5 of the best things to do in Flagstaff this fall

Flagstaff has plenty to offer, both indoors and outdoors—especially in the fall.

Visiting Flagstaff in the fall is almost guaranteed to be a great experience. The aspen leaves are seemingly aglow in a bright yellow color, and the air in this Northern Arizona college town is crisp.

The moderate temperatures and stunning leaves make it a great time to visit, especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. Plus, there’s plenty to do in this town. From its hiking trails to craft breweries, Flagstaff also has plenty to offer visitors.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, here are five of the best things to do the next time you’re in Flagstaff. 

1. Visit the Arizona Snowbowl

9300 N. Snowbowl Road 
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Flagstaff is an outdoor recreation haven, and Arizona Snowbowl is the city’s unofficial recreational headquarters.

This time of year, consider taking the scenic gondola to the top of Mount Humphreys—the highest point in all of Arizona. Once the leaves change, you can enjoy seeing fall colors as you glide up the mountain. Take time to enjoy sweeping views of Northern Arizona—on clear days, you can see all the way to the Grand Canyon—before you head back down. Snowbowl is also home to plenty of hiking trails like the perfect-for-fall-leaf-peeping Kachina Trail.

In just a few months, Snowbowl will live up to its name and serve as a winter destination for skiers and snowboarders. 

2. Visit a Brewery on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail 

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Flagstaff is a craft brewery haven. So much so that the city even has a Flagstaff Brewery Trail. Visit craftbeerflg.com to print out a brewery map. A total of eight breweries are on the trail.

One stop on the trail includes the Mother Road Brewing Company. Named after Route 66, which runs through Flagstaff, this brewery is renowned for its Tower Station IPA, an Indian Pale Ale with hints of tangerine and pineapple. Dark Sky Brewing—which nods to Flagstaff’s status as an International Dark Sky city—specializes in constantly rotating and creative suds,

If you visit all eight breweries, go to one of the two Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau locations and trade in that passport for a pint glass as a souvenir. 

3. Enjoy Nightlife at the Monte Vista Hotel 

100 N. San Francisco St. 
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Downtown Flagstaff is home to plenty of historic hotels, but Monte Vista is arguably the most storied of them all.

The Monte V—as it’s known to locals—opened in 1927 and was partially funded by noted novelist Zane Grey. The hotel has been featured in iconic films like “Casablanca” and “Forrest Gump.” In the 1940s and 1950s, many films were being shot in nearby Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. As a result of this, the likes of Janes Russell, Gary Cooper, and John Wayne have all stayed here.

Today, Monte Vista is home to three different restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for nightlife, you’ll find it here. The Lotus Lounge, which serves Asian cuisine, is open until 2 a.m. on Saturdays. Find craft cocktails at both Lotus Lounge and Rendezvous, which is also open late. The Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge is a lively space that features live music three days per week.

The Monte V is also a great place to visit around Halloween. Rumor has it that the Monte V has a few spirits hanging around like the phantom bellboy and the baby in the basement.

4. See Live Theater at Theatrikos 

11 W. Cherry Ave. 
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Theatrikos Theatre Company has been in Flagstaff for 50 years. That’s a long time to stay in business, and there’s usually a good reason why a theater company lasts that long.

The nonprofit group produces six main-stage shows annually. From Oct. 4-20 you can catch “The Book of Will,” and from Nov. 29 to Dec. 22, see the holiday show “Elf: The Musical.”

Theatrikos also offers an educational program for adults and kids. 

5. Check Out National Monument Sunset Crater 

6082 Sunset Crater Road 
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About 1,000 years ago, a volcano erupted and created Sunset Crater—one of Flagstaff’s most popular attractions. The monument somehow managed to survive the Tunnel Fire that swept through the area in the spring of 2022.

The best thing about this monument? It’s very easy to access. Strollers and wheelchairs can access some of these trails.

See remnants of the Bonito Lava Flow up close if you hike these relatively easy trails. Plus, the views from here are stupendous.

The visitor center is closed through Sept. 17 for sidewalk repairs. 

READ MORE: Fall hiking and biking trails you don’t want to miss in Coconino County