Sights in Central Arizona
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Arcosanti
The brainchild of groundbreaking architect and urban planner Paolo Soleri, Arcosanti is a desert outpost based on 'acrology': architecture meets ecology. This cross between a kibbutz and design school 65 miles north of Phoenix looks like a village on Luke Skywalker's home planet. Radical when conceived in the 1960s, Soleri's ideas now seem cutting-edge in this age of urban sprawl and global warming. Arcosanti is good for a day trip or a long stay - there are week- and month-long seminars, a café, one-hour tours, concerts and other events. Basic accommodation is available, and the Sky Suite is designed for great views of a dark desert night.
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Lowell Observatory
The Lowell Observatory witnessed the first sighting of Pluto in 1920; before this many scientists thought the existence of 'Planet X' was a crackpot theory. Weather permitting, there's nightly stargazing, helped by the fact that Flagstaff is the first International Dark Sky city in the world. During the day 30-minute tours are offered hourly between 1:15pm and 4:15pm.
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Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The Riordan Mansion is a great example of what happens when two Chicago boys head West and strike it rich as lumber barons. In 1904, brothers Tim and Mike Riordan commissioned Charles Whittlesey of Grand Canyon’s El Tovar Hotel fame to build a Craftsman-inspired duplex to house their families.
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Fort Verde State Historic Park
Camp Verde was founded in 1865 as a farming settlement only to be co-opted soon after by the US Army who built a fort here to prevent Indian raids on Anglo settlers. Tonto Apache chief Chalipun surrendered here in April 1873. Today, the town’s Fort Verde State Historic Park offers an authentic snapshot of frontier life in the late 19th century. Exploring the well-preserved fort, you’ll see the officer’s and doctor’s quarters, sprint down the parade grounds and study displays about military life and the Indian Wars. Staff occasionally dress up in period costume and conduct living history tours. To get here, take exit 287 off I-17, go south on Hwy 260, turn left at Finnie…
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Oak Creek Canyon
For something truly magical take Hwy 89A northeast into Oak Creek Canyon. It's a drive that won't be forgotten. The canyon is at its narrowest here, and the red, orange and white cliffs at their most dramatic. Giant cottonwoods crowd the creek sides, providing a scenic shady backdrop for trout fishing and swimming.
Stop at the Grasshopper Point swimming hole about two miles into the drive, to cool off. Continue on until you reach Slide Rock State Park - a great spot for a picnic lunch.
Head back into town around sunset and turn off at Airport Road. The setting sun makes for a trippy picture - the rocks blaze psychedelic red and orange against a bright pink and purple sky.
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Arboretum
At 7150ft, the Arboretum stands higher than any other botanical garden in the country. We don’t know what kind of ‘miracle grow’ they put in their soil, but the 200 acres are home to an incredible diversity of 2500 plant species, and this despite a growing season of just 75 days. Two short wood-chip trails meander beneath ponderosa pines, passing a herb garden, native plants, vegetables and wildflowers, opening up fabulous views along the way. Bring a picnic, catch a guided tour (11am and 1pm) or observe the antics of hawks, owls, falcons and other rambunctious raptors in daily shows at noon and 2pm.
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Palatki Heritage Site
Thousand-year-old Sinagua cliff dwellings and rock art are good-enough reasons to brave the 9-mile dirt road leading to this enchantingly located archaeological site on the edge of the wilderness. There’s a small visitor center and two easy trails suitable for strollers but not for wheelchairs. Reservations are required. True ruin groupies should ask here about exploring the Honanki Ruins, a further 3 miles north. To get to the site, follow Hwy 89A west of the Y for about 10 miles, then hook a right on FR 525 (Red Canyon Rd, a dirt road) and follow it 8 miles north to the parking lot.
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Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Take a walk on the wild side at this animal park, an odd if entertaining mix of zoo, circus and theme park. Close encounters with slithering anacondas and boas are as much part of your visit as Tiger Splash, the most popular show in which the magnificent creatures leap into a pool in pursuit of plastic toys and balloon bags. On a jeep safari you get to train your camera on grazing giraffes, lazing lions and romping rhinos. All in all, more than 400 formerly wild animals make their home here. Take I-17 exit 187 and head towards Cottonwood on Hwy 260 for about 3 miles, then hook a left on Verde Valley Justice Center Rd.
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Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle is a stunningly well-preserved 1000-year-old Sinagua cliff dwelling. The name refers to the splendid castlelike location high on a cliff; early explorers thought the five-story-high pueblo was Aztec and hence dubbed it Montezuma. A museum interprets the archaeology of the site, which can be spotted from a short self-guiding, wheelchair-accessible trail. Entrance into the ‘castle’ itself is prohibited, but there’s a virtual tour on the website. Access the monument from I-17 exit 289, drive east for 0.5 miles, then turn left on Montezuma Castle Rd.
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Pioneer Museum
A 1929 steam locomotive welcomes visitors to the Pioneer Museum, which illustrates Flagstaff’s pioneer history in photographs and an eclectic mix of memorabilia ranging from vintage farm equipment to early medical instruments to toys and dolls. Exhibits sprawl inside the old 1908 county hospital for the indigent (known as the ‘poor farm’) and a 1910 barn. Craft demonstrations take place at a 1908 cabin moved here in 1967.
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Amitabha Stupa
An example of sacred architecture can be admired across town in the West Sedona hills at the Amitabha Stupa, a consecrated Buddhist shrine set quite stunningly amid piñon and juniper pine and the ubiquitous rocks. There’s a smaller stupa further down and an entire park is being planned. Heading along Hwy 89A west from the Y, turn right on Andante Dr, left on Pueblo Dr, then head up the gated trail on your right.
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Chapel of the Holy Cross
The aesthetic value of wedging a concrete church chapel into red rock spires is certainly debatable, but there’s no denying that it’s quite a spectacular sight. Step inside if only to enjoy the views of the Bell Rock formation. To get here, head 3 miles south on Hwy 179 and turn left on Chapel Rd.
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Slide Rock State Park
If it's a warm day and you want to cool down, visit Oak Creek Canyon's star attraction, Slide Rock State Park to swoosh down big rocks into the cool creek water. Or, walk the hiking trails. Call for water-quality reports.
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Museum of Northern Arizona
If you have time for only one sight in Flagstaff, head to the Museum of Northern Arizona. It features exhibits on local Native American archaeology, history and customs, as well as geology, biology and the arts.
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Airport Mesa
One of the earth's best-known vortexes, said to radiate electromagnetic energy; also a great location for watching the spectacular red-rock sunset.
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Boynton Canyon
The Boynton Canyon is one of the earth's best-known vortexes, said to radiate electromagnetic energy.
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Bell Rock
New Agers beleive Sedona's rocks, cliffs and rivers radiate electromagnetic energy.
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