If there is one place that feels like coming home, this would be it. We have taken so many trips to Flagstaff over the years (whether to stay in an Airbnb or with our pop-up camper or trailer), and I went to university there, so it truly holds a special place in my heart. The cool mountain air, ponderosa pine forests, and down-to-earth people are a welcome respite from the city of Phoenix.
So although we try to head up to Flagstaff (pop. 76,800) every chance we get to go camping, it seems that many of our trips result in some new discovery. Here are a few highlights of our favorite places and things to do from some of our recent trips!
No trip to Flagstaff would be complete without hiking through the forest. One of our favorite hikes is Griffith Springs Trail, which is especially beautiful after the winter or spring rains, with a flowing stream and gorgeous yellow wildflowers.
We also love Kelly Pocket Trail, which can be quite peaceful when we go early in the morning. The rays of sunlight shining through the trees give it an otherworldly feel, and the soft forest floor makes it a comfortable hike.
And up a winding mountain road lies Lockett Meadow, a majestic wonderland that is practically in the clouds! Spring and summer is a great time to visit, with purple lupines and bright yellow flowers dotting the landscape.
If we want to spend time in town, relaxing at Wheeler Park with a good book is always nice after lunch, and there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from. Our favorite restaurant in Flagstaff is Toasted Owl, which has an adorable patio with colorful murals, and one of the best vegan burgers we’ve ever had. In fact, a portion of the menu is dedicated to vegan dishes. The vegan BLT, vegan egg breakfast, and vegan burrito are great, too!
Two long-time favorite restaurants that have been around since the 80s or 90s are Macy’s European Coffeehouse, a vegetarian cafe that is a great meeting place for locals, and Morning Glory Cafe, a cute breakfast/brunch spot that went fully vegan in early 2022. And then of course there’s Red Curry Vegan Kitchen, a little Thai spot just north of Route 66, as well as several other Thai and Indian vegan-friendly restaurants.
So given all the beautiful hikes, plenty of vegan options, and laidback mountain lifestyle, it’s no wonder that Flagstaff is the perfect getaway for us.
