5 Reasons to Spend Spring Break in Flagstaff, Arizona

Believe it or not, parts of Arizona really do have four seasons – winter and spring included. At 7,000 feet elevation, Flagstaff comes alive when the snow melts, offering blossoming wildflowers, full lakes and rivers, as well as mild temperatures.

With daytime highs in the 60s, you'll find plenty of spring things to do in Flagstaff that don't involve baking like a tortilla. In and around this midsized mountain town, you'll find an abundance of hiking, running and mountain bike trails. There are also opportunities for wildlife viewing and fresh powder for skiing and snowboarding.

When spring fever hits, here are a few places to escape to in sunny Flagstaff.

Hike the San Francisco Peaks

Arizona's native people consider the San Francisco Peaks the place where the earth meets heaven. As the highest mountain range in Arizona, with elevations climbing to 12,000 feet, you'll certainly feel above the clouds.

The Peaks Ranger District features over 40 hiking trails, with routes for beginning hikers and experienced backcountry campers alike. Experienced hikers can tackle Humphrey's Trail, a nine-mile hike that leads to Arizona's highest point. Here, you'll climb above the tree line to potentially snowy peaks.

For a more leisurely stroll, try the Bismarck Lake Trail. The mostly flat 1.5-mile trip will take you through a large meadow, where you’ll have stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks. But make sure to keep your wits about you, as you may spot elk, deer and raptors on your travels.

Ski at the Arizona Snowbowl

Spring break is usually a time to escape from the cold, however, with such pristine powder under sunny skies, a trip to Arizona Snowbowl is worth bundling up for. Situated on the western slope of Mount Humphreys, Arizona Snowbowl offers 55 runs and eight lifts.

More than half the runs suit beginner and intermediate skiers, so the whole family can have fun. If you need to learn the basics or get a refresher course, the facility offers private and group lessons. Experienced skiers and snowboarders can head to Sunset or Humphrey’s Peak lifts for challenging terrain.
 

Visit the Bears

Take a gander at North American wildlife in a safe, kid-friendly environment at Bearizona Wildlife Park. Drive through the wilderness to see bison, bighorn sheep, jaguars, elk, wolves and the impressive, imposing black bears. Your journey ends at Fort Bearizona, a walk-through area where you can see goats and other smaller creatures up close. Catch the Birds of Prey show, or board the Wild Ride Bus Tour, where a guide will tell you about the animals and their habitat.

Day Trip 1: The White Mountains

Another mountain mecca for hikers, mountain bikers and all-around outdoor enthusiasts sits about two hours east of Flagstaff and at about 1,000 feet lower in elevation. The area offers the largest acreage of ponderosa pine and plenty of sites for camping, fishing, hiking and cross-country skiing.

The White Mountains Trail System has over 187 miles of trail and features 25 to 30 interconnecting multi-use trail loops. You'll find paths suitable for a morning stroll, or you can easily plan a multi-day trek. Head to Greer for pure, gorgeous scenery and try Pinetop-Lakeside for beautiful views of the Mogollon Rim. As part of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, you have endless options for outdoor exploring. If you want more than one day, then book a cozy cabin in Show Low or Pinetop or stay at the playful Wyndham Bison Ranch.

Day Trip 2: Prescott National Forest

Located around two hours from Flagstaff, Prescott National Forest comprises 1.25 million acres of forest and Sonoran Desert. The expansive park includes campgrounds, picnic areas and nearly 450 miles of scenic trails. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and abundant paths for hiking, biking, horseback riding and backpacking.

Ready for something more adventurous? Get the hang of hang gliding, go rock climbing or paddle a kayak into the Verde River.

Whether you choose to enjoy the natural beauty and amenities within minutes of Flagstaff or use it as a home base to explore Prescott, the White Mountains, or even the Grand Canyon, you'll see the area at its finest in the springtime.

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