather and snowstorms bring a whole new layer that can complicate even the simplest of tasks. The roads can become ice rinks and ruin your aspirations of sledding. Keep snacks, water, and blankets packed in your car in case you slide off the road; if you are able, get chains for your tires if a big snowstorm is expected; never drive on less than a quarter tank of gas (if you slide off the road, you don't want to run out of fuel when trying to keep warm); and make sure your cell phone is always charged or mostly charged so you can call for assistance. The list can go on and on, and nothing beats good judgment and use of common sense. Learn about cold injuries so that you can lookout for signs of hypothermia and prevent that from occurring or what to do in case you find someone in that situation. If your kiddo is shivering and suddenly stops and feels extremely warm to the point where they start to take off clothes, this could be a sign of hypothermia and they need to be taken inside immediately. People die every year in Flagstaff due to cold exposure; don't let your family be one of them!
Flagstaff's temperature, weather, snow levels, and road conditions vary a lot. If you had plans to go sledding and there's not enough snow, being flexible will be important to maintaining sanity after all the travel and coordination you've already done to get here. There could be a number of things that go wrong due to inclement weather so make a Plan B with activities that make your trip still worthwhile. Bring new games to play, or tell ghost stories by a fire. The attraction you have come to see might be closed due to inclement weather, take this time to have a good old-fashioned snowball fight or make a snowman instead. The restaurants might close early due to snow, head to a gas station and have a one-time junk food feast, making it a special time for kids instead of a problem. You might even get stuck in town due to highways closing. Try to make the most of it and find the positive in the situation. The weather will do what it is going to do, but how to look at it will determine how much fun you could actually have! So grab a hot chocolate, go sledding, and enjoy Flagstaff in winter.
If you do go sledding, please, please, please do not leave your plastic sleds or pieces of them on the side of the road or in the forest. Not only do local Flagstaffians have to go out of their way to pick up after you, but natural wildlife can also get hurt or sick from them. There's nothing remotely ok nor acceptable about leaving your trash in the forest.
Environmentally-Friendly | Family-Friendly | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Pet-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | BBQ or Grill
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
Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fireplace(s) | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Pet-Friendly
Central Departure Location | Custom Options Available | Family-Friendly | Packages Available | Reservations Required | Romantic | Some Restrictions Apply | Flights from GCNP Airport | Flights from Las Vegas
Central Departure Location | Custom Options Available | Discounts Available | Family-Friendly | Free Parking | Packages Available | Reservations Required | Upgrades available
Outdoor Pool | Free Hot Breakfast | 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 | Reservations Required | Flights from GCNP Airport | Flights from Las Vegas | Custom Options Available | Upgrades available | Romantic
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
Professionally Guided | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity
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
Free Hot Breakfast | Free Wi-Fi | Business Center | Outdoor Pool | Free Self-Parking | Discounts Available | COVID-19 Precautions Taken | Pet-Friendly
Environmentally-Friendly | Pet-Friendly
Professionally Guided | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Trip starts in Flagstaff
Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! 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 y … More
Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! 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
Custom Options Available | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Professionally Guided
Family-Friendly | Self Guided | Professionally Guided | Groups/Meetings
24-Hour Front Desk | Business Center | Discounts Available | Fireplace(s) | Free Self-Parking | Free Wi-Fi | Multi-Story | Outdoor Pool | Packages Available | Private Patios/Balconies | Suites | Wi-Fi Available | Free Hot Breakfast | Sedona Lodging | COVID-19 Precautions Taken | Pet-Friendly
Family-Friendly | Educational