51 Fun & Free (or Cheap) Things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff is many things including gateway to the Grand Canyon, Arizona’s premier 4 season destination, as well as a popular starting point for exploring natural attractions throughout the Southwest. Located 7000 feet above sea level, it is one of the highest located cities. This means that this mountain town sees a climate very different from cities like Phoenix and Tucson, and thus, offers a diverse range of seasonal activities to enjoy throughout the year. The city draws in millions of tourists every year. Southern Arizona locals come up in droves (as a local I saw them flooding in all year) as they seek a cool escape in the summer, a leaf peeping hotspot in the fall, and skiing in the winter.

Unfortunately, the prime location combined with an attractive 4 season climate also means pricey hotels, restaurants, and attractions. To make matters worse, many of these activities & attractions are overrated & overpriced. However, if you plan ahead and concentrate on the area’s natural beauty, you will find that a trip to can be quite affordable!

After living in the area for 4 years, I have found that all the wonderful free hikes and parks are truly what make this small mountain community one of the country’s top vacation destinations. Enjoy my guide to the best free (or extremely cheap) activities and attractions in Arizona’s most beautiful city.

1. Hike Lockett Meadow to Inner Basin

Starting at Lockett Meadow campground, you will be embarking on adventure like no other on the area’s most gorgeous high altitude hike. The 1.7 mile out-and-back climb to Inner Basin is a tough one, yet well worth the effort for the extraordinary setting consisting of endless majestic aspen trees. I really love this hike despite the oftentimes long wait to drive up the narrow mountain road.

This trail is stunning in any season, although nothing compares to a fall hike through golden aspen groves. Come early October, the entire trail is loaded beginning to end in a sea of striking yellow foliage. Yes, I was so surprised when I first moved here that the colors actually rival New England. As a former resident of Massachusetts, I can say the leaf peeping here is even more spectacular. Nothing in the state really compares to the experience of hiking this incredible trail in the peak of fall. If you are looking for that autumn feeling, you have found it at Inner basin.

This hike starts around 8000+ ft and travels up to ~10,000, so be prepared with plenty of water, electrolyte snacks, and sunblock. Also acclimatize yourself in town for several days beforehand to prevent mountain sickness. Don’t attempt this one unless you are in relatively good shape. No parking pass or fee is required to park at this trailhead.

2. Explore the picturesque high altitude hikes at Arizona Snowbowl

Snowbowl sees its’ heaviest traffic when the ski resort, which features a 2300 foot vertical drop & an average of over 200 inches of snow per year, opens up to ski enthusiasts throughout the state. I see cars lined up all winter heading to this resort. When the snow melts, it’s the perfect time to explore the 3 beautiful hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy-super advanced. The scenic Aspen Nature Loop is a peaceful 1.5 mile stroll which offers nice views of the mountains and some pretty colorful foliage in October.

I also like hiking the Kachina trail although this one is longer (I recommend just going out 2 miles or so to enjoy the pine and aspen forests). Like Aspen, it is one of the prime hiking choices for leaf peepers due to the dense aspen groves lining the first 1.5 miles of the hike. And Humphrey’s Peak will take you on an intense adventure up to the state’s highest peak (12,633 ft). This is a very hard trek due to the high elevation, and thus, only recommended for experienced hikers.

Summer gondola rides are offered, although nothing really compares to a free day exploring the gorgeous nature scenery. Plus, the trails actually offer better views as you can actually see some of the mountains, as opposed to looking out from the peak . Free parking is available for all hikes, and no pass is required. Tip: You really need to be prepared for the higher altitude hiking conditions. I recommend a quality hiking backpack with a built in spot for a hydration bladder.

3. Watch a gorgeous sunset over the mountains

The San Francisco Peaks, which are actually million + year old volcano remains, are the striking centerpiece of this high altitude town. Even at 7000 feet (the base altitude at Snowbowl), the mountains make quiet a statement as Humphrey’s stands tall at 12,000+ feet. Driving up Snowbowl road to take in a magnificent sunset over the mountains really is a must-do, and even more spectacular during the snowy winter season (chains may be required after heavy storms). So, take a break, relax, and enjoy the free wonders of nature!

4. Take a scenic drive down Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic drive, which begins just a few minutes outside of the city on 89a, is one of the country’s most stunning drives. I’ve driven this stunning road so many times I can’t count (it didn’t hurt living 5 min from the start!). The 14 mile journey starts at 7000 feet near the pretty ponderosa pine forests and eventually crosses over into the diverse Oak Creek ecosystem, which features a wide variety of trees, many of which change color in the fall. Oak Creek really is a stunning place as you can see all sorts of plants and trees not found anywhere else in the state. As the elevation drops near 4000 feet, the incredible red rock scenery of Sedona will start to pop up and temperatures will slightly increase.

Aside from the views, there are many activities and sights to see along this drive. Check out the gorgeous West Fork hiking trail, lined with 13 creek crossings, pretty red rock views, and tons of leafy trees (it’s a great fall hike!). The Cookstove Trail is a very challenging uphill trek, although it offers some of the best scenery in the area. I also highly recommend stopping for a great cup of coffee at Indian Gardens. Also be sure to fill up your water bottle with fresh natural spring water at the natural tap located next to the Pine Flat Campground.

Secret swimming holes (check out the creek near the beginning of the Huckaby Trail), Slide Rock State Park (featuring natural red rock water slides!), Native American craft markets, and various scenic overlooks could keep you busy for hours. On a typical weekend, I left at 7am and didn’t get home until at least 5.

The drive finally ends in Uptown Sedona, where you can enjoy more great red rock views, browse unique Southwestern style gift shops, or complete one of the area’s many hiking trails (check out Devil’s Bridge for the most dramatic views & unique photo opps). Sedona is a great budget friendly day trip destination as hiking is the ultimate free activity (a $5 Red Rock parking fee is the only small fee).

Check out my Oak Creek visitor guide for full details on all the wonderful attractions.

5. Explore ancient cliff dwellings via the Island Trail at Walnut Canyon

Walnut Canyon is a must visit for any history buffs looking for a really interesting daytrip. It’s just a 10 min drive outside of town. The Island Trail, a short & steep trail, features stunning views of the 20 mile long, 400 foot deep canyon as you pass by more than 20 historic Native American cliff dwellings. If you are up for the challenge of climbing up 294 steps then you’ll be treated to some pretty breathtaking scenery.

I found it so interesting to see how these ancient Sinagua tribes lived and the harsh elements they often faced. I’ve been to numerous cliff dwelling in the area with Walnut being the best of the bunch. A trip to this amazing natural wonder will only set you back $25 (free if you already have an annual nationals parks pass, which is a great investment!). You can also visit on NPS free dates and pay nothing.

Bonus -your admission ticket also includes entry into Sunset Crater & Wupatki National Monument. Even better, both monuments are connected via an extremely picturesque 34 mile drive.

6. Walk through the inside of a 740,000 year old volcano

Explore the ruins of an ancient volcano on this easy 1.5 mile out-and-back trail, located just 30 minutes outside of the city off of scenic Highway 180. I’ve heard some tourists stop here on the way to the Grand Canyon but I think that is a bit much – I would save this one for a separate day if you have the time. It’s a really interesting place to explore so you will want to factor in some time.

The Red Mountain trail is one of the most underused trails in the area. I loved strolling through the ponderosa pines and towering red rock walls. Parking is free, so just a bit of gas is all that will set you back on this journey.

7. Enjoy a nature stroll around Buffalo Park

This easy 2 mile loop around the city’s most iconic park offers some of the most breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks and Mt. Elden mountains in town. To add to the excitement, you’ll find a variety of challenging fitness stations to test your agility, balance, and strength. As one of the flattest and shortest trails in town, Buffalo is perfect for leisurely bike rides (most other trails in town are moderate-advanced mountain biking terrain).

Come winter, it’s an oasis for cross country skiing & snowshoeing. As it’s one of the most popular trails in town, you will not find much peace & quiet here, however, the mountain scenery can’t be beat! The one exception is after a winter storm where you will enjoy solitude & the most incredible winter wonderland views!

8. Take a self guided stroll through the historic downtown

Flagstaff’s historic downtown, located off Route 66, is very popular with both tourists and locals as it is the hub of dining, entertainment, and special events. Although the majority of the area is now very modernized, a few historical buildings remain. The Monte Vista, Route 66’s most haunted hotel, stands out as the centerpiece. And the beautiful Weatherford Hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places. If you have ever seen Ghost Adventures, watch the episode on Flagstaff! They investigate the Weatherford and capture some pretty cool evidence!

Take a stroll, enjoy a lazy afternoon in a coffee house (Monte Vista and Late for the Train both serve great coffee and espresso), taste local olive oil, check out live events in Heritage Square, browse the shops, and more – there’s plenty of budget friendly fun to be had.

9. Bike, walk, jog, or ski the FUTS

The Flagstaff Urban Trail system, better known as the FUTS, is a network of 50 miles of in-town trails, offering diverse scenery as well as terrain. These recreational paths are great for all sorts of exercise, from biking in the spring and summer, to winter cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Fort Tuthill Park is the park I frequent most often, mostly to use one of the nicest sections in the system, the 5.7 mile long Sinclair Wash trail. The path is lined with pretty pine trees and I love exercising here all year.

This mostly flat trek (just a few hills mid point) means that it’s a great choice for just about every activity, easy enough for beginner mountain biking, 5k training, and winter activities like cross country skiing. I trained here almost daily for the Vegas Rock N’Roll marathon and PR’d. High altitude training is tough but improves your fitness (during my time here, I learned that lots of big athletes train here!).

After a monster storm, Ft. Tuthill is the perfect winter fun destination as the quiet snowy setting really makes you feel as if you are in a winter wonderland. I love snowshoeing here because it is so quiet and the scenery combined with the solitude gives off an attractive Narnia like vibe.

10. Enjoy live entertainment in Heritage Square

Heritage Square, located in the heart of downtown, is the place to go to enjoy free live events and entertainment. During Christmas, the annual tree is the shining centerpiece. On Halloween night, the square is transformed into a festive fall gathering place with lots of decor and spooky music for the free Halloween Harvest fest. And the summer lineup is loaded with all sorts of freebies including live concerts on Friday nights and Saturday night screenings of new and classic films for the very popular “Movies on the Square.” And the best part is that all these events are offered free to the community!

11. Challenge yourself to a rough & rewarding hike up Slate Mountain

This rigorous trek up Slate Mountain rewards with the area’s best overlook of the San Francisco mountains. It’s a challenging high altitude climb of about 4 miles total round trip with an elevation gain of nearly 1000 feet, starting around 7300 feet and slowly venturing up to 8200! The views are quite scenic the entire way, and I found myself taking pictures pretty much the entire hike.

It’s so quiet that you will likely not see a single hiker your entire trip. In fact, there is more evidence of wildlife in the area than people. After years of dealing with the tourist crowds (Grand Canyon + Phoenix heat escapers), I truly appreciate quiet hikes like this even more.

The amazing scenery the entire trip and super quiet natural setting make this intense fitness session well worth the effort. Bonus – no fee to park!

12. Treat yourself to a cup of coffee in one of America’s most haunted hotels

Hotel Monte Vista has a long haunted history with many guests reporting eerie paranormal sights over the years. Even John Wayne claimed to see the vision of a ghostly bell boy! Room 305 is so haunted that it was featured on Unsolved Mysteries. Downstairs in the lobby lies a great little coffee shop called Rendezvous. This historic hotel offers the perfect vibe for enjoying a delicious espresso. I love lounging around with a great cup of joe on a brisk fall day. They serve great drinks and I love the dark, cozy vibe.

Rendezvous definitely offers the best ambiance in town as you have big windows to gaze out while sipping your drink. The historic charm of the hotel is an added bonus. Plus, after enjoying a delicious cup of joe, you can browse the lobby and read all about the haunted history. Around Halloween time, they decorate nicely and offer specialty fall drinks. Be on the lookout for free classic horror movies Wednesday nights in October. It’s an affordable night out in an expensive area!

13. Take a colorful fall walk through towering aspens

This city is Arizona’s fall playground. With cool temps, lots of foliage on the trails and throughout town, and special seasonal events, it’s the best time of the year to plan a visit. I recommend any Phoenix and Tucson transplant from the Midwest/Northeast missing that traditional fall vibe to come up here for the weekend to enjoy the beautiful temps and colors. Due to the many aspens found at high altitude, most of the high elevation trails offer plenty of amazing leaf peeping. Colors usually peak the first or second week of October.

Other great options include Snowbowl’s Aspen Nature Loop and Kachina trail, both loaded with aspens groves and also offering great overlooks of the mountains. Veit Springs, also located on Snowbowl Road, has the prime advantage of receiving little tourist traffic. This laid-back trail offers a serene woodsy setting with dense tree coverage, a nice mixture of pines and aspens. With no fees, hiking these gorgeous trails is the perfect budget friendly fall activity. Hiking is definitely my favorite way to enjoy the town’s most gorgeous season. Here’s some more pictures of just how beautiful this area is during the peak of fall.

14. Enjoy the holiday light show and festivities at Little America

Every December, the Little America hotel goes all out with over a million bright colorful lights dazzling all over the property’s pine covered grounds. This is a fun, festive, and free event, so there really is no reason not to take advantage. Bundle up, bring with a mug of hot cocoa, and enjoy the free show!

If you happen to be around for the opening ceremony, free cookies, cider & cocoa, and live entertainment kick start the holiday season! Also, the property hosts a number of holiday buffets, as well as a popular North Pole experience for the kids (overpriced in my opinion).

15. Take pics of wildflowers at Bonito Meadow

Part of the Wupatki-Sunset Crater 34 mile scenic loop drive, the picturesque Bonito Meadow overlook is the perfect place to stop for photos. You’ll enjoy fantastic views of the San Francisco Peaks surrounded by colorful wildflowers during the summer season. Typically the fields are swarming with thousands and thousands of yellow wildflowers, creating the picture-perfect photo opp. In addition, wildflowers of every hue populate most other trails in town by mid August (I also recommend The Weatherford and Veit Springs).

16. View ancient pictographs via Veit Springs (now Lamar Haines)

The Veit Springs trail, located about 4-5 miles up Snowbowl road, is an easy, picturesque nature stroll through ponderosa pine and aspen forest. It’s a bit quieter than other trails thanks to its’ semi hidden location but this beauty won’t stay quiet forever. Besides strolling through pretty pine and aspen forests, you will get to take a side trail to some ancient faded pictographs.

This trail is beautiful both spring and summer as both the scenery and temps are ideal this time of the year. It is also one of my top fall picks due to the abundance of golden aspens. Offering dense tree coverage and historic charm, Veit Springs is reminiscent of a New England trail, and therefore, especially attractive to anyone missing the East coast. There is no fee to park at the trailhead.

17. Take a self guided tour of Arizona’s most haunted city

If you love Halloween or just spooky stories and places, pick up a free map in the Flagstaff Visitor Center of the most haunted locations in town. The city offers guided tours in October, but why pay when you can explore yourself at no cost? From here, you can check out all the historic buildings. This is especially fun around Halloween season when the temps begin to drop and pretty fall foliage begins to line the streets downtown.

The most haunted building? Definitely the Monte Vista which has had the most reported sightings anywhere in town – so many in fact that it is known to be one of America’s most haunted hotels! Dare to stay the night? Check out spooky Room 305 where many guests have seen a ghostly vision of a woman on a rocking chair. The Weatherford, the city’s oldest hotel, is also quite haunted. I love the Ghost Adventures episode where Zak Bagans and crew capture a lot of cool evidence. You can also sign up for ghost tours and use real EVP equipment.

18. Enjoy some old-fashioned wintry fun at the Jay Lively Activity Center

Ice skating is the perfect affordable fun date night idea. It’s cold here for months on end and sometimes it is fun to work up a sweat in a different way than just hiking. Coming in at around 20 bucks for 2 (and even cheaper if you own a pair of skates), skating is a great way to get out for a bit without breaking the bank. Be on the lookout for seasonal events and adults only skate sessions. I really wish Flagstaff had a nice outdoor ice rink. This is one of my few negative things I have to say about this wonderful town. I love ice skating and indoor skating just doesn’t compare!

As opposed to the standard movie and a dinner date, ice skating is a refreshing, exciting, and more affordable. It is the perfect date idea for anyone seeking budget friendly winter entertainment.

19. Take in gorgeous mountain scenery around Bismark Lake

The quiet, picturesque, and short Bismark Lake trail is quite a hassle to get to, however, this also means less foot traffic! Once you begin this peaceful trail, you will agree that the long, slow drive up a dirt road was well worth it for the grand mountain vistas. Come fall, colorful aspens line the trail. A stroll along the this peaceful trail is a fun and free activity to add into your spring, summer, or fall itinerary! This is another one of my favorite underrated hikes – just beautiful mountain scenery in a really quiet setting.

20. Pick out your own fresh fall pumpkins at Hitchin’ Post Stables

During the fall, the area’s premier horseback riding company puts on a seasonal event called Pumpkin in the Pines. The event features hayrides, a mini corn maze, and a patch where you can pick your own farm fresh pumpkins. Activities include a hayride, the petting zoo, and the hay maze. Or keep it cheap and just pick out a pumpkin and enjoy the seasonal decor. This budget friendly event is a great opportunity to enjoy the cool seasonal temps, along with some old-fashioned fun.

21. Attend the free 4th of July concert by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra

Each 4th of July, the very talented Flagstaff SymphonyOrchestra puts on a festive, free event for the public featuring a medley of patriotic and classical songs. It’s definitely the event not to be missed during the multi day 4th celebration. Grab a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy sitting amongst the cool pines at Fort Tuthill park for this free holiday celebration. To date, one of my favorite events in the city. I’ll never forget the wonderful performance of “Get your Kicks on Route 66.” It’s so hard to get this catchy tune out of your head.

22. Get out your snowshoes & explore the beauty of the Coconino

All winter long at Snowbowl you can enjoy winter recreational activities on snow covered trails. Best of all, it will cost you absolutely nothing if you bring your own equipment! I bought my own snowshoes a while back and they easily paid for themselves after half a season. Because of the high elevation and dense tree coverage, the snow tends to stay around a lot longer. This means that the conditions are typically perfect for fun winter activities like snowshoeing. If you have your own, then this is the perfect free activity.

No snowshoes? No problem! You can rent them at a sporting goods store like Babbitt’s for just 15 bucks or so. However, I recommend purchasing your own pair as they will easily pay for themselves after just a few uses. MTN snowshoes is my brand of choice as they are affordable, come with a handy carrying case, and the poles can also be used for hiking. Be aware that you will need to apply for a free backcountry pass to enjoy these trails.

Buffalo Park, Ft. Tuthill, and Campbell Mesa are my favorite places to ski/snowshoe following a big storm, although the snow does not stick around quite as long in the lower altitude parks. No matter which trail you pick, snowshoeing is a fantastic budget alternative to skiing. No need to pay big bucks for Snowbowl or the Nordic Center when you can ditch the heavy crowds for a quiet nature experience that comes at a much cheaper price. On a side note, I do really love the nordic center if you are up for spending a few bucks (nice groomed trails and plenty of beginner terrain).

23. Enjoy free downtown holiday fun

All throughout December, the city puts on a number of festive, free events for the community. This helps brighten up the very long snowy winter season. A lively holiday lights parade kicks off the season. Other attractions and events not to miss include the lighting of the annual Christmas tree in Heritage Square, free holiday classics at The Orpheum, the annual pinecone drop at the Weatherford hotel, and the Snowflake festival at the Historic train station. Check my guide to more holiday fun in Northern Arizona.

24. Test out your mountain biking skills

Avid mountain bikers will enjoy the diverse and challenging terrain. The Dry Lake Hills/Mt. Elden area is very popular with mountain bikers due to the exciting, diverse terrain. On any given day, you will see more bikers than hikers out enjoying these rocky trails. The Sunset Trail is another good choice especially around the beautiful fall months. If you are looking for something a bit more beginner friendly, check out the Urban Trail System (especially Fort Tuthill) or the Campbell Mesa Trails system, featuring 11 miles of easy trails.

25. Take a scenic drive up Snowbowl Road

This slow 7+ mile drive offers breathtaking views of the mountains, along with never ending views of pines and aspens. Even if you are not hiking, this drive is worth it for the scenery alone. Fall is the standout time to visit as this is easily the best fall foliage drive in the area. Winter is also incredible – I love seeing the pines and mountains covered with snow. Be sure to keep chains in your car as they are often required after heavy storms to navigate up this very steep road. Definitely stop at Aspen Corner – one of the most magnificent autumn photo spots in the region.

26. Enjoy budget friendly entertainment at Twin Arrows

Twin Arrows, Arizona’s only 4 diamond casino resort, is just a quick 30 min drive out of the city. A 3 hour Bingo session will only set you back a few bucks and includes unlimited soft drinks and popcorn. Grab a cup of coffee at Indulgence and enjoy browsing around. Also consider attending one of the free firework shows, held every Friday night at 10pm during the summer season. Bonus – the drive out here is quiet and the views are relaxing.

27. Explore the Lava Flow trail at Sunset Crater

Sunset Crater, the remains of a 900 year old volcano, can be explored via a short hike known as the Lava Flow trail. Along the way, you’ll take in the unique sights of lava flows and cinder fields. You’ll also be treated to some nice views of the San Francisco Peaks so be sure to pack your camera! Admission is $25 per car and also includes entry to Wupatki National Monument. As a bonus, both monuments connect via a scenic drive known as the Sunset-Wutpaki Scenic Drive.

Tip – Visit on one of the NPS free days (5 dates per year).

28. Watch the NY style New Year’s Eve Pinecone drop at the Weatherford

Pretend like you are at New York City’s famous Times Square ball drop celebration as you watch a massive 70 pound illuminated pine cone being lowered from the Weatherford Hotel downtown. This event is so popular with locals and visitors that the pine is dropped at 2 times, at 10pm (to coincide with NY’s popular celebration) and Midnight, to help disperse the traffic a bit (although it does not help much). If you would like to be part of an exciting and most unique New Year’s Eve tradition, then arrive early downtown early for a prime viewing spot.

29. Take a quiet nature stroll around Griffith Spring

This quiet trail within the Coconino National Forest sees barely any traffic despite its’ prime location along busy 89a en route to Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona. For any hiker/nature enthusiast looking for a non touristy trail, hiking Griffith Spring will be a real treat. Although, the loop comes in at just a mile, the serene setting and ample birdwatching and wildlife sightings make it a worthwhile stop. This is one of my favorite quick hikes and I often stopped here on the way home from Sedona. I’ve rarely seen more than 2-3 people at a time, so super low-key in comparison to Snowbowl.

No aspens here, so it’s not a good fall color hike, however, the relaxing ponderosa pines make it a great summer/spring choice. Did you know that northern Arizona is located within the country’s largest ponderosa pine forest? For a longer hike, simply complete the loop multiple times. The relaxed setting away from the city really makes the Griffith trail a little oasis worth doing again and again. And it’s completely free – no parking or passes required!

30. Bowl unlimited for 15 bucks

Throughout the year, particularly during the summer season, Starlite Lanes on historic Route 66, occasionally offers a great promotion consisting of games for just a buck! In this day and age, bowling is no longer the budget friendly activity it was once was, making this $1 deal pretty fantastic. Games nowadays are typically $5-6 a piece and can really add up, especially for large parties.

Unlimited bowling specials are offered weeknights (6pm-close) for just $15. This is a great deal as it includes shoes.

In addition, you can also sign up for their email list where you will receive special deals. For old-fashioned fun and old-fashioned prices, head over to Starlite Lanes.

31. Check out Rt. 66 events & memorabilia

Rt 66 runs right through town so there are a number of historic sites and attractions to check out. The city also hosts a number of fun events. The road celebrates its’ 100th year in 2026 and the city has a big Rt 66 Centennial celebration planned. Two sights I recommend checking out for free are: the Dog Haus (said to be the real inspiration behind the Eagle’s classic lyrics to “Take It Easy” and the classic Western Hills neon hotel sign.

32. Treat yourself to the area’s best espresso drinks at Indian Gardens

Indian Gardens is a local gem in an area overpopulated with tourist traps just looking to take advantage of one time travelers. Indian Gardens is different – they have a wonderful garden patio, the friendliest servers, and consistently good coffee and food. And, everything is reasonably priced. Aside from offering the most delicious and affordable breakfasts in the area, I also love their regular coffee and specialty drinks. What to try? Most definitely the breakfast burrito, the Grains and Greens breakfast bowl, and the seasonal pumpkin muffin.

All of their coffee and espresso drinks are outstanding. You will easily find yourself coming back here to sip your espresso in the beautiful lush courtyard surrounded by trees. After tasting the coffee here, it really is hard to go back anywhere else! On the 4th Friday of every month, they offer coffee cupping classes where you will be able to taste a variety of coffees for free! Indian Gardens is located along beautiful Oak Creek Canyon Scenic drive (89a), which is an activity in and of itself! I’ve stopped here so many times I can’t count (prob at least 50) on my way to Sedona.

33. Hike through majestic aspens on the Weatherford Trail

The Weatherford is one of the best hikes in the area because you can venture out as far as your comfort level and still enjoy nice scenery. From a casual 1.5 mile out-and-back stroll just to see the golden aspens in the fall, to an all day 10 mile high altitude adventure, where the views just seem to keep on getting better. Like most other hikes in the area, a day out on this low-key trail is the perfect budget friendly day activity: an excellent fitness workout, a peaceful day out exploring nature, & a wallet friendly attraction all rolled into one!

34. Take family photos amongst the wildflowers

Late summer after a heavy monsoon season typically brings lots of colorful wildflowers throughout town. August is the best month for family photography as trails and meadows surrounding the mountains will be loaded with colorful flowers. Around this time of year, you will see many families taking photos by these gorgeous flowers. It really is the perfect setting for all sorts of photography – and the perfect fall greeting card background! I-80 on the way to Snowbowl, Buffalo Park, and the Sunset Crater scenic drive are some of your best bets for the perfect greeting card backdrop!

35. Keep an eye out for local wildlife on the Kendrick Mountain Trail

The Kendrick Watchable Wildlife Trail is an area hotspot for wildlife watching, hence the name. A peaceful scenic drive on Hwy 180 takes you to this serene wildlife watching area. The trails here are very easy (a quarter of a mile and 1.5 miles). As a result, this park is a better choice for a nature outing rather than an intense workout.

Instead of a rough fitness session, you will be able to casually stroll around and wildlife watch. Pronghorn antelope, mule deer, elk, and coyote frequently make appearances. Early morning and late evening when animals are most active are your best bets for sightings. I’ve seen dozens of elk at a time which is pretty cool. Oh, and there are some great mountain views too! On a side note, I love visiting during the quaint winter season. The mountains are so much more beautiful capped with snow!

36. Stroll around the summertime community markets

During the summer and early fall months, a farmer’s market is held each Sunday morning near downtown in the City Hall parking lot. Strolling the market is a great way to enjoy the mild summer weather and try out a few samples of local specialties like Prickly Pear Tea and fresh, local honey. Numerous craft vendors are also on hand, selling affordable gifts such as homemade soaps. I always find great gifts that I save for birthday or Christmas presents. After the market, stroll around adjacent Wheeler Park or take a leisurely stroll downtown before the afternoon crowds hit.

37. Trade in old books & movies for free coffee

Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange offers a unique program where you can trade in used entertainment goods in exchange for free coffee credit at their on-site cafe, featuring beans from local roaster Firecreek. Their espresso drinks are actually quite good, so this really is a steal. The quiet cozy bookstore ambiance and friendly baristas make it one of the nicer places in town to enjoy a cup of joe.

So bring in those dusty old books and DVDs you no longer read or watch and trade them in for a great cup of espresso which you can enjoy for free today! What a fun weekend morning activity which costs absolutely nothing! On a side note, I’ve added quite a lot of DVDs and books to my collection since moving here. I love walking around looking at the movies just like the good old days of Blockbuster!

38. Browse The Old Town Shops

The Old Town Shops is a collection of novelty independent stores in a little plaza downtown next to Heritage Square. As you stroll around, you’ll see all sorts of local souvenirs and hand made gifts including the cutest variety of handmade specialty soaps, which make for the perfect creative gift or stocking stuffer. It’s an eccentric place to just stroll around even if you do not want to spend any money.

When you tire of browsing, head over to Mix, a fresh soup and salad bar, for a healthy make-your-own salad (update now a coffee bar). Or, if you are craving something a bit sweeter, pick up a handmade chocolate truffle at the Flagstaff Chocolate Company.

39. Enjoy 2 fun filled weeks of science and nature events

Every year, the city puts on a popular free community event known as the Flagstaff Festival of Science.  Free stargazing and astronomy programs are offered all week, in addition to free guided nature walks and more, as part of 10 days of 100 free events. These events are all to celebrate the city’s distinction as an International Dark City. On a side note, you can view the telescope used to discover Pluto at the Lowell Observatory (see pic above).

40. See an old ghost town

One of the things I loved most about living in Northern Arizona was visiting all the unique ghost towns. There are so many oddball attractions around this region if that is your thing. One of my favorites is 2 Guns located about 30 minutes outside of the city on I-40 enroute to Winslow. What makes this one really strange is that you can walk around the remains of an old zoo. It was a cool experience to see the old enclosure for mountain lions.

41. Explore Keyhole Sink

Keyhole Sink is a unique canyon in the Kaibab Forest. The keyhole like shape of the canyon is where the trail name comes from. A quick 15-20 minute drive outside of Flagstaff on Route 66 will take you to the trail head. Even more unique for the area is a seasonal waterfall, which is especially spectacular after heavy snow melt. Another interesting attribute of the hike is the presence of ancient petroglyphs along the canyon’s walls. But you need to look very carefully – they are very faint and can be easily missed.

The quiet refreshing walk through ponderosa pines and occasional wildlife sightings make the hike even more attractive. It’s a great little morning activity which costs absolutely nothing.

42. Enjoy free annual art related events

This city boasts an impressive number of independent galleries despite its’ small size. During the 1st Friday Art Walk, you can explore downtown’s numerous art shops, while also enjoying special exhibitions. Even better, some galleries offer freebies like snacks and wine. Another great art event is Art in the Park, held over 4th of July and Labor Day weekends. At these events, you can browse local photography, many featuring natural scenes from throughout this beautiful region, as well as browse around for cute handmade knick knacks.

43. Take a quiet nature stroll along the Campbell Mesa Trail system

The Campbell Mesa trails are a series of 11 miles of quiet, pine lined hiking trails. Because of the relatively easy terrain and short distances, many locals use the trails for trail runs, leisurely dog walks, and winter skiing and snowshoeing. The terrain is also fantastic for beginning mountain bikers looking for a bit of a challenge.

The woodsy setting and views of Mt. Elden will motivate you through your exercise session, whether it be walking, running, biking, skiing, or snowshoeing! I hiked here fairly regularly, mostly when I wanted to get in a longer workout as opposed to enjoying scenic views (there are better trails if great scenery is your primary goal). No fee to park although the parking lot is often very muddy after storms.

44. Take in majestic views of the night skies at the Lowell Observatory

Flagstaff is often regarded as one of the best places in the world for stargazing due to several attractive factors. These include low light pollution and a high number of clear nights. Most of the parks are great places to observe the gorgeous star filled skies. However, the ultimate stargazing location is atop Lowell Observatory.

There are several pull outs along the way where you can enjoy the starry nights of the high desert. It’s also one of the best places to enjoy pretty overviews of the city. For a quiet, affordable, laid-back night activity that will cost you nothing, head up here for uninterrupted views of the starry skies. In my opinion, a visit to the observatory itself is not really worthy of the high admission tag unless you are really into astronomy. It’s pretty cool that Pluto was discovered here though. And I really enjoyed attending their Pluto Palooza festival where I learned so much new info.

45. Explore ancient petroglyphs at Picture Canyon

Picture Canyon is a really interesting free attraction for history buffs. The Sinagua tribes lived here from 1000-1200 AD. Here, you can explore 1000 year old ruins and over 150 ancient petroglyphs. I’ve never seen so many in a single place. There are 3 short trails ranging from 0.7 to 2.8. miles so pretty easy hiking in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest setting.

46. Take in stunning mountain views from the summit of Fat Man’s Loop

Fat Man’s Loop is, not surprisingly, the favorite trail of many local hikers. The convenient location just across from the mall on Rt 66, the short distance, and many beautiful mountain overlooks, make it an attractive choice. No long drive is required to get to this hike – it’s a hassle free experience with great views. And thus, it definitely earns it a spot on my list of must-do hikes within the city limits. If you are looking to limit your driving, this is the way to go. Tip: Bring with a hiking stick for this one -you will need extra balance going downhill.

47. Get Back to Nature on the Pumphoush Wash trail

This relaxing nature stroll is located about 7 miles south of the city in the little town of Kachina Village. Although quite short at just 3/4 of a mile each way, it’s a lovely walk through shady ponderosa forest. You’ll also have the opportunity to see a rare Arizona wetland. And because it’s not heavily used, your chances of seeing wildlife are much greater than anywhere else in town. Common sightings include elk, especially during the fall season. Fox, deer, bald eagles can also be seen if you are lucky.

Pumphouse is also a gorgeous snowshoeing destination following a winter storm. Fortunately, I lived within walking distance of this beautiful park and used it fairly regularly for snowshoeing: what an amazing place after a blizzard!

48. Feast on an Indian buffet like no other at Delhi Palace

Delhi Palace isn’t just Flagstaff’s top Indian restaurant, it’s the best food anywhere, period. This authentic Indian restaurant serves the best Indian food you will ever taste. And for just 9 bucks, you can treat yourself to an all you can eat buffet featuring a variety of the best Indian dishes. If you are new to Indian cuisine, the buffet will enable you to try a variety of dishes to see which you like best. This restaurant was my first experience trying this type of food and it was not disappointing.

I love that everything is mildly spiced as I am not a big fan of anything too spicy. The delicious homemade Naan bread served complimentary is worthy of a visit on its own. Service is great, everything is clean and restocked, and the decor is pleasant. Lunch in Flagstaff is a no brainier – Delhi Palace wins, hands down!

Update: The buffet is sadly no longer offered, however, Delhi is still the best restaurant in town. Do try the Saag Paneer, Veggie Korma, Aloo Gobi, and pakoras!

49. Get cozy at a local coffeehouse

I love a great cup of coffee to get going in the morning (esp before challenging myself to a big hike). Flagstaff is an awesome coffee city – one of the best I’ve come across. There are so many great local roasters here and many of the shops offer cozy seating areas, great pastries, and an attractive local vibe. One of my favorites is Late for the Train, conveniently located downtown. They serve the best Americanos in town and fabulous breakfast burritos too. I love the quaint cozy space and the maps on the tables.

50. Hike Bear Jaw

Bear Jaw is an often overlooked hike that tourists pass up in favor of Inner Basin. This hike is just as scenic, maybe even moreso. Like Inner Basin, it’s a hard high altitude trek through a stunning aspen forest. This is another one of my favorite leaf peeping spots – it’s such an amazing experience to hike through the golden aspens. It’s 2 miles one way or you can combine with the Abineau loop for a rough 7 mile loop.

51. See a Tuesday Night Classic at Harkins

Every Tuesday night, Harkins Theater in Flagstaff screens an old favorite as part of their “Tuesday Night Classics” series. Movies cost only 5 bucks compared to the usual $12+. Movie themes typically change along with the seasons. You can look forward to Halloween/fall classics like The Lost Boys and Halloween in October, and A Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation during December. The Summer 80’s series is great too. Recent selections have included Pretty in Pink and The Never Ending Story. It’s a great way to get out for the night without spending big bucks!

Update: Encore showings for just 5 bucks on Wednesdays at 1pm!