6. Hike the Fat Man’s Loop Trail

Beautiful views from the Fat Man's Loop hiking trail in Flagstaff, Arizona

While not the easiest nor hardest trail in town, Fat Man’s Loop is hands down one of the most scenic and fun options. Summer is the best time to set out on this 2.5 mile loop as the steep sections would be much too difficult to trek through during the snowy, icy winter months.

One section of the trail will take you past 2 very narrow boulders, hence the unique name.

Going through "fat man's loop" in Flagstaff, Arizona

This trail is easy to follow. There are a few steep sections where you will get in a nice workout, although you won’t leave totally exhausted. A diverse variety of desert plant life and well as many scenic vistas can be enjoyed the entire length.

Nice city views from the Fat Man's Loop hiking trail in Flagstaff, Arizona
a beautiful variety of trees along the Fat Man's Loop hiking trail in Flagstaff, Arizona

Hiking Fat Man’s Loop is the perfect summer activity: a winning combination of exercise, nature, and beautiful mountain views!

7. Spend the day exploring the Petrified National Forest

Crystal Forest at Petrified National Forest in Northern Arizona

This beautiful 200+ million year old park, which long ago resembled a tropical oasis with dinosaurs roaming about, now stands as a desolate desert with lots of petrified wood.

Petrified wood is a fossil formed when trees are buried and water rich in minerals like silica dissolve the original plant material. This in term gives the wood a crystal-like appearance. It’s interesting to note that the wood is made up almost entirely of quartz, sparkling a medley of colors depending on the levels of iron, copper, and manganese which were present during the petrification process.

A piece of petrified wood at the Crystal Forest - Petrified National Forest in Northern Arizona

There is a beautiful 28 mile drive within the park which takes you past numerous points of interest (all very well marked) including hiking trails offering close up views of the petrified wood, overlooks of the amazing Painted Desert, ancient pueblos and petroglyphs, and even an old Studebaker standing where Route 66 once passed through the park.

Gorgeous views along the scenic drive at thePetrified National Forest in Northern Arizona
Ancient petroglyphs at the Petrified National Forest in Northern Arizona
Studebaker at the old Rt 66 location at the Petrified National Forest

A day at the Petrified Forest is definitely worth the 1.5 hour drive from Flagstaff. It’s an interesting, affordable, and fun way to spend a half day, especially when combined with the nearby Meteor Crater.