Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a mountain city in Arizona at 2,106 meters (6,909 feet) elevation between pine forests and the San Francisco Peaks in the northern part of the state. Downtown stretches along historic Route 66 with red brick buildings and wooden storefronts from the late 1800s.

Settlers established a small station along the railroad line in 1876 and marked the spot with a tall pine flagpole to celebrate the centennial of the United States. The city developed through timber and cattle ranching before tourism gained importance in the mid-twentieth century.

The city hosts three universities and draws students from across the country who fill the cafés and music venues downtown. Hikers and skiers use the surrounding forests and peaks year-round for outdoor activities.

Pulliam Airport sits 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of downtown with flights to Phoenix, while several bus routes connect the center with surrounding neighborhoods. Visitors should bring warm clothing as temperatures drop sharply at night even during summer.

The Lowell Observatory sits on a hill west of downtown and enabled astronomers to discover the dwarf planet Pluto in 1930. The entire region was certified as a Dark Sky Community, which limits artificial light at night to protect stargazing.

Location: Coconino County

Inception: 1876

Elevation above the sea: 2,106 m

Website: https://flagstaff.az.gov

GPS coordinates: 35.19917,-111.63111

Latest update: December 13, 2025 04:43