Day Trip to Explore Flagstaff, Arizona

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It's a beautiful 85 mile dive from Prescott Valley, AZ up Interstate 17 to Flagstaff, AZ.
In the past I've just driven through Flagstaff on my way to other locations like Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, or Monument Valley but today my plans were to visit four areas of interest near Flagstaff.

First I visited Lowell Observatory (downtown on Mars Hill). I took a great 45 minute guided tour of the observatories and beautiful grounds. They had a nice video presentation with a lot of information on the history of Lowell, other astronomers and information on current research being done there. Also, they had a very nice interactive exhibit hall. (This is a must see if you are anywhere near the Flagstaff area). I spent about two hours there.

Next a few miles north of town I visited the Museum of Northern Arizona. Many great exhibits of ancient Indian artifacts. There was so much to see another visit will be planned. Note: Had a picnic lunch in their picnic area in the pine trees.

After lunch it was time to get outdoors so I drove a few miles east of town to Walnut Canyon National Monument. It’s a beautiful deep canyon with many ancient Indian dwelling throughout the canyon. There is a very nice rim hiking trail and visitor center where you can get a great rim view of the canyon which was breathtaking. Take note there are over 600 steps descending into the canyon which is easy to walk down but take your time coming back up.

Last but not least about 10 miles northeast of Flagstaff is Sunset Volcano Crater National Monument. They have several nice short hiking trails with great views of the colorful Volcano and a nice hike through the lava flows. They also have a nice picnic area with a great view.

Today I’ve discovered some great places and took many photos but three is much more to see in Flagstaff….so I’ll be visiting there again real soon.

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Photos

Humphrey's Peak
12,643 Ft with snow in May

Lowell Observatory
Guided Tour

Northern Arizona University
View from Mars Hill

Museum of Northern Arizona
Native American Artists Exhibits

Walnut Canyon National Monument
Ancient Indian Dwellings

Sunset Crater Volcano
1000 Ft Ancient Volcano