Itinerary for Active Travelers - Flagstaff, Ariz

Some destinations can help you stay fit and active. Flagstaff, Ariz., is one of them. Even if you arrive with nothing but hiking boots, you can easily stay on the move. This three-day itinerary will keep you burning calories.

Accommodations

Book a hotel far in advance. The Arizona Cardinals football team holds pre-season camp in Flagstaff and fans flocking to watch will drive up the prices of hotels. Summer festivals can also affect room prices and availability. You'll find accommodations from youth hostels to Embassy Suites to bed-and-breakfasts. Be aware - some hotels are close to a railroad line.

Getting Around

If you stay close to downtown, you can walk to many destinations. The Mountain Line provides citywide bus service. And Flagstaff is bike-friendly: Bike lanes and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System make it safe and easy to travel by bike.

Watch the Altitude

Flagstaff's elevation is just short of 7,000 feet. Take it easy the first day or two, if possible. Stay hydrated, especially if you're planning to hike.

Day 1

Get acquainted with the town with a stroll around the downtown area. You'll find restaurants, locally owned shops and breweries within a 10-minute walk in any direction. Late for the Train's espresso drinks will please coffee snobs. The Black Bean is a popular lunch spot specializing in burritos. Once you're refueled, Buffalo Park is an easy nearby hike. The trail system goes far out into the forest, or you can just do the gentle, graded loop trail. Rock climbers take note: You can find some bouldering routes. When nightfall comes around, you can gaze at the stars through the Lowell Observatory telescopes.

Day 2

Sunset Crater National Park is about 30 miles away. The volcano that gives its name to the park is a perfect cinder cone with several surrounding lava flows. Hiking to the top isn't allowed, but you can hike the expansive lava flows. Be careful - it's sharp and jagged. Contunuing on the park road can take you to the Wupatki National Monument . You can stroll inside the ruins of pueblos more than 800 years old. Don't miss the blowhole. Temperature rises sharply near the Wupatki ruins: Bring plenty of water and snacks. A good next stop is the Museum of Northern Arizona . It covers plants, animals, geology and history.

You might also catch some festival action. The Arizona Highland Celtic Festival is held in July, and you'll find the occasional beerfest, among other events.

Day 3

Arizona's highest point is Mt. Humphreys at 12,667 - it's part of an eroded volcano called San Francisco Peaks. Go for it. If you're fit, you can make it. Even if you fall short, you're in for a beautiful hike. It's about a five-hour. 8.25-mile trip for hardy hikers, more for the less sturdy. You'll start off near the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort, winding through some incredible pine forests and aspen groves. You'll pass the treeline into the barren patch leading to the summit. Here, you'll see the crater of the stratovolcano. In addition to food and water, bring rain gear. Don't head to the summit if the weather turns threatening. Rain and electrical storms are frequent in the summer. After this hike, you've earned yourself a big meal at Beaver Street Brewery and the right to loaf for the rest of the day.

Other Activities and Helpful Places

Lava River Cave (aka Government Cave) - The state's biggest and best-known lava tube.
SP Crater - Remote cinder cone and lava flow.
Walnut Canyon - A hike that birdwatchers will love. Also, there's a small cave as the canyon narrows.
Babbitt's Backcountry Outfitters - Outdoor gear and local knowledge.
Flagstaff Brewing Company - Offers their own craft brew recipes along with high-end guest brews.
Absolute Bikes - Local bike shop offering a wide assortment of bikes, accessories and service.