11 Unforgettable Adventures in Flagstaff: An RVer’s Perspective

We’ve got to be honest: Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of our favorite places to stop during our travels across the US. It’s on Route 66, close to the Grand Canyon, a short drive to Sedona, and has a fantastic downtown scene.

We’ve traveled there with our 42′ 5th wheel RV and our vintage Fiber Stream trailer (multiple times).

Today, we’re filling you in with just how we spent our time in the City of Seven Wonders.

A Snapshot of Flagstaff

Before we dive into the good stuff, let’s set the stage. Flagstaff sits at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, making it one of the highest cities in the United States. Founded in 1876, this mountain town was named after a makeshift flagpole fashioned from a ponderosa pine to celebrate the U.S. Centennial. Cute, right?

Flagstaff is more than just a pit stop on Route 66. It’s a hub of cultural and natural landmarks, boasting a population of around 75,000 people. Home to Northern Arizona University, the city exudes a youthful energy that blends seamlessly with its rich history and outdoor allure.

Oh, and did I mention it’s one of the few places where you can snowboard in the morning and bask in desert heat by afternoon? Talk about range.

PRO TIP: Discover 5 Amazing Flagstaff Campgrounds for Your Next Adventure

1. Stargazing at Lowell Observatory

Address: 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Approximate Price: $25 for adults
Distance from Downtown: 1.5 miles

You can’t talk about Flagstaff without mentioning the Lowell Observatory. This is where Pluto was discovered, back when it was still considered a planet—RIP Pluto’s planet status. As an amateur astronomer (meaning I can identify the Big Dipper on a good night), visiting Lowell was like stepping into a cosmic playground.

The observatory offers evening programs where you can gaze through powerful telescopes and feel infinitely small in the best way possible. There’s something humbling about staring into the abyss of space while standing on a hill in Flagstaff. It’s a must-visit, even if your knowledge of astronomy ends at reading your horoscope.

Flagstaff Vibe Scale:

• Uniqueness: 9/10
• Educational Value: 10/10
• Crowd Factor: Moderate
• Overall Experience: Stellar (pun intended)

2. Exploring Wupatki National Monument

Address: 25137 N Wupatki Loop Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Approximate Price: $25 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
Distance from Downtown: 30 miles

Wupatki National Monument is like walking through an outdoor history book, but without the boring lectures and overpriced textbooks. Ancient pueblos dot the landscape, remnants of civilizations that thrived here over 900 years ago.

Strolling through the ruins, I couldn’t help but marvel at the ingenuity of the Native Americans who built these structures with nothing but raw determination and rocks. It’s hot, it’s dry, and it’s utterly captivating. Just remember to bring water and perhaps a hat—unless you’re aiming for that well-done tourist look.

Flagstaff Vibe Scale:

• Historical Significance: 10/10
• Scenery: 8/10
• Accessibility: Easy trails
• Overall Experience: Enlightening

3. Riding the Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift

Address: 9300 N Snowbowl Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Approximate Price: $24 for adults
Distance from Downtown: 14 miles

Who says chairlifts are only for skiers and snowboarders? At the Arizona Snowbowl, the Scenic Chairlift operates in the summer and offers panoramic views that will make your Instagram followers green with envy.

As someone who’s mildly afraid of heights, I wasn’t entirely sold on dangling above the ground supported by what looks like glorified lawn chairs. But the views from the top? Absolutely worth every white-knuckled moment. At 11,500 feet, you can see the Grand Canyon on a clear day. Pro tip: bring a jacket; it’s cooler up there, and shivering doesn’t look good in selfies.

Flagstaff Vibe Scale:

• Adventure Factor: 7/10
• Scenic Beauty: 11/10
• Fear Factor: Variable
• Overall Experience: Elevated

4. Hiking Elden Lookout Trail

Address: Trailhead off U.S. Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Approximate Price: Free
Distance from Downtown: 5 miles

If you enjoy a good hike that leaves your calves screaming and your lungs questioning your life choices, Elden Lookout Trail is for you. This 5.3-mile out and back trail ascends over 2,300 feet, leading to, you guessed it, a lookout tower.

The trail is rocky and steep, but the 360-degree views from the top are nothing short of spectacular. I won’t lie; there were moments I considered turning back, but pride and the promise of a breathtaking vista kept me going. I definitely was underprepared for the hike.

At the summit, as I surveyed the sprawling landscapes below, every bead of sweat felt justified.

Flagstaff Vibe Scale:

• Physical Challenge: 9/10
• View Reward: 10/10
• Trail Condition: Rocky but manageable
• Overall Experience: Peak satisfaction

5. Visiting the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Address: 409 W Riordan Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Approximate Price: $12 for adults
Distance from Downtown: 1 mile

For a dose of history without the desert heat, the Riordan Mansion offers a glimpse into early 20th-century life in Flagstaff. The mansion is a splendid example of Arts and Crafts-style architecture, built in 1904 for the Riordan brothers, prominent businessmen of the time.

Walking through the preserved rooms filled with original artifacts, I felt like I’d stepped onto the set of “Downton Abbey,” Arizona edition. The guided tour is informative, and the guides are passionate—perhaps a tad too passionate, but hey, enthusiasm is contagious.

Flagstaff Vibe Scale:

• Historical Value: 8/10
• Tour Quality: 9/10
• Ambiance: Sophisticated
• Overall Experience: Timeless

6. Tapping into Local Flavor at Mother Road Brewing Company

Address: 7 S Mikes Pike St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Approximate Price: $5-$7 per pint
Distance from Downtown: 0.5 miles

After all that hiking and culture, you’ll need a drink. Mother Road Brewing Company is the place to quench your thirst. Named after the famed Route 66, this brewery embodies the spirit of the open road.

I sampled the Tower Station IPA—crisp, hoppy, and just what the doctor ordered (if your doctor is into craft beer). The atmosphere is laid-back, with a mix of locals and travelers swapping stories. It’s the kind of place where you come for one drink and stay for three, all in the name of research, of course.

Flagstaff Vibe Scale:

• Beer Quality: 10/10
• Atmosphere: Chill
• Hipster Quotient: Moderate
• Overall Experience: Refreshing

7. Family Fun at The Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course

Address: Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff, AZ 86005
Approximate Price: $54 for adults
Distance from Downtown: 5 miles

If you’re traveling with kiddos or just channeling your inner child, the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course is a playground among the pines. Think zip lines, suspended bridges, and nets that test your balance and bravery.

As someone who occasionally trips over flat surfaces, I found the course both exhilarating and humbling. Safety is top-notch, so you can focus on not making a fool of yourself in front of the more agile nine-year-olds zipping past you.

Flagstaff Vibe Scale:

• Fun Factor: 9/10
• Adrenaline Rush: High
• Family-Friendly: Absolutely
• Overall Experience: Uplifting

8. Dining at Tinderbox Kitchen

Address: 34 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Approximate Price: Entrées $25-$40
Distance from Downtown: 0.2 miles

When you’re ready to trade campfire meals for fine dining, Tinderbox Kitchen is the spot. This contemporary American restaurant offers a menu that’s both inventive and comforting, much like Flagstaff itself.

I indulged in the braised short ribs, paired with a glass of robust red wine because, when in Flagstaff, treat yourself. The ambiance is intimate without being pretentious, and the service is impeccable. It’s the perfect place to celebrate… well, anything.

Flagstaff Vibe Scale:

• Cuisine Quality: 10/10
• Atmosphere: Elegant
• Wallet Impact: Noticeable but worth it
• Overall Experience: Satiating

9. Day Trip to Sedona

Address: Sedona, AZ (just follow the red rocks)
Approximate Price: Varies
Distance from Downtown: 30 miles

Okay, so it’s not exactly in Flagstaff, but a day trip to Sedona is practically mandatory. The drive down through Oak Creek Canyon is a scenic wonder in itself. Once in Sedona, the vibrant red rock formations steal the show.

I hiked the Cathedral Rock Trail, which is short but steep, much like my learning curve with manual transmissions. The spiritual energy people rave about? I can’t confirm or deny, but I did feel an unusual urge to buy a crystal.

Flagstaff Vibe Scale:

• Scenic Beauty: Off the charts
• Tourist Density: High
• Hippie Vibes: Strong
• Overall Experience: Otherworldly

10. Sipping at Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery

Address: 1555 Page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325
Approximate Price: $10-$15 tastings
Distance from Downtown: 40 miles

Yes, Arizona has wine country, and it’s surprisingly good. Oak Creek Vineyards offers a relaxed setting to sample local wines without the pretense of more famous wine regions.

I tried the Zinfandel and was pleasantly surprised. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is unhurried—a perfect counterpoint to a day of adventuring. Plus, it’s a great excuse to use the phrase “notes of blackberry and leather” without feeling like a fraud.

Flagstaff Vibe Scale:

• Wine Quality: 8/10
• Ambiance: Cozy
• Pretentiousness: Low
• Overall Experience: Smooth

11. Strolling Through Historic Downtown Flagstaff

Address: Downtown Flagstaff (just follow the historic buildings)
Approximate Price: Free to stroll
Distance from Downtown: You’re in it

Sometimes the best adventures are the unplanned ones. Wandering through downtown Flagstaff is like flipping through a scrapbook of Americana. Boutique shops, coffee houses, and art galleries line the streets, each with its own character.

I stumbled upon a street performer playing the violin with more passion than I’ve ever mustered for anything. There’s a palpable energy here—a blend of old and new, locals and travelers, all converging in this mountain oasis.

PRO TIP: 9 Best Things To Do on Route 66 in Arizona

Flagstaff Vibe Scale:

• Cultural Richness: High
• Shopping Opportunities: Plentiful
• People-Watching: Prime
• Overall Experience: Enriching

Where We Stayed: The Flagstaff KOA

Address: 5803 N US Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Approximate Price: $50-$80 per night (depending on site type and season)
Distance from Downtown: 5 miles

After a long day of exploring, there’s nothing quite like retreating to a cozy campsite that feels like a second home. The Flagstaff KOA served as our base camp, and let me tell you, it’s more than just a patch of gravel to park your rig.

Nestled among towering ponderosa pines, the campground offers a serene woodland setting that’s the perfect antidote to the day’s adventures. Waking up to the scent of pine and the sound of birds chirping was a delightful departure from the usual alarm clock buzz.

The amenities are top-notch for an RV park. Full hook-up sites, clean restrooms, and even a pancake breakfast on weekends. Yes, you read that right—pancakes. The staff is friendly and full of local tips, like where to find the best hiking trails or which breweries have the best happy hours. Wi-Fi is available, but let’s be honest, a digital detox isn’t the worst idea in a place like this.

Flagstaff Vibe Scale:

• Convenience: 9/10
• Scenery: 10/10
• Amenities: Excellent
• Overall Experience: Homely

Safety in Flagstaff: Keeping It Real

Now, let’s talk safety. Flagstaff is generally a safe place to visit and live. According to recent statistics, the crime rate in Flagstaff is slightly higher than the national average but primarily consists of property crimes rather than violent ones. In 2022, there were about 3,500 property crimes per 100,000 people.

As an RVer who’s parked in many a questionable lot, I found Flagstaff to be welcoming and secure. Standard precautions apply: lock your vehicle, don’t leave valuables in plain sight, and maybe don’t wander alone in unfamiliar areas at 2 a.m.—unless you’re chasing a late-night taco truck, in which case, proceed with delicious caution.

Police presence is noticeable but not overbearing, and locals are generally friendly and willing to help out. The downtown area is well-lit and active, even into the evening hours. As always, trust your gut and stay aware of your surroundings.

PRO TIP: 7 Secrets to Prevent Vehicle Theft (That Your Parents Won’t Tell You)

Flagstaff is Always a Stop for our Travels

Flagstaff is a gem tucked away in the high country of northern Arizona. It’s a place where natural beauty, history, and modern amenities coexist in a way that feels effortless.

Whether you’re stargazing at the same observatory where Pluto was discovered, hiking trails that challenge your physical limits, or simply enjoying a well-crafted beer, there’s something here for everyone.

As an RVer, I’ve found that the true measure of a place isn’t just in its attractions but in its vibe—the intangible qualities that make you feel at home even when you’re miles away from it. Flagstaff has that in spades.

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