Flagstaff, Arizona
Pine forests, a mountain you can see for days, and the launchpad for the Grand Canyon.
After the long desert crossing from Santa Fe, Flagstaff is a relief and a joy — a cool, pine-scented mountain town at 6,900ft with the San Francisco Peaks rising behind it. It's the launchpad for the Grand Canyon, the home of Lowell Observatory, and the best riding of the Southwest starts here.
“After 300 miles of desert, the pines smelled like a different country. The Weatherford's neon on the main street, a cold beer, the Peaks behind it — the best town evening of the trip.”
History
Flagstaff began as a railroad timber camp (a flagpole gave it its name) and grew into a Route 66 landmark. The highway's main street still runs through downtown under the pines. Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered in 1930, sits on the hill above town, and the surrounding forest has drawn riders and explorers for over a century.
Why Visit
It's the strategic base for the Grand Canyon, Meteor Crater, the Painted Desert and Sedona — and it's a lovely town in its own right, with craft beer, real restaurants and cool mountain air after 300 miles of desert.
Best Motorcycle Roads
Route 66 — Holbrook to Flagstaff
The day's run crosses the Continental Divide and rolls through high-desert plateaus and ponderosa pine — the Southwest at its finest.
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive (89A to Sedona)
One of the most beautiful motorcycle roads in America — switchbacks down a red-rock canyon to Sedona. Unmissable if you have time.
Best Hotels
Weatherford Hotel
Mid-rangeAn 1897 Route 66 landmark on the main street — Zane Grey stayed here. Central, historic and full of character.
Little America Hotel
PremiumSet in 500 acres of pines on the edge of town — spacious, quiet and the best beds on the route.
Best Restaurants
Diablo Burger
Burgers
Local, grass-fed burgers on the Flagstaff main street — a rider favourite. Order the poutine too.
Must Try · The Diablo Burger and poutine
Pizzicleta
Pizza
Wood-fired pizza in a converted garage — Flagstaff's best-kept dinner secret.
Hidden Gems
- Lowell Observatory — see Pluto's discovery telescope and stargaze at 7,000ft on clear nights.
- Buffalo Park — a flat, easy trail on the edge of town with views of the San Francisco Peaks.
- Historic downtown's neon signs — well restored and glowing nightly.
Photography Spots
- San Francisco Peaks from Buffalo Park at sunset — the mountain goes purple.
- Route 66 neon in downtown Flagstaff after dark.
- Oak Creek Canyon switchbacks — red rock and pine, frame after frame.
Sunrise & Sunset
Around 5:40am. The first light on the Peaks from the east side of town is worth the early alarm.
From Buffalo Park or Lowell Observatory hill — the Peaks silhouette against a fiery sky.
Practical Information
- Maverik on Route 66 — adventure-fuel branding, clean stations, easy bike access.
- Circle K on Woodlands Village Boulevard, handy on the west side.
Downtown Flagstaff has free 2-hour street parking and a central lot. Most hotels offer free parking. The Weatherford has spots right on the main street.
Suggested Walking Routes
Historic Downtown loop
A flat 1-mile walk along Route 66 through downtown — bars, bookshops and the old railway station.
Buffalo Park trail
A flat 2-mile loop on the mesa above town with the best Peaks views and zero effort.
Weather & Ride Difficulty
High-mountain — at 6,900ft, summer days are warm (26°C) and nights cool (10°C). Afternoon thunderstorms July–August. Winter brings snow. The altitude is the headline: drink water, take the first day gently, and the air will energise you.
The approach is a long 320-mile desert day with high-desert winds and altitude gain. The riding itself is easy and well-surfaced; the challenge is endurance and heat management — start at dawn.
Nearby Attractions
- Meteor Crater (en route)
- Wigwam Motel, Holbrook (en route)
- Lowell Observatory
- Oak Creek Canyon / Sedona (day trip)
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
Frequently Asked Questions
Excellent — it's 80 miles and under two hours to the South Rim, on good roads. Stay here the night before and ride up fresh.
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