Flagstaff: City of Seven Wonders

City of 7 Wonders

Flagstaff, AZ is a great place to live and a fantastic place to raise a family.  The small town atmosphere welcomes locals and tourists alike.  The downtown area is always bustling with events both large and small.  Throughout this region there are artifacts and remains from Native Americans which remind us of the local culture. We are surrounded by breath-taking natural beauty full of pine forests, mountains and the like. You never run out of things to do here in Northern Arizona.  It’s no surprise that it is referred to as the City of 7 Wonders.  Just what are the “7 wonders” of Flagstaff you ask?  Let me take just a moment and satisfy your curiosity.

The first place that over five million people flock to each year is the Grand Canyon.  This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.  Carved out from the Colorado River the Grand Canyon offers many outdoor activities including camping, hiking, river rafting and backpacking to name just a few.  Families with young children on up to seniors and those with disabilities are able to enjoy the area from early Spring through late Fall.  For viewing either the South or North rim, the highways bring you through Flagstaff where many local companies offer tours by bus, air, or river. 

There is also the amazing Coconino National Forest which is the largest contiguous pine forest in the World!  Yes, you read that right! Almost every outdoor recreation you can think of can be done right here.  Many come to hike, go horseback riding, enjoy fishing or to take in the scenery during an afternoon picnic.  Many beautiful photo opportunities abound amongst the pines, so don’t forget your camera!

Oak Creek has made it to this list because of the unique rock formations made from eroding sandstone, and even some limestone, that dates back millions of years. You will also be in awe at the series of basalt lava flows that have made the east rim of this canyon. Oak Creek itself excites even the local fishermen as they reel in a few different types of trout, bass and catfish. This is the second most-popular tourist destination in the state of Arizona.

One last canyon to add to our list would have to be Walnut Canyon just 10 miles southeast from downtown Flagstaff near interstate 40.  This park is known for its remarkable ancient cliff dwellings that you can not only see, but hike inside of. As you embark on your journey you learn about the men and women who once occupied this region, such as the Sinagua.  The name of the people itself means, “without water” and is very significant as these occupants of this territory had to learn how to conserve water amongst their parched surroundings. You’ll also find over 380 different plant species such as the Prickly Pear cactus and the Arizona black walnut that will enliven the botanist inside of you.

Now let’s move on to the landscape of legacies known as the Wupatki National Monument. Here nestled between the painted desert and tall pines you will find ancient pueblos built by the Native Americans, namely the Cohonina, Kayenta Anasazi and the aforementioned Sinagua. The ruins were built from local Moenkopi sandstone and are a rich, red color. Although it is cared for by the National Park Service and no longer occupied, many local tribes and clan members visit the dwellings to remember their heritage, recall how their ancestors use to live and to pass on their legacy to the next generation.

Located along highway 89 is the Sunset Crater National Monument which erupted about 900 years ago and completely reshaped its surroundings and changed the lives of the people and plants at that time. Although the hike to the crater is currently closed, you can still enjoy the Lava Flow trail which skirts around the Bonito Lava Flow and puts you among Ponderosa pines and Asters which is very striking against the black hardened lava.

Lastly we come to a natural beauty that you see all throughout Flagstaff whether driving on a country road, hiking a local trail or walking through the downtown shops, the great San Francisco Peaks. The highest summit in the mountain range is Humphrey’s Peak, which is also the highest point in Arizona and boasts 12,633 feet in elevation. An interesting tidbit is that most of Flagstaff’s water comes from this mountain, who knew?  It is also a very popular area for hikers and climbers in summer and, of course, snow sport lovers in winter.  The Arizona Snow Bowl is located on the western slopes and is packed with skiers and snowboarders during the fabulous winter season that we have here. As you drive through or hike the area you will get to see forests bursting with species of pine, spruce, fir and aspen trees. This mountain range can be enjoyed year-round and is appealing to all the senses as it welcomes you in to Flagstaff.

This is why our little town is called the City of 7 Wonders, although I’m sure myself and other locals could definitely add more incredible features and landscapes to this list. So if you are local and haven’t ventured out yet to each of these places, plan to go to a few during the coming spring and summer months. If you have family or friends coming to visit, now you have a detailed list of places to see and things to do while they are here visiting our great city. 

About the Author:

Egle Rucci – Realtor®,GRI, ABR
Realty Executives of Flagstaff
Se habla Español
Direct: 928-600-5629
www.propertiesinflagstaff.com

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