How to Spend 3 Days in Flagstaff

With three days in Flagstaff, you’ll be able to enjoy charming downtown and still have plenty of time for other adventures. From day trips to the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend to ziplining above pine forests, opportunities for fun abound in this northern Arizona city. Here are a variety of ways to spend three days in Flagstaff. 

Day 1: Sights, Hights, and Wildlife

Start off by getting to know the city on a guided tour of downtown on foot, bike, or Segway. See historic areas and the railroad district, and get personalized recommendations from your guide to help you explore the rest of the area. Once you have the lay of the land, get your adrenaline fix and push your boundaries at an adventure park that has zip lines and challenge courses for both adults and kids.

After enjoying lunch (perhaps at one of the restaurants spotted on your morning tour), head out of town to Bearizona Wildlife Park for a self-driven North American wildlife safari. Take the long way home, and spend the evening in Jerome, where you can join a haunted tour that highlights the spooky side of the historic mining town. 

Day 2: Landscapes to the North

On your second day, head north toward the Utah border, where you’ll find many of Arizona’s most photo-worthy and culturally important attractions. For an outdoor adventure, take a tour that includes off-roading in Antelope Canyon and visiting the Colorado River, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon. Alternatively, if you want a deep dive into American Indian culture (and views of stunning landscapes), join a tour that heads to Monument Valley. The guided trip traverses the Navajo Nation, and you can see traditional Navajo homes and learn about the nation’s culture and history, then see the park’s towering natural sandstone monuments. 

If you’d rather explore on your own, take a shuttle from Flagstaff to Page. The daily shuttle service offers both morning and afternoon departures and provides access to attractions like Horseshoe Bend and Glen Canyon Dam. Wrap up your evening back in Flagstaff with a guided beer-and-wine tour.

Day 3: The Grandest Views

Save the best for last, and fill your third day with a tour of Arizona’s most famous landmark: the Grand Canyon. The closest viewing spot is just a 1.5-hour drive from Flagstaff, but book a full-day tour to guarantee that you’ll see all the highlights of the South Rim, like the iconic panoramas from Yavapai Point, and also have a chance to explore some of the other lesser-known attractions. Head into the inner gorge to see the Colorado River up close, visit Pueblo ruins, or even book a private Grand Canyon hiking tour and escape the crowds on a scenic trek that includes a picnic lunch with a view. You can also add a helicopter flight to your tour for unmatched photo opportunities. After a busy day exploring the Grand Canyon, return to Flagstaff’s historic downtown for some country music and dancing at the Museum Club, a popular saloon.