Best Things to do in Flagstaff, AZ

09/21/2025

04/21/2023

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Situated just a stone’s throw away from the Wupatki National Monument is the spectacular Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Named after the crumbling cinder cone that lies at its center, it has lots of dramatic and desolate landscapes for you to explore with fantastic photos to be snapped of all its features.

Protected as part of a park since 1930, the crater is the youngest of the San Francisco Peaks, having only been formed around a thousand years ago in a volcanic eruption. Its bleak slopes lie amidst rolling foothills, forests and lava fields; all of which now make for great hiking.

At the site’s visitor center guests can learn all about the history, geology and nature of the rugged region as well as seeing some astounding aerial photos of Sunset Crater. While hiking to its summit is no longer permitted, visitors can explore the beautiful Bonito Lava Flow that lies nearby.

04/21/2023

Wupatki National Monument

One of Arizona’s most astonishing archaeological sites, the Wupatki National Monument can be found around an hour’s drive to the northeast of the city. Set in a scenic and secluded part of the Colorado Plateau are lots of remarkable ruins and centuries-old settlements for you to explore that were left behind by the Ancient Pueblo People.

Meaning ‘Tall House’ in the Hopi Language, Wupatki is named after the site’s largest settlement which is undoubtedly its standout sight. Within the remains of the red rock building are over a hundred rooms to wander around while a court for ball games can be found outside near to two crumbling kiva-like structures.

While it was abandoned in 1225, Ancestral Puebloans had already been living in the wild and remote region since the fifth century AD. In total the sun-scorched site has over 2,700 structures with visitors also being able to visit other smaller pueblos such as Citadel, Lomaki and Nalakihu.

04/19/2023

Grand Falls

Lying in a rugged and remote part of the picturesque Painted Desert is the awe-inspiring sight that is Grand Falls. Nestled away around an hour’s drive to the northeast of Flagstaff, it is set in a scenic spot along the Little Colorado River on Navajo Nation land.

While it only spans 21 meters, the waterfall towers to an impressive 56 meters in height, making it taller than Niagara Falls. Due to the water’s muddy color, it is often called ‘Chocolate Falls’ with its size, scale and shade making for some fantastic photos.

Although it is renowned for the remarkable rainbows created by its sparkling spray, the falls only flow during certain times of the year. As such, the best times to visit are between March and April when the falls are fed by the snowmelt of the far-off White Mountains.