Trips within a Day's Drive of
Flagstaff, Arizona

If you are fortunate enough to visit Flagstaff, check out some of these off-line sites.  For more information about Flagstaff and Northern Arizona, see Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, City of Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory, Museum of Northern Arizona, or Flagstaff Historic Walk.  All images on this page were taken by Jo-Mae Maris, Brian Maris, or one of their kin.

Mount Elden Mount Elden as seen from my deck.  Portions of Mt. Elden are within the Flagstaff city limits.  Mt. Elden is a local favorite for day hikes.

DIRECTIONS:
On Rt. 89 across from the Flagstaff Mall.


Sunset Crater Volcano

Sunset Crater was formed when the volcano erupted in A.D.1065.  This National Monument is more fun if you are willing to stroll along the pathways through the lava flows.

DIRECTIONS:
From Flagstaff, take U.S. 89 north for 12 miles (19km), turn right on the Sunset Crater - Wupatki Loop Road and continue 2 miles (3 km) to the visitor center.


Citadel at Wupatki The Citadel is one of the masonry pueblos found in Wupatki National Monument.

DIRECTIONS:
From Flagstaff, take US 89 north for 12 miles (19km), turn right at sign for Sunset Crater Volcano - Wupatki National Monuments. The visitor center is 21 miles (34km) from this junction.


View of So.Rim from No.Rim

View of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  This is not a day trip, but it is still within a day's drive.

No, that isn't Uncle Ted in the lower right hand corner.  However, the desperado on the left is me.  The rest of the victim's of the photographer will remain nameless.

DIRECTIONS:
Grand Canyon Village (South Rim) is located 60 miles north of Interstate 40 at Williams via highway 64, and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff via highway 180. Only ten miles from rim to rim as the crow flies, the North Rim is 215 miles (about 4 1/2 hours) from the South Rim by car. The North Rim is 44 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ, via highway 67.


Fires on the North Rim

Fires on the North Rim!  High-intensity wildfire are of concern in all of Northern Arizona, not just on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  For more information on their causes and fire's role in a healthy ecosystem, see Adaptive Ecosystem Research and Management.  The South Rim is a day trip from Flagstaff.

The pair of cutie-pies in the middle of the picture are mine.  The one in the white, ruffled hat is Hannah. Hannah is being held by her mom, my older daughter.

DIRECTIONS:
Grand Canyon Village (South Rim) is located 60 miles north of Interstate 40 at Williams via highway 64, and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff via highway 180. Only ten miles from rim to rim as the crow flies, the North Rim is 215 miles (about 4 1/2 hours) from the South Rim by car. The North Rim is 44 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ, via highway 67.


Grand Falls Near Cameron, AZ Grand Falls of the Little Colorado are in the desert near Cameron T.P..  This picture is unusual because most of the time Grand Falls are no different then all of the other dry canyon walls along the Little Colorado.

WARNING:
Grand Falls only flows when the snow pack melts in the mountains of the Little Colorado's drainage.  At other times, Grand Falls are another canyon.

DIRECTIONS:
From Flagstaff, take US 89 north 52 miles to Cameron T.P. At the trading post, ask for directions and whether the Falls are in flood.


Condors at Lee's Ferry California condors have been released in the Vermilion Cliffs overlooking Lee's Ferry.  This picture shows five of them of the first nineteen released.  Lee's Ferry is a popular place for launching of rafts and fishing boats.

DIRECTIONS:
Take Hwy. 89 north out of Flagstaff Arizona 116 miles to the junction of 89 and 89A.  Turn north on 89A at Bitter Springs. The campground is about 1/2 mile from Navajo Bridge.


Lake Mead Lake Mead as seen from the mountains west of Temple Bar.

DIRECTIONS:
Access off Interstate 15 in Nevada; U.S. Highways 93 and 95 in Nevada and Arizona.


[No Picture]

Walnut Canyon is often bypassed to visit the bigger National Parks and Monuments, but it is my favorite. Be sure to bring water and be prepared to climb stairs.  Climbing the 240 steps back up can tax heart and lungs.  However, with plenty of water and a prudent pace, the climb is rewarded with a marvelous glimpse into Native American history and a true canyon experience.

DIRECTIONS:
Leave I-40 at Exit 204, 7.5 miles (12 km) east of Flagstaff; drive south 3 miles (5 km) to the canyon rim. Warning: Tight turn around for towed vehicles; 40 feet (12 meters) maximum length advisory.

Copyright © 2001 Jo-Mae Maris
Created and maintained by Jo-Mae Maris
Last edited 16 Jan 2004