Flagstaff Nature Suite: Private, self-check-in, secluded yard, personal parking space, 1 bed, 1 bath - Just 1.5 hrs to Grand Canyon!
Hikes, Nature and Camping
Just a few of the many wonderful locations in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. For forest informations including fire restrictions and more visit the Coconino County USDA page.
For local rental including skis, tents, Kayaks and more visit SMR.
The San Francisco Peaks are considered sacred by the Navajo, Hopi, and other Native American tribes. The highest peak, Humphreys Peak, reaches an elevation of over 12,600 feet, making it the highest point in the state.
The San Francisco Peaks offers recreational activities year-round. During the summer months, hiking and mountain biking and gondola rides to the top are popular, with numerous trails winding through the forests. In the winter, the peaks become a hotspot for skiing and snowboarding, attracting visitors from near and far.
The San Francisco Peaks are also home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
Lake Mary
Lake Mary is a beautiful lake located on the West side of Flagstaff. It's popular for outdoor fun. The lake offers fishing, kayaking and small boating, and hiking. Fishing, you can catch trout, bass, and catfish. Kayak and canoe rentals are available for those who don't have their own. There are also several hiking trails surrounding the lake, in the evening you might hear the bugle of an Elk as well as enjoy the scenic views. There is a campground, as well as some picnic benches along the way.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Canyon is a really great historic site located only about 15 min. away by historic Rt. 66. It's known for its unique cliff dwellings and rich archaeological finds. The canyon has over 300 cliff dwellings, which were built by the Sinagua people around 700 years ago. The dwellings are tucked within the limestone cliffs, that provided shelter and protection from the elements. You can walk along the trails and observe the intricate craftsmanship of these structures.
In addition to the cliff dwellings, Walnut Canyon offers stunning panoramic views and a variety of hiking trails.
From your parking spot, you can't miss the mountain that faces us. Mount Elden is a prominent landmark located in Flagstaff, Arizona. Standing at an elevation of 9,299 feet, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. This mountain provides a range of trails suitable for all skill levels from a leisurely stroll to a challenging hike, the mountain offers a close opportunity.
You can do a more challenging hike by taking The Elden Lookout Trail is the most well-known and demanding trail on the mountain. It is a strenuous 5.4-mile hike that rewards hikers with stunning views from the fire lookout tower at the summit. For a more moderate ascent, the Fatman's Loop Trail is great. Camping: You can't camp on the mountain but there are campgrounds near.
Sunset Crater
Sunset Crater, formed between 1040 and 1100, is the most recent in a six-million-year history of volcanic activity in the Flagstaff area, created by an eruption that led to a 1,000-foot-high cinder cone and left behind a sculpture garden of unique formations. The name "Sunset Crater" comes from the colorful glow of red and yellow cinders during the final burst of activity, and these cinder cones, including Sunset Crater, are formed by explosive early stages of eruptions, where magma and gases are released, leading to the creation of a cone-shaped mound.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most magnificent natural wonders in the world. Located about an hour and a half from the suite. The canyon stretches approximately 277 miles long, with impressive depths and breathtaking views. Formed over millions of years by the Colorado River, which carved its way through the layers of rock.
Visiting the Grand Canyon offers a truly immersive experience. The sheer size and vastness of the canyon are inspiring, leaving visitors with an appreciation for the power of nature. The panoramic views from various viewpoints along the rim are simply breathtaking, especially during sunrise or sunset.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy at the Grand Canyon, such as hiking, camping, and rafting or just admiring from the viewpoints.
1. Mather Point, South Rim
2. Redwall Bridge, North Rim
3. Hopi Point, South Rim Trail
4. Plateau Point, Bright Angel Trail
5. Shoshone Point, South Rim
Oak Creek Canyon
So many hikes! We love West Fork. The path winds along the creek and is full of trees and red rock. You have to cross several times but it is stunning. One of the prettiest places in the canyon and great for photography. There is also Slide Rock State Park which is a popular tourist attraction and many more. There are campgrounds through Oak Creek Canyon but you may need reservations for some of them.
Snow play, around Flagstaff
You can find sledding at Flagstaff Snow Play Fort Tuthill. Of course, Sking at Flagstaff Snowbowl is popular. You can rent snow sports equipment at several different shops around town and they can often share information of where to go for the best experiences.
FUTS - Flagstaff Urban Trail System. A great trail system for walking and some areas have space for biking that wraps around a lot of Flagstaff. In late summer this is a great way to see all the wildflowers that bloom in the area.
Winter activities include ice skating, skiing, sledding, and more.
For a quick, close, and fun hike just minutes away, head up Forest Street to Buffalo Park which has an easy wide walking path and amazing views of Mt. Eldon and the peaks.
Wupatki National Monument is a cultural site located about 30 min. from us. This 35,000-acre monument is home to ancient Pueblo ruins that date back to approximately 900-1200 AD and were once home to a thriving indigenous peoples community. The pueblo structures, including large stone buildings and kivas, tell a story of a skilled and resourceful people who adapted to the challenging desert environment.
Visitors to Wupatki National Monument can explore the ruins and learn about the history and culture of the people who lived here.
A little farther
Some other visits with a little more drive
Montezuma Castle is a remarkably preserved cliff dwelling located in central Arizona, USA. It is one of the best-preserved prehistoric Native American sites in North America, dating back to the 12th century. The castle was originally built by the Sinagua people and consists of several rooms and floors built into the limestone cliffs.
The castle got its name from early European American settlers who mistakenly believed it was associated with the Aztec emperor Montezuma. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. The dwelling was actually abandoned before Montezuma's time.
Strawberry/Pine/Payson
Tonto Natural Bridge, is a popular tourist attraction located in Payson, Arizona about 2 hrs from us. It is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world, measuring approximately 183 feet high and 400 feet across. The bridge was formed over millions of years through the process of erosion, and it remains a stunning example of the power of nature.
Visitors to the Tonto National Bridge can explore the bridge and its surrounding area via several hiking trails. These trails provide different perspectives and vantage points of the bridge and the surrounding scenery.