By Nathaniel Berman
Mostly surrounded by mountains, the small city of Flagstaff Arizona is full of lots of natural beauty. Sure, Flagstaff isn’t as big or busy as many of Arizona’s other cities, but it definitely has some charm of its very own. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys outdoor adventure, Flagstaff is the perfect city for you.
From mountains to clear views of the night sky, this desert city has a little something to offer every kind of nature lover. If you’re planning a trip to the city, and are interested in learning about some of the best places to go, this list will give you some great locations to check out. Here are five perfect places for nature lovers in Flagstaff Arizona.
Lowell Observatory
Built in 1894, the Lowell Observatory is one of the oldest observatories in the country. The facility’s original Alvan Clark & Sons telescope is still in use today, and guests can take a look at their favorite consolations while visiting the observatory. Aside from the Clark telescope, the observatory also has several others throughout the city. Aside from visits from the public, the observatory also conducts research throughout the year. In 1965, the Lowell Observatory was added to the National Register of Historic places and in 2011 it was added to Time Magazine’s list of “The World’s 100 Most Important Places.”
Walnut Canyon National Monument
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy some of Flagstaff’s most beautiful natural scenery, then you’ll definitely want to make a stop by the Walnut Canyon National Monument. The canyon’s area was once inhabited by the Sinagua people, a “pre-Columbian” culture that occupied much of present day central Arizona. The Singua created several cave-like dwelling areas within the Canyon, which still exist today. The monument and park area consist of trails and a visiting center which are open to the public all year.
San Francisco Peaks
Home to the highest point in the entire state of Arizona, the San Francisco Peaks are a great place to spend a lovely day. However, these mountains are more than just something to look at. There is an aquifer within the volcanic mountains that actually supplies most of the water in Flagstaff. This area is also a very popular location for people who enjoy outdoor recreation such as hiking. The San Francisco Peaks also consist of Mount Elden, which can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. From almost anywhere in the city of Flagstaff, you can see the slopes of Mount Elden. Despite its intimidating appearance, Mount Elden is actually relatively easy accessible via a trail system that doesn’t allow any motorized vehicles. If you’re interested in taking in some incredible sites while also having some fun enjoying the great outdoors, San Francisco Peaks is the place to be.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Flowers and plants are some of nature’s most intriguing creations. Spread out on more than 200 acres of land, the Arboretum is home to more than 2,500 species of plants. This beautiful location has been known to bring in people from near and far, and records indicate that the Arboretum has been known to bring in more than 23,000 people in a single year.
Meteor Crater
More than 50,000 years ago, Meteor Crater was created by the impact of a meteorite. Following the tradition that natural features be named for nearby post offices, Meteor Crater was named after the local Meteor Post Office. For centuries, this location has captured the attention of both scientists and the general public, and it remains one of the most interesting attractions in Flagstaff Arizona. In fact, during the 1960s, NASA even used the Meteor Crater to train astronauts.
Images courtesy of Housely.com.
Nathaniel Berman
Nat Berman is editor in chief of Housely.com which is a leading real estate and regional news site.
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Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
