Flagstaff and Northern Arizona
Climate
Flagstaff offers some of the most cleanest,
dark summer skies covered in a blanket of stars, and
four mild but distinct seasons. It
was the clean, clear air that inspired the creation os
the Lowell Observatory (928.774.3358, 1400 W. Mars Hill
Rd., www.lowell.edu),
a historical astronomical research station where Pluto
was discovered, to locate in Flagstaff more than 100
years ago. Today, Flagstaff has been designated the world’s
first international dark-sky city. Lush pine forests,
high altitude and low humidity combine to make the air
clean and the seasons enjoyable. The city has an average
288 annual days of sunshine and 108 inches of snowfall
(=21.4 inches of rain). Temperatures range from
an average low in January of 16 degrees & a high
of 43. In
July the average low is 50 and 82 is the average high
temperature. Many visitors who have traveled the
Colorado area find Flagstaff to be equally as fun to
visit.
The temperatures in Arizona change do to elevation change. You
can be skiing
in Flagstaff (7,000') in the morning and swimming in
the pool in Phoenix (2,000') in the
afternoon. Sedona,
at 4,500', is the center location between
the Pine tree region to the north and the dry Desert
to the south and only 27 miles from Flagstaff.
Attractions & Recreation
Four seasoned weather attracts outdoor
enthusiasts to the Flagstaff area: hiking, golfing, downhill
and cross country skiing, river boating, mountain biking,
and rock climbing. Additionally, the area also offers
a handful of national monuments, and the most popular
national park in the country. A sample of the recreation
includes:
Arizona Snowbowl & Flagstaff Nordic Center
928.779.1951
Highway 89
snow report: 928.779.4577
www.arizonasnowbowl.com
The rock star of the national parks, the Big Ditch,
as it is wryly called in these parts, is an 80-mile drive
from Flagstaff. The Colorado River streams for 277 miles
through the park where visitors will find accommodations,
restaurants, trails, exhibits and the grandeur of the
park’s spectacle.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
928.526.3367
7 miles east of Flagstaff off of I-40
www.nps.gov/waca
A hiking trail leads to ancient cliff dwellings that
are more than 1,000 years old. A thorough visitor center
holds artifacts and educational displays.
Flagstaff and Williams Arizona Golfing
The vistas are dramatic, the temperatures outstanding
to almost year-round playing and the assortment of courses—both
private and public—are sure to suit duffers of
all capabilities. Some of the better of Flag’s
golf courses include:
Pine Canyon Course
3000 S. Clubhouse Cir.
2 miles from the center of Flagstaff
928.779.5800
www.pinecanyon.net
Elephant Rocks Golf
2380 N. Oakmont
Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
928.526.5125
www.elephant-rocks.com/
A golf course luxury residential community with a private
course with 18 holes over 7,221 yards with a par of 71.
Continental Country Club
2380 N. Oakmont Dr.
5 miles from the center of Flagstaff
928.527.7997
www.continentalflagstaff.com
The top public course in Flagstaff, Continental offers
stunning view of the San Francisco Peaks, 18 holes over
6,000 yards with a par of 72. The restaurant Jotini’s
overlooks the fairway and makes a great spot for a drink
or a nosh.
Private Golfing | Forest Highlands Golf Club
1 Forest Highlands, off of Highway 89
5 milessouth from the center of Flagstaff
888.470.4607
www.fhgc.com
This beautiful private enclave has two courses—the
Meadow Course (18 holes over 7,272 yards with a par of
72) and the Canyon Course (18 holes over 7,000 yards
with a par of 71), which has been ranked the top course
in the state. Posh homes, well-tended greens
and a stocked pro shop.
Pinewood Country Club
395 E. Pinewood Blvd.
17 miles from the center of Flagstaff
928.286.1110
www.pinewoodcountryclub.org
A course in a private country club that caters to walkers
and is set up for both beginners and pros. 18 holes over
6,621 yards with a par of 72.
The Museum of Northern Arizona
928.779.1527
3101 N. Fort Valley Rd.
www.musnaz.org
Northern Arizona’s three premier scientific attractions
have joined together to offer the Northern Arizona Exploration
Pass. Lowell Observatory, Meteor Crater, and the Museum
of Northern Arizona are offering a $2 discount on admission
with this pass.
The Arboretum
928.774.1442
4001 S. Woody Mountain Rd.
www.thearb.org
- The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a botanical
garden, research station, and environmental education
center. Our goal is to help you better understand
the plants and plant communities of the world-renowned
Colorado Plateau, home to such natural wonders as
Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks. The
Arboretum is known for its beautiful collection
of 2,500 species of plants, guided tours, Wild
Birds of Prey programs, and spectacular views of
the surrounding mountains, meadows, and forests.
-
Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra
ticket info: 928.523.5661
www.flagguide.com/symphony
Housed in NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium, the symphony
is a longstanding part of Flagstaff’s cultural
scene.
*For a more complete listing
of Flagstaff attractions, recreation and cultural listings:
Flagstaff Visitor’s Center
928.774.9541
www.flagstaffarizona.org
Dining Out
From steakhouses and international cuisine to greasy
spoons and taco joints, Flagstaff has a range of restaurants,
including half dozen top-of-the-line establishments.
Some of the finer choices in town include:
Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar
413 N. San Francisco St.
928.213.1021
www.brixflagstaff.com
Serving full sushi bar including over 20 kinds of Nigiri
Sushi, over 40 kinds of Rolls, Many Daily Specials, etc.
The latest addition to Flagstaff’s high-end dining
scene. A copper-top bar fans in front of an extensive
wine collection. Outside, a small intimate courtyard
and inside exposed brick walls give the restaurant a
modern, urban feel. An extensive wine list and a menu
that concentrates on contemporary American fare. Reservations
recommended.
Josephine’s
928.779.3400
503 N. Humphreys Ave.
www.josephinesrestaurant.com
A longstanding fine restaurant with a substantial wine
list (wine suggestions are included beneath each listed
entrée) and a menu that includes filet mignon,
salmon and imaginative interpretations of dinner classics.
Outdoor dining in warm weather on the porch. Reservations
recommended.
Cottage Place
928.774.8431
126 W. Cottage Ave.
www.cottageplace.com
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