Feeling the summer heat? Head to northern Arizona to cool off with these 7 activities

Central and southern Arizona have exceptionally hot summers, making it more difficult and dangerous to enjoy the outdoors.

Flagstaff lies a mere two-hour drive north from Phoenix and has much milder temperatures, making outdoor activities easier.

Flagstaff is surrounded by lush forests and is only about an hour’s drive from the Grand Canyon. Summer temperatures in Flag typically top out in the high 80s, according to Discover Flagstaff.

Even though the weather is cooler, don’t forget to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen while exploring what Flagstaff has to offer.

Here are seven activities to check out in this northern city.

Lava River Cave

(Photo by Michael Landrum/Shutterstock)

171B Forest Road, Flagstaff

The mile-long Lava River Cave, which is about 14 miles north of Flagstaff, was created by a volcanic vent eruption.

The US Forest Service said the cave can get as cold as 42 degrees Fahrenheit, even during the summer.

Though the cave is open year-round, roads that lead to it are closed during rain and snow. It’s a four-mile, one-way hike from Fort Valley Road.

Once inside the cave, hikers can see the walls, ceilings, and floors entirely covered by molten rock that flowed through the cave. Bring multiple light sources when hiking so you don’t get lost in the dark.

Lowell Observatory

(Photo by Stephen Tegler, courtesy of Lowell Observatory)

1400 W. Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff

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Did you know Pluto was discovered in Arizona? The former ninth planet was first discovered by Clyde Tombaugh at Lowell Observatory in 1930.

Tickets to the observatory start at $35 for adults, $30 for seniors ages 55+, $20 for kids 6-17, and free for kids 5 and under. A ticket gets you access to a tour of the facility, the children’s exhibit, the observation deck, and more.

For an extra fee, you can get access to the laser-guided Dark Sky Planetarium shows. If you’re willing to pay even more, you can try astrophotography classes, private group stargazing, or a guided tour of the Lowell Discovery Telescope.

Arizona Snowbowl

High angle view of the fall color around the famous Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff. (Photo by Kit Leong/Shutterstock)

9300 N. Snow Bowl Road, Flagstaff

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Flagstaff sits at an elevation of 6,909 feet above sea level. Arizona Snowbowl gives customers a way to take in the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon State, and possibly the Grand Canyon itself, at 11,500 feet.

Arizona Snowbowl is known best for its winter season, where skiers and snowboarders dominate the slopes in the state’s snowiest area—but it doesn’t close for summer. Snowbowl’s gondola rides range from $10 to $29, depending on the day you go. From the peak you can see Sedona and the Grand Canyon on a clear day.

Arizona Snowbowl also has smaller-scale activities, like bungee trampolines, summer tubing, and rock walls. It costs $15 for one activity, $32-48 for 90 minutes of access, or $48-64 for unlimited access.

Lake Mary

(US Forest Service Photo)

15257 Lake Mary Road, Flagstaff

Upper Lake Mary is Flagstaff’s largest lake. There’s no motor size limit for the lake, so feel free to break out your power boats and water skis. It costs $10 per vehicle for a day pass.

The US Forest Service said the lake is a popular fishing spot, too. It’s populated with northern pike, walleyes, and yellow perches.

The lake has two paved boat launch ramps in the parking lot and two developed campgrounds nearby.

Grand Canyon National Park

(Photo by Gabriel Tovar/Unsplash)

S. Entrance Road, Grand Canyon Village

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People from all over the world come to Arizona with the sole intention of visiting one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park is $35 for private vehicles, $30 for motorcycles, and $20 for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians.

The Grand Canyon is about an hour north of Flagstaff, but it doesn’t have the same mild temperatures. It can reach triple-digits in the canyon, so remember to dress accordingly and bring plenty of water.

The National Park Service has said over 250 people are rescued from the Grand Canyon every year. There are plenty of safe trails along the South Rim and North Rim, but there are no easy trails into or out of the canyon, so make sure you’re prepared for whatever hike you set out on.

Want something tamer? The park offers family-friendly programs and daily talks about the geology of the Grand Canyon.

Coconino National Forest

Red Rock Mountains in Coconino National Forest. (Photo by Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock)

Coconino National Forest is one of the most diverse national forests in the US, according to the National Park Service.

There are trails for scenic driving, bicycling, hiking, climbing, and nature viewing. Some trails near Flagstaff to check out include Turkey Hill, Walnut Creek, and Continental Loop. Coconino National Forest also offers areas for fishing and hunting.

Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

Aerial view of the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark. (Photo by Dominic Jeanmaire/Shutterstock)

Meteor Crater Road, Winslow

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A meteor over 100 feet wide crashed outside of Flagstaff tens of thousands of years ago, leaving a crater about one kilometer across and 550 feet deep. Now, the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark and Barringer Space Museum sit about 45 minutes east of Flagstaff.

Tickets to the landmark and museum are $20 for kids 6-13 and veterans, $27 for people 60 or older, and $29 for people 14-59. Attractions include a lookout point to look into the crater, a guided tour of the rim of the crater, a discovery center and space museum, and an exhibit about the Apollo 11 space capsule.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2023 and updated for 2025.

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