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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Southwest, USA

Nearby Destinations

Flagstaff's strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for day trips to world-famous attractions. These excursions offer diverse landscapes and experiences, all within a reasonable drive. Explore options for booking tours Here.

Explore stunning red rock formations, browse art galleries, or explore local history.

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

  • Approx. 80 miles (130 km) north, 1.5-2 hour drive.
  • Self-driving (rental car recommended) or organized bus tours.
  • Organized tours offer ease, but independent travel gives flexibility.
  • A full day (8-12 hours) is ideal. Arrive early for parking.

Explore More Destinations

Discover additional unique sites, from red rock beauty to historic railway towns.

Sedona

Approx. 30 miles (48 km) south, a scenic 45-60 minute drive through Oak Creek Canyon.

Experience Sedona

  • Explore red rock formations and hiking trails.
  • Browse art galleries and shops, especially in Tlaquepaque.
  • Visit spiritual vortex sites.

Williams & Meteor Crater

Williams is approx. 35 miles west. Meteor Crater is approx. 35 miles east.

Unique Journeys

  • Ride the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams.
  • Explore Historic Route 66 in Williams.
  • Visit the Meteor Crater museum and observation decks.

Natural Escapes

Petrified Forest National Park

  • Approx. 100 miles (160 km) east, 1.5-hour drive.
  • See colorful petrified wood and painted desert badlands.
  • Drive the scenic main road, stop at viewpoints.
  • Ancient human history including petroglyphs.

Oak Creek Canyon & Snowflake/Taylor

  • Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive (14 miles between Flagstaff and Sedona).
  • Stop at overlooks, hike along the creek.
  • Snowflake/Taylor is southeast, 1.5-2 hours.
  • Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area for fishing and boating.

Cultural Excursions

  • Navajo Nation and Hopi Mesas:1.5-3 hours north/northeast.
  • Sovereign Nations:Own laws and cultural protocols.
  • Canyon de Chelly:Navajo guide for inner canyon access.
  • Hopi Villages:Hopi guide for most areas.
  • Respect Customs:Regarding photography and sacred sites.
  • Support Locals:Purchase directly from artists.
  • Time Needed:Often a multi-day trip for full experience.
  • Cultural Sensitivity:Pre-arranged visits advised.

Travel Tip

When visiting Native American lands, respect tribal customs and rules regarding photography and sacred sites. Supporting local artists by purchasing directly from them is a thoughtful gesture.

Multi-Day Extensions

Flagstaff's central location in the Southwest makes it a strategic starting point for longer regional explorations. Consider adding extra days to your itinerary to discover more iconic destinations within a few hours' drive.

Phoenix/Scottsdale

Add 2-3 days for Arizona's largest metropolitan area. Explore desert landscapes, dining, and museums via I-17 south.

Page/Lake Powell

Add 2-3 days for Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell. Drive north on US-89.

Grand Circle Road Trip

Flagstaff fits into a grand loop of national parks and monuments across the Southwest.

Logical Next Destinations

From Flagstaff, explore further into the American Southwest.

Nearby Major Cities & Parks

  • Las Vegas, Nevada: Approx. 4-hour drive west.
  • Southern Utah National Parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon): Approx. 5-6 hour drive north.
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico: Approx. 5-hour drive east.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Consider iconic road trips that include Flagstaff as a stop.

Classic American Journeys

  • Grand Circle Road Trip: Includes Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Monument Valley, Arches, Mesa Verde.
  • Historic Route 66: Continue your journey west or east from Flagstaff along this legendary highway.
  • Discover other historic towns and attractions.

Planning Longer Stays

Consider overnight stays for cultural immersion.E.g., Grand Canyon, Navajo Nation.
Extend your Sedona visit.More hiking, spa, hot air balloon.
Include Page/Lake Powell.Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam.
Add Southern Utah National Parks.Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Visit Meteor Crater or Petrified Forest.Other nearby Arizona sites.
Focus on specialized interests.Rock climbing, photography, brewery tours.

Advance Planning

  • For Grand Canyon lodging or Antelope Canyon tours, booking far in advance is highly advisable.
  • Especially during peak seasons, accommodation fills quickly.
  • Guided tours for certain areas on Native American lands are often mandatory.
  • Confirm operating hours for all attractions before your visit.
  • Weather conditions may impact access to some areas, especially in winter.