10 Must-Do Daytrips from Flagstaff
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
South vs. North Rim
This National Park is split into 2 sections: the South and North Rim. The South is the more crowded park, while the North is a 4 hour drive, but much more beautiful and peaceful due to the higher altitude and isolated nature. The South Rim also offers more dining and lodging options. As it is the more convenient choice, I recommend visiting the South Rim first. Visit the North Rim if you have the extra time. Be aware that the North Rim is closed for the season sometime in early winter. You can check out my South Rim guide for full details.
There’s so much to do at the Canyon that it is impossible to see everything in a single day. Luckily, your pass is good for 7 days! Scenic overlooks, museums, galleries, gift shops, hiking trails, interpretative centers, ranger programs, mule rides, and white water rafting are some of your options for exploring this natural gem.
These are all great, however, the most unforgettable way to explore the canyon is to hike one of the wonderful trails which go deep into the heart of the scenery. We saw a lot of tourists taking mule rides while we were hiking. It seems pretty scary, but according to the guides, they are sure footed and there have been no accidents.
Hiking the Canyon
Honestly, I never knew you could hike the Canyon until my first visit. There are 2 main options. We went with the Kaibab which is a really scenic trek that leads you to an amazing riverpoint view.
For the ultimate in adventure (experienced hikers only) complete the strenuous, yet totally rewarding hike to Skeleton Point. Don’t worry if you are not up for a major hike, you can simply complete the short trek to the first overlook (Ooh Ahh Point) which definitely offers no shortage of spectacular scenery. Prepare yourself for a strenuous high altitude adventure. This means coming prepared – packing plenty of extra water (fill up a camelbak at one of the free spring water stations) and bring with plenty of food.
Additional Details
Distance from the city: 1.5 hours
Recommended activities: Hike the South Kaibab Trail, Stroll along the Rim Trail, Dinner at the El Tovar Lodge (nice views!), Smooth whitewater trips, Mather Point overlook, Yavapai Point Overlook
Why it’s great: It’s widely recognized to be one of the top sights to see before you die. No travel bucket list would really be complete without a trip here, especially if you are traveling through/staying in close proximity
The Petrified Forest – “225 million years in the making”
The Petrified Forest is a unique national park home to one of the largest collections of petrified wood in the world. Through the natural process of permineralization over the course of 225 million years, the organic materials from Triassic era trees have been replaced with minerals like quartz.
This gives the wood a unique crystal-like appearance. When you look up close you will see an array of colors, the result of the varying minerals present. You will learn all about the history of the park via the scenic drive and visitor’s center. Note – it’s illegal to take any wood, but you can buy a genuine piece in the gift shop to take home with you.
What to do at this historic gem
This is another great stop for history buffs – really this entire region is! There’s a lot to do here including a scenic drive, several hiking trails, a number of historical attractions, and a great visitor’s center which will give you a full history lesson on the process in which wood becomes petrified.
At the visitor’s center, you can pick up a handy map detailing the park’s diverse trails and historical sights. Hiking is the best way to get an up close look at this ancient wood! For those interested in unusual and off-the-beaten path attractions, I would definitely add this most unique place to your travel list.
Additional Details
Distance from the city : 1.5 hours
Recommended activities: Scenic drive, Crystal Forest trail, stop at Winslow (directly on your route) for lunch at the wonderful Turquoise Room, explore the remains of an old zoo in one of many abandoned ghost towns – 2 Guns (near exit 230 on I-40).
Why it’s great: The Petrified National Forest is an under visited historical gem. It’s a unique and eclectic place and a great addition to any Flagstaff trip. The brilliant colors of The Painted Desert are just amazing.
Prescott – “Everybody’s Hometown”
Prescott is a charming small town in central Arizona most commonly referred to as “Everybody’s Hometown. ” The nickname arises from the assumption that anyone who visits from anywhere can find something that reminds them of home here. The 4 season climate, charming old architecture, and lively downtown have made it a popular daytrip for Phoenix residents fleeing the extreme heat of the desert summer (can you blame them?). Even though we don’t come here for the same reasons as Phoenix locals (the temps aren’t much different), we love the cute Main Street, hiking trails, and historic architecture.
Prescott has a lot to offer and is just a quick hour and a half drive from Flagstaff. Plus, you can always make side trips to Cottonwood and Jerome to make it a longer daytrip. I recommend staring your day off with a local cup of joe on the patio of Wild Iris. Plan for a stroll around Main Street which is loaded with local restaurants, antique shops, galleries, historic Whiskey Row, and the beautiful Yavapai County Courthouse as the centerpiece. Most of the year, temps are mild and dry. It’s cold in the winter, but not bone chillingly freezing like the Great Lakes region.
