Year-Round Family Fun in Flagstaff

Arizona Snowbowl

Arizona Snowbowl is a 777 acre ski area located 14 miles north of Flagstaff along the western slopes of Mount Humphreys. Snowbowl offers skiers and snowboarders 52 trails, 8 lifts, and 2 mountain lodges.

San Francisco Peaks

Named by 17th Century Franciscans in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the San Francisco Peaks feature the highest altitudes in all of Arizona. The mountain range is the eroded remains of a strato volcano and consists of six individual peaks, the tallest of which is Humphreys with a peak height of 12,633 ft.

Lowell Observatory

Lowell Observatory has played an important role in astronomical research since its founding by Percival Lowell in 1894. The observatory has been the home of many key discoveries, including Clyde Tombaugh’s discovery of Pluto in 1930. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965, the observatory still operates multiple research telescopes and welcomes visitors daily.

Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University was founded in 1899 and was initially called Arizona Normal College. NAU offers 158 baccalaureate and graduate degree programs, and currently has an enrollment of just over 30,000 students. The school's campus is lushly vegetated and many of the buildings are composed of locally quarried 'Arizona Red' Moenkoepi Sandstone. In 2017 The American Institute of Economic Research ranked Flagstaff as the third best college town in the U.S., but some would argue it deserves the #1 position.

Professional/Athletic Sports Training

Flagstaff attracts a large amount of outdoor enthusiasts with its beautiful weather and jaw-dropping pine forest setting. The city maintains an urban trail system with over 50 miles of non motorized pathways used by locals for exercise and transportation.

In recent years Flagstaff has become an international training destination for cyclists, swimmers and runners due to the unique altitude, air, trail systems and Geographic location. NAU's own men's cross country team are current NCAA Division 1 National Champions.

Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails

From the tundra of Humphreys Peak to Inner Basin's aspen groves, there is always a new trail to discover in Flagstaff. Flagstaff is considered by many to be one of the top destinations out West for outdoor recreation. In Arizona, it is by far the best place for year-round outdoor recreation, spectacular scenery, and adventure. Flagstaff is home to the magnificent San Francisco Peaks, which includes the 12,637 foot tall Humphrey’s Peak, the highest point in Arizona. The Peaks are actually a dormant volcano range which last erupted sometime around 1064. There are many gorgeous hiking trails, both on and around the peaks. These spectacular mountains provide a wide range of recreational activities which you will not find elsewhere in the state, including hiking & mountain biking in the warmer months, and skiing & snowshoeing in the wintertime.