September 2023: 5-Day Flagstaff, Arizona Itinerary
I love Flagstaff, Arizona! It’s a beautiful city with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure! My husband and I first stayed in Flagstaff during our road trip from North Carolina to California. I had a travel physical therapy contract in Fresno so that’s why we were going to California. We only stayed one night in Flagstaff and didn’t have time to explore the area, but something about that place kept calling me back. And I don’t think it was the Super 8 motel we were staying in. 😅
Fast forward 9 months later, we landed back in Flagstaff. Again, we stayed there as we were road tripping back to North Carolina because my travel contract ended, and I wanted to visit my family. This time our stay was different. Instead of spending one night there, we spent 6 nights! We again stayed at Super 8… we were balling on a budget. Don’t judge.
To be honest, we had nothing planned. We were completely winging our road trip! Once we arrived in Flagstaff and checked into our motel, I started doing research on things we could do, and I quickly created a 5-Day Flagstaff, Arizona Itinerary! In summary, it included exploring National Monuments, hiking to the tallest peak in Arizona, spending a full day in another nearby beautiful and adventurous city, and visiting our 8th National Park!
If you are planning a trip to Flagstaff, you have to read through this blog post! Our 5-Day Flagstaff, Arizona Itinerary is meant to both inspire and educate others through our personal experiences. Visiting Flagstaff, Arizona (and following our itinerary below) will not disappoint!
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. Support the blog by signing up or purchasing through those links at no additional cost to you. We greatly thank you and appreciate you all for supporting us!
Table of Contents
Day 1: Exploring Flagstaff, AZ
September 4, 2023
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
The first stop on our 5-day Flagstaff adventure was the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. This was such a cool place! I’ll be honest, I’m not much of a “history buff” but learning about this volcano’s history and the people who lived here 1,000+ years ago was super interesting!
🌋 HISTORY LESSON!! Around the year 1085 CE, the land surrounding Sunset Crater Volcano was transformed by a violent eruption that forever altered the landscape. The eruption began with days or weeks of earthquakes, followed by the opening of a massive fissure nearly six miles long, spewing lava fountains as high as 850 feet. This “curtain of fire” eruption, similar to those seen in Hawaii, created the cinder cone and lava flows seen today. The eruption was a dramatic event visible across much of the region, with ash clouds rising five miles into the sky. The volcanic activity spread lava and ash over 900 square miles, altering ecosystems and affecting the lives of the Indigenous peoples who lived there. Local tribes, including the Hopi, Apache, and Navajo, gave the volcano various names, reflecting the deep cultural connection to the land.
Within Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, there are several hiking trails. We did the A’a Trail and Lava Flow Trail, each offering unique views of the volcanic landscape. There was one more trail we were really eager to tackle, but unfortunately, it was closed for restoration at the time.
A’a Trail
The A’a Trail is an easy 0.25-mile loop hike that takes you through the ancient Bonito Lava Flow!
This hike took us no time to complete. It was more of a “walk through the park” with some uneven surfaces. Still worth checking out if you visit this area!
Lava Flow Trail
The next hike was the Lava Flow Trail. This is an easy 1-mile loop trail that allows you to explore more of the Bonito Lava Flow along with several volcanic features, including a spatter cone and squeeze-up. You will also be able to walk near the base of Sunset Crater Volcano!
The upper 0.25-mile loop of the Lava Flow Trail is paved and accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers, and it is pet-friendly (only on the paved portion).
Spatter cones, also known as hornitos (meaning “little ovens” in Spanish), form when lava is forced through cracks in the cooled surface of a lava flow. Unlike larger volcanic features, these cones are fed by the molten lava beneath the surface, rather than from a deep magma conduit, creating their distinctive shape and structure.
A squeeze-up forms when molten lava beneath a hardened surface pushes through cracks, causing the crust to lift and create irregular ridges or mounds of cooled lava. This occurs as lava continues to flow beneath the surface even after the outer layers have solidified.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
We started our adventures a bit later in the morning, so by the time we wrapped up exploring Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, we were ready for lunch. A quick stop at Pizza Edge hit the spot, and with our appetites satisfied, we set off for our next destination – Walnut Canyon National Monument.
Walnut Canyon is a stunning blend of natural beauty and ancient history. The canyon is home to well-preserved cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people over 700 years ago. The most popular trail is the Island Trail, which descends into the canyon, offering close-up views of the cliff dwellings nestled in the rock faces.
Island Trail
The Island Trail is a short 1-mile loop, but it’s considered strenuous for two reasons: it starts at an elevation of 7,000 feet, and you’ll have to climb 736 steps to get back up.
Despite the challenge, it’s definitely worth the effort if you’re up for it, offering incredible views of the cliff dwellings and the canyon below!
Rim Trail
After completing the Island Trail, we decided to hike the Rim Trail as well. This easy addition features two scenic overlooks with breathtaking views of the canyon and cliff dwellings below.
Along the way, a spur trail leads to a partially reconstructed pithouse and pueblo, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ancient dwellings of the area.
Picture Canyon Natural & Cultural Preserve
Our final destination for today’s adventure was the Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve. It is a beautiful spot right in Flagstaff! The canyon features impressive Northern Sinagua petroglyphs and other cultural sites. Thanks to a partnership with the nearby Wildcat Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant, the area has a consistent year-round water supply, supporting a thriving habitat for wildlife and songbirds. Plus, it’s home to Flagstaff’s only waterfall!
There are several hiking trails within this recreational area. We decided to do the Tom Moody Trail, a 3.8-mile loop offering a variety of interesting features, including a historic railroad trestle, a beautiful waterfall, and some fascinating petroglyphs.
🐦 HISTORY LESSON! The Northern Sinagua people lived in the area from 700 to 1300 AD, and Picture Canyon is home to the largest concentration of their petroglyphs in the region. Over 126 panels of rock art feature a variety of images, including archers, turtles, large mammals, birds, and intricate geometric designs – each marking the presence and cultural significance of this ancient community.
It was a beautiful trail! The only downside was the strong industrial smell from the wastewater treatment plant at the beginning. Other than that, if you have time, I recommend checking out this area!
That concludes day 1 of our 5-day Flagstaff, Arizona adventure. The first day was full of exploring unique locations within and near Flagstaff. The trails are all pretty easy and doable for most people! The second day’s adventure will not be easy, but so worth the effort!
Day 1 Vlog
Day 2: Summiting the Highest Peak in Arizona
September 5, 2023
Humphreys Peak
On day 2 of our 5-day Flagstaff itinerary, we have just one task: to summit the tallest peak in Arizona, Humphreys Peak. Towering at 12,633 feet, this majestic mountain is part of the San Francisco Peaks.
Humphreys Peak Trailhead is about a 30 minutes’ drive from central Flagstaff, and the hike is about 11 miles roundtrip. A perfect day hike!
This hike will be no easy feat, thanks to the steep elevation gain and the high altitude. But we thrive on challenges! While the distance and elevation gain alone doesn’t faze us, the altitude could make things interesting. We’ve tackled a few high-elevation hikes before, including the iconic Mount Whitney, so we knew what to expect in terms of acclimatization and altitude sickness.
Recently, we hiked the stunning Lakes Trail in Sequoia National Park, where the highest point topped out at 9,550 feet. We didn’t experience any issues with altitude, which was reassuring. But we know that crossing 12,000 feet will be a whole different ballgame!
If you’ve been living closer to sea level, I highly recommend taking a few days to acclimate before tackling Humphreys Peak. Your body will thank you! Altitude sickness is no joke, and it’s always better to ease into it and give your system time to adjust.
➡️ READ THIS if you plan to tackle Humphreys Peak as a first timer!
We set out at sunrise to give ourselves plenty of time to summit, knowing we’d need to pace ourselves carefully along the way. The goal was to acclimate to the altitude gradually, so we made a conscious effort to slow our usual pace. But at the same time, we couldn’t walk like turtles because we didn’t want to get caught in a surprise afternoon thunderstorm on the summit.
As naturally fast hikers, we’re used to keeping a steady pace, but today was all about being mindful of the conditions. We planned to dial it back a bit, taking more frequent rest breaks.
We made our way across the Arizona Snowbowl ski run and soon entered the Kachina Peaks Wilderness. Time to tackle an elevation gain of 3,000+ feet! It was very cold that morning, so I’m glad we had our cozy puffy jackets to keep us warm. Spoiler alert! The crisp cold air at the trailhead would be nothing compared to the bone-chilling cold at the summit!
For the first 3 to 4 miles, we hiked through dense and quiet forest. As we gained elevation, the forest gradually gave way to wide-open vistas that took our breath away.
Actually, it was the constant incline and high altitude that took our breath away. 🥴
We didn’t really feel the effects of the high altitude until about 11,000 feet. The only symptom we felt was mild fatigue, but we were also hiking uphill the entire time.
We eventually reached the saddle at 11,800 feet. The term saddle means the lowest point of a ridge between two mountain peaks. In this case, the saddle lies between Humphreys Peak and Agassiz Peak.
A short section of the trail just before reaching the saddle was super steep with lots of steps. That section kicked our butts! The high altitude certainly didn’t make it any easier.
We took a much-needed, longer break at the saddle to catch our breath and regroup. We met a few other hikers who also took this moment to rest before finishing off the climb to the summit.
A curious little rodent (I’m pretty sure it was a prairie dog) was eagerly begging for snacks. It was hard to resist the adorable little creature, but I reminded myself not to feed wild animals. As tempting as it might be, feeding them is never a good idea. It’s important to respect their natural habits and keep them wild!
Onward towards the summit we go! The final stretch of the hike took us across a rugged, rocky ridgeline, where the terrain became more technical and involved a bit of rock scrambling. The rocky path made it impossible to move quickly. We had no choice but to slow down and carefully navigate each step.
This section felt like it went on forever, but it turned out to be my favorite part of the entire hike. The rock scrambling added an element of fun, and the panoramic views were stunning!
Of course, the ridgeline was filled with false summits. It was a tough but rewarding section with views that kept getting better and better the higher we climbed.
Also… the wind. It was CRAZY!! The closer we got to Humphreys Peak, the worse it got. According to mountain-forecast.com, the wind speed was not supposed to be too bad. Well, it was a little off. Actually, it was VERY off! Maybe I looked at it wrong, but either way, the wind was ✨ winding. ✨
After a long fight with the wind, we finally made it to the summit of Humphreys Peak!! What an epic journey! We quickly sought refuge behind a cluster of large rocks to shield ourselves from the relentless gusts. We found a metal canister with the summit logs. We added our names and the date, taking a moment to soak in the achievement.
We spent a solid amount of time resting, refueling with snacks, and chatting with a few fellow hikers. Also, from the summit, we could clearly see the Grand Canyon in the distance – almost 100 miles away! How crazy is that!?
Now it was time to make our way down the mountain. I’m honestly amazed that neither of us experienced any altitude symptoms beyond a bit of fatigue. I guess our bodies acclimated better than I expected!
Looking back on the whole hike, I can’t help but feel so much happiness. Everything flowed so effortlessly without any mishaps. It was the perfect mix of pushing ourselves while also enjoying the journey, and it felt like one of those rare days when everything just falls into place.
This hike quickly became one of my all-time favorites, and I can already see us coming back someday. Only next time? We’ll tackle it in the snow, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the whole experience. 😉
Day 2 Vlog
Day 3: Rest Day [relaxing things to do in Flagstaff]
September 6, 2023
Today was a much-needed rest day. For us, this meant catching up on work! As content creators and bloggers, we spent all day creating videos for social media and YouTube as well as publishing new blog posts.
Another reason for this important rest day is that the next two days will be full of adventures. Trust me, you’ll want your body to be fully recharged and ready to tackle the thrilling challenges that await!
If you are visiting Flagstaff for the sole purpose of having fun and not working, then let me share some fun, relaxing activities you can do on the third day of your 5-day Flagstaff adventure.
Relaxing things to do in Flagstaff:
- Explore Flagstaff’s downtown area
- Visit the Lowell Observatory
- Wander through the Arboretum at Flagstaff
- Go on a self-guided art tour
- Visit the Museum of Northern Arizona
- Take a stroll through Buffalo Park
- Visit local coffee shops or breweries
Day 4: Full Day in Sedona, Arizona
September 7, 2023
1-Day Sedona Adventure
This was easily the highlight of our entire 5-day Flagstaff trip! We dedicated one full day to exploring Sedona, Arizona, and it exceeded every expectation. We kicked off the day with an incredible sunrise hike and ended it with a stunning sunset hike. Sedona truly has a special place in our hearts, and we’re dying to visit again and explore even more of its natural beauty.
➡️ Check out Our 1-Day Sedona, Arizona Itinerary for more details!
I won’t dive into the details here, as I’ve created a separate post dedicated to this incredible day. But if you’re planning a trip to Sedona and are a fan of hiking, this 1-day Sedona itinerary is the perfect way to experience the best of the area in just one day! 🙌
Everything we did in Sedona in one day:
- Watch sunrise at Devil’s Bridge
- Hike the Soldiers Pass Trail and find the “hidden cave”
- Hike to the Birthing Cave
- Order root beer floats from Rocky RD Ice Cream
- Swim in the creek at Crescent Moon Ranch
- Watch sunset at Cathedral Rock
Day 4 Vlog
Day 5: Tough Hike at Grand Canyon NP
September 8, 2023
This is the final day of our epic 5-day Flagstaff adventure, and we’re closing it out with a bang! Our original plan was to tackle the iconic rim-to-rim hike at the Grand Canyon, starting at the North Kaibab Trail and finishing at the Bright Angel Trail – a challenging 24-mile journey. However, after considering the logistics, like parking, shuttle schedules, and which rim to start from, we realized there were a few too many moving pieces to manage on such short notice.
On top of that, the forecast predicted temperatures soaring above 100°F in the canyon. While we’re no strangers to hiking in 90° temperatures, anything above 100° was a different story. Could we hike 24 miles in one day? Yes! But could we survive a strenuous, long hike in brutal heat? I didn’t want to find out.
So, we quickly pivoted and came up with a new game plan. Instead of attempting the full rim-to-rim hike, we decided to take on a more manageable challenge: hiking from the rim to the river and back along the Bright Angel Trail. While still a strenuous hike, this alternative offered a shorter distance. However, the intense heat remained a concern.
The best way to tackle this hike would have been to start at an ungodly hour in the early morning. But after our full-day adventures in Sedona, we only managed about three hours of sleep before needing to hit the road for Grand Canyon National Park. Not exactly the optimal preparation for a strenuous hike in the heat!
Sunrise at Yavapai Point
We watched the sunrise from Yavapai Point, which was nothing short of magical. In hindsight, we should have skipped the sunrise and started hiking the moment we arrived to beat the heat.
The sunrise was amazing, and I do recommend watching it from Yavapai Point! I just wish I would have been a bit smarter and planned things better. Spoiler… we didn’t quite make it to the Colorado River due to the intensity of the heat.
Maybe if we had arrived a bit earlier and started hiking right away, we could have made it. The rim-to-rim hike is still on our bucket list, and we’re not giving up on it! We’ll return with better preparation, a solid game plan, and even more determination.
Hiking the Bright Angel Trail
Although we didn’t quite make it to our final destination, our hike on the Bright Angel Trail was an unforgettable experience. The views from start to finish were absolutely breathtaking. We knew going in that it would be a challenging hike, and as the day wore on, the temperatures would steadily climb, adding to the intensity.
We quickly made our way down the trail but had to stop a few times due to mules. We had a chance to pass them, but they were going about the same speed as us and we occasionally stopped to take pictures and videos so I knew they would catch up. So, basically we just ate their dust. Literally. Thankfully we had buffs to help keep dust out of our mouths.
Eventually, we made it to the bottom of the canyon! The landscape was so lush and green. Our first major stop was at Havasupai Gardens, where we found a shaded picnic table to take a much-needed rest.
By this point, the temperature had risen to the mid-80s. After weighing our options, we scanned our offline maps and pinpointed a small waterfall along the trail that piqued our interest. It seemed like the perfect next goal, so we decided to head toward it.
As we continued hiking, we could feel the temperature quickly rising. Thankfully, there was a decent amount of shade. We came across an unexpected waterfall, but the one we wanted to reach was further down the trail.
We eventually reached the unnamed waterfall, a serene spot that I can’t seem to find on Google Maps anymore. It felt like a rewarding milestone, and with spirits high, we decided to press on. By this time, the temperature had climbed to the low 90s, but we still felt strong and determined.
The trail became more exposed after passing the waterfall. We made it to another series of switchbacks. This is where we started contemplating our next move. The temperature was rising closer and closer to 100°F.
I had read that this section of the Bright Angel Trail from the switchbacks to the Colorado River was very exposed. I was eager to keep going, fueled by the excitement of what lay ahead, but Vikas, being the smart one, suggested we turn around. As much as I hated the idea of turning back, I knew he was right. Safety had to come first, even if it meant leaving the adventure unfinished.
After a moment of quiet frustration, we made the tough decision to retrace our steps. We headed back toward Havasupai Gardens, where we stopped for a long, well-earned break. The rest gave us a chance to regroup and mentally prepare for the challenging climb back out of the canyon.
The temperature was nearing a scorching 100°F! Before setting off on the ascent, we soaked our clothes with cold water to stay cool. It worked for a little while, but the unrelenting sun dried us out fast!
We were splashing ourselves with the water from our bottles more than actually drinking it. Don’t worry, I’m only slightly joking. Hydration is very important!!
⚠️ Learn how to safely hike the Bright Angel Trail with this guide!
The two rest houses along the upper portion of the Bright Angel Trail were absolute lifesavers! They provided a much-needed break from the heat, each with a shaded shelter and potable water.
We didn’t spend too much time at the rest houses, though. Here’s my confession: I’m ridiculously competitive, even with complete strangers. I tend to turn hiking into an unspoken challenge, and I’m always determined to “win”- even if the competition is imaginary. The ascent back up to the South Rim is grueling, and most hikers need to stop and rest at some point. We did take a few breaks ourselves, but not for long. I lowkey didn’t want people to pass us. 😅
I know, it’s silly and totally unnecessary, but it’s a fun way for me to push my limits. I’m not sure what my husband thinks of my self-imposed race, but he’s always right there with me!
We finally made it to the top of the Bright Angel Trail! We were absolutely exhausted, but that exhaustion was paired with a deep sense of pride in what we’d achieved.
While we didn’t make it to the Colorado River, we were still incredibly proud of the journey. The heat had become intense and unrelenting, and despite our best efforts, we had to turn back before reaching our goal. The Grand Canyon is as majestic as it is unforgiving, and even though we didn’t reach the river, the experience was a humbling reminder of just how awe-inspiring and powerful nature can be.
