Arizona, New Mexico & the Grand Canyon Trips (Lonely Planet, 1st Edition) - Aaron Anderson [81]
No matter what bike shop you use, buy a map or book by Cosmic Ray. His information on Flagstaff rides is invaluable, and the Arizona Mountain Bike Trail Guide: Fat Tire Tales & Trails is worth its weight in energy bars if you’re planning on visiting other biking spots in the state. Ray’s Fave Hikes: Flagstaff & Sedona has the footprint profiles of area animals inside the front cover – it’s nice to see what critters you’re crossing paths with.
The easiest biking trails in the area are accessible from Buffalo Park, 2 miles northeast of downtown off E Cedar Ave (starts as E Forest Ave). Head to the back of the park – really a big urban walking and biking loop – to get on the gently rolling, wide multiuse paths.
For those looking to ratchet up the adrenaline, you can rock climb all around northern Arizona. And unlike the state’s southern region, the stone rarely gets too hot to handle. The best place to dial in to the local scene is Vertical Relief climbing center: it’s “chalk” full of information, gear and, of course, indoor climbing walls. For beginners, the center has a course ($69) with two hours of personal instruction. It can also arrange climbing guides with advance notice.
For bouldering – the art of solving climbing “problems” low enough to the ground that a rope isn’t needed – visit Priest Draw. Imagine lots of steep overhangs and roof problems with big pocket holds. None of the problems are too high – just remember to peel off feet first and all will be fine. Priest Draw is 12 miles southeast of Flagstaff, on National Forest Rd 235. Take Lake Mary Rd to Lake Crimson Rd.
If you prefer the sharp end of a rope, the Overlook, 10 miles south of Flagstaff on Hwy 89A, is a canyon wall full of crack-filled basalt and stellar views of Oak Creek below. Climbers still getting comfortable with heights should know that even though the climbs are no more than 100ft in length, the ground looks a dizzying distance away because of the topography. It’s 100% traditional climbing – no bolts allowed.
All this outdoor adventure is bound to make you hungry. Downtown has loads of places to choose from, but Bun Huggers has been the favorite post-hike/ride/climb spot among locals for decades. After a hard day outside, its juicy burgers taste like…victory.
Before leaving town, make time for a trip to Lava River Cave. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight for this 0.75-mile pitch-black lava tube, where the temperature is about 40°F year-round. Formed 700,000 years ago by molten rock, you can still see evidence of the lava flow in the frozen ripples of the floor. It takes at least an hour round-trip to walk through. The walls of the tubular cave are bare – no groovy stalactites here – but it’s a cool way to spend an afternoon.
Admission is free and access is year-round, but roads are closed in winter, so in the colder months you have to cross-country ski or snowshoe in. Travel north on Hwy 180 for 9 miles, turn left 3 miles on Forest Rd 245 (at milepost 230), left again on Forest Rd 171 for 1 mile and one more left on Forest Rd 171B.
At this point there’s only one thing left to say about Flagstaff, and we mean it in the nicest possible way: get out of town, now.
Josh Krist
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TRIP INFORMATION
GETTING THERE
Flagstaff is located where I-40, I-17 and Hwy 89A meet.
DO
Arizona Snowbowl
Four chair lifts service 32 runs (beginner through expert). In summer, the resort operates a scenic sky ride. 928-779-1951, snow report 928-779-4577; www.arizonasnowbowl.com; Snowbowl Rd, Flagstaff; half-/full day $40/48
Aspen Sports
Don’t want to bother with hauling your gear to Flagstaff? Aspen rents backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, skis and related equipment. 928-779-1935; 15 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff; 10am-6pm Mon-Sat
AZ Bikes
The place for all your mountain-biking needs – Bryce Wright, aka “Brycicle,” is happy to suggest trail rides. 928-773-9881;