THE 10 BEST Flagstaff Parks & Nature Attractions
Nature & Parks in Flagstaff
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Nature & Parks
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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48 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Recommended Outdoor Activities (37)
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Nature & Wildlife Areas • Caverns & Caves
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
Biking Trails
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What travelers are saying
- Deborah L8 contributionsThis place was recommended by a fellow hiker. Would highly recommend stopping here. The hike takes anywhere from 30 -45 minutes but stairs are involved. What you see is amazing.Written September 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SaguaroflowerPhoenix, AZ208 contributionsThis is really cool. There are several little trails in addition to the paved walkway. Take the Lenox Crater trail for some good views. There is no water at Sunset Crater but there is an outhouse/bathroom. Very interesting to learn about the history of this crater and the surrounding area.Written September 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Daniel LApex, NC791 contributionsIt's a decent way through the back roads of gravel and dirt to get to the location of the cave, and once you're there you're on your own.
Headlamps, jackets, boots, bring them all - as well as backups. It is true darkness and a mile long. And above all, a really amazing experience.
You also have to be at least a bit in shape to climb down the entrance.Written August 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Paul SPalm Springs, CA24 contributionsThis is a bit of Arizona history that you don't learn about in history class. The Riordan family was truly exceptional in that it ran its lumber business as a family. One of the major benefits included health care! The "duplex" was built for two of the brothers and had all the modern conveniences of the time. Definitely worth a visit and make sure that you take the guided tour, since it is the only way to see the inside of the houses.Written July 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mary CAda, MI303 contributionsThe views were amazing here. What was most amazing for me that there was still snow and it was almost Memorial Day. Attended a geocaching event here. The drive up was a bit unnerving for me. Oh so glad there was no snow or ice on the road. The gondola looked interesting but I decided not to take in the views from the top. Looks like a great place for winter and summer fun.Written May 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- E.L.EBrno, Czech Republic18,648 contributionsBeautiful forest in Flagstaff. Drove through it for some time and the landscape is so picturesque. Would love to visit the area in the futureWritten August 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- IlliniTravPhoenix, AZ7,140 contributionsThis is one of the most scenic (yet easy) trails I've been on, and I'm already looking forward to visiting again. The first half hour of this hike is a pleasant stroll on generally flat terrain as you make your way back to Red Mountain. We were lucky to be there in the beginning of October when we saw lots of yellow wildflowers. You will notice the earth rising on both sides of the trail and then spot a ladder with an easy climb. That's when the trail changes, and you feel like you are in a secret garden, with weathered rock formations to explore. I read that this trail is best done in the morning or mid-day, since the formations are in shadow in the afternoon.
Be warned that the dirt road from US 180 leading to the trailhead is not good, with lots of ruts. When I return, I'll park close to US 180 and walk the .3 mile to the trailhead.
This would be a great trail to hike if you're looking for something to do between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.Written October 7, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Teresa WLake Havasu City673 contributionsWe visited Flagstaff to see the National Parks, but really enjoyed Buffalo Park for walking each morning. The paths are wonderfully maintained and well used by walkers, bikers, runners and dog walkers. The exercise stations were a nice bonus. We saw a half dozen deer grazing, but were sad the duck pond was dried up. We wished that their had been a few more benches along the 2 mile loop as many were being used and we couldn't stop to rest. I'd love to see a memorial bench program like we have at Rotary Park in Lake Havasu.Written August 8, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cathy HPlainfield, IN17 contributionsI went to Buffalo Park to see San Francisco Peaks.There are several trails with all colors of wild flowers. The trails are covered in small volcanic rocks. You can occasionally find small cactus.
If you walk up to the peaks, you'll see that they are surrounded by huge boulders. They look amazing because of their size.I stayed for about three and a half hours. I would definitely like to go back.Written September 28, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TutinsPonyPhoenix, AZ2,546 contributionsThis was the first time I had done the hike in Winter. we started at 830am and plenty of parking space with good signposts on where to park and start the hike. We were well prepared for bad weather, we were very lucky, it was a great day, clear and sunny........until we got to the saddle after the treeline!! The wind was very gusty and very cold, so the last part of the hike was difficult, a few people who did not have the right equipment were turning back.
The hike is great and we had fantastic views, despite the wind. Be well prepared with the right boots, jackets, hats and particularly gloves! The hot coffee I took up was much appreciated.
This took us 8 hours up and down, we took it easy on the way down, the forest was fantastic in the snow,Written November 20, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - zoe16 contributionsthis place is actually really pretty especially when the water is there. definitely not suitable for swimming. AND THE RESTROOMS ARE ACTUALLY CLEAN ❤️. love them for that.Written November 17, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- happytraveler2010_10Sedona, AZ143 contributionsThis area is very scenic and undisturbed. It's worth going there if you exercise caution and are prepared for cold weather. The drive to the meadow is on a narrow winding bumpy dirt road that does not have guard rails and gives the feeling you are going to fall off the edge. Don't attempt it if you get queasy, or car sick, or are afraid of heights. Once you start, there is no turning back, and you better hope you don't meet another vehicle coming the other way, because there are few pull outs or areas to turn around. Passenger cars can get up there with caution, but it would be best if you have 4 wheel drive. When you're there nature surrounds you, making the journey worth it, You may see elk and other wild animals. It was windy and cold in the first week of May and there was snow on the mountain. There is a fee for use.Written May 4, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TutinsPonyPhoenix, AZ2,546 contributionsThis is a great hike, especially in the winter f you get good weather. We had snow from the start and through the forest, which makes it beautiful to hike. It was very windy/gusty at the top once we hit the saddle, had to sue the poles to keep upright. We had prepared for that and had the right equipment, make sure that you have very good gloves as the wind can be brutal.
The signposts are good at the car park on where to start and park, the rest of the posting is only OK, so make sure you have a decent map/GPS. AT the top there are wooden markers, but when there is snow in the forest and there has not been anyone in front of you to pack down the snow, it can be difficult.
Hot coffee for the top in winter is highly recommended. This is a hike from 9,000 feet to 12,300....if you suffer from altitude sickness then be careful and train before you do this. YOU need to be well prepared in winter especially.Written November 20, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - edmonditeedmond, oklahoma1,207 contributionsWe were staying at a VRBO in the neighborhood nearby, and it was so nice to be able to step out our door to hike! Wide path, map of park, friendly people along the way.Written October 31, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dennis WFort Collins, CO31 contributionsIf you are looking for a great place away from the crowds, consider a nice hike around at the arboretum. The pathways are well taken care of, easy to walk, and a nice breath of fresh pine. Lots of plant and bush history to view.Written August 5, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
