The 3,600-acre Walnut Canyon National Monument was established in 1915 by President Woodrow Wilson to protect the ancient dwellings carved into the area's cliffs. Archaeologists believe that ancient people lived in the cliffs thousands of years ago, and today, visitors can see these dwellings while hiking the monument's mile-long Island Trail. Other options for experiencing the park include the 30-minute round-trip Rim Trail, which offers visitors stunning canyon overlooks.

Many recent travelers were surprised at how much the relatively small park offers. For instance, recent visitors couldn't say enough about the Island Trail, which winds past the canyon homes where ancient people lived for hundreds of years. However, some also commented that the hike up and down the Island Trail's more than 200 steps was pretty strenuous, especially given Flagstaff's high elevation. Reviewers also suggest stopping to read the informational plaques that are stationed along the trail. Not only will you learn more about the people who once called this area home, but you'll also be forced to stop and take a break.

At the Lowell Observatory, visitors can conjure their inner astronomer by peering through world-class telescopes and sitting in on lectures on topics like black holes and the history of Pluto. This observatory was founded in 1894 by the Harvard-graduated mathematician Percival Lowell. Throughout the years, the observatory has been credited with making a handful of important findings. In fact, researchers at the observatory were the first to discover Pluto. Today, the observatory is home to a variety of telescopes, as well as artifacts like Lowell's first telescope, classic scientific books and instruments built by the observatory's scientists for measuring the physical characteristics of celestial bodies.

Many travelers recommend visiting Lowell Observatory at night to get the most out of the experience, since that's when the stars are at their highest relief. Visitors also say the presentations put on by the observatory's knowledgeable staff are not to be missed.

Established in 1924, the Wupatki National Monument – part of a collective of Flagstaff Area National Monuments, including Sunset Crater Volcano and Walnut Canyon – is a nature and culture preserve. The ancestors of today's pueblo communities once inhabited the area (during the 1100s), leaving behind their pueblos, or villages, when they moved on. Hopi, Zuni, Navajo and possibly other tribes pass on stories about Wupatki. Members of several Hopi clans return periodically. Travelers can hike through the park's red rocks, pausing at the village ruins along the way and learning about the day-to-day lives of the people who once called Wupatki home.

Travelers recommend stopping by the visitor center to pick up information on the park and the original inhabitants before heading out on your walking tour. Travelers also recommend bringing plenty of water no matter what time of year you're visiting. 

Around 900 years ago, a volcano – which has come to be called Sunset Crater – erupted and transformed the encircling area. Geologic features like cinders, lava rock and lava flow compose this almost otherworldly topography, which is punctuated by ponderosa pines. Some of the more popular ways to experience the park include hiking the 1-mile Lava Flow Trail or climbing up to the Cinder Hills Overlook. Keep in mind that backcountry hiking is forbidden for preservation purposes.

Visitors use words like "dramatic" and "incredible" to describe the experience of walking around on lava rocks and cinders. Some wished that they could get even closer to the crater.

Flagstaff Extreme is an adventurous obstacle course in which participants ages 7 and older can test their limits on challenges like zip lines, rope swings, scrambling walls and wobbly bridges, among dozens of other features, many of which are located at tree level. Each course starts out with a 30-minute safety and training session.  

Travelers highly recommend spending a few hours on the challenging courses at Flagstaff Extreme, noting that they were especially impressed by the staff's attention to safety. Though you'll be tackling the course on your own, reviewers say instructors are on the ground to help you navigate the course and provide assistance should you wish to stop. Visitors also suggested bringing water bottles that can clip to a harness, as well as sturdy shoes and workout gloves to protect your hands.

Approximately 700,000 years ago when molten rock erupted from a vent in nearby Hart Prairie, the mile-long Lava River Cave was formed. Today, visitors can explore the cave's cool, dark expanse by making a trek to the Coconino National Forest. The cave is open year-round, but roads may be closed in winter, making it temporarily inaccessible. Visitors will want to bring multiple light sources, warm layers and sturdy shoes. Lava River Cave is chilly and slippery even in the summer.

Recent visitors were awe-struck by the experience of hiking a tube cave. Although some experienced difficulty accessing the roads – in winter, check the website for the area's operating status before leaving – all found the trek worthwhile. It is essential to come with sufficient light that can be used hands-free (such as a headlamp).

One of the most diverse national forests in America, the landscapes in the Coconino National Forest range from Sedona’s famous Red Rocks to alpine tundra. The 1.8 million-acre forest also boasts ancient volcanic peaks and Ponderosa pine forests. Popular activities include hiking, swimming, fishing, bicycling, climbing, horse riding and winter sports. Several national monuments are located within the forest, such as the Sunset Crater National Monument, and top attractions, such as the Lava River Cave and the Arizona Snowbowl.

Past visitors highlight the diverse gorgeous landscapes. There are many scenic drives for those with limited time or less desire to be outdoors. One of the most popular is the Volcanoes and Ruins Loop Scenic Drive, which starts about 15 miles northeast of Flagstaff. In addition to Native American ruins, the route passes through the active portion of the San Francisco volcano field surrounding Flagstaff. For the adventurous, Coconino National Forest could be a complete trip on its own (there are campgrounds and cabin rentals within the forest), while urban travelers will enjoy taking a breath of fresh air.

In 1904, brothers Michael and Timothy Riordan, members of a prominent Arizona family, commissioned two nearly identical mansions at the summit of Flagstaff's Kinlichi Knoll. Architect Charles Frederick Whittlesey, who is also credited with designing the Grand Canyon's El Tovar Hotel, designed the two homes, which are actually connected by a rendezvous room. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the 13,000-square-foot space to learn about the Riordan (pronounced Rear-don) family and the history of the property.

Though past visitors said this wasn't a must-see, they called it a great rainy-day activity. Recent travelers enjoyed learning about the architecture of the more than 100-year-old mansions and the history of the Riordan family, who is credited with developing Flagstaff at the turn of the century. Along with the guided tour of the mansions, recent visitors also recommend taking advantage of a self-guided tour of the grounds.

Built along the railroad track – and what would become Route 66 – the Historic Downtown and Railroad District is a pedestrian-friendly area filled with historic 1900s-era buildings that have been converted to shops, restaurants, galleries, breweries and other watering holes. The district also plays hosts to regular events like a seasonal farmers market, a monthly art walk, free movie nights and more.

Recent visitors heartily recommended sauntering around Flagstaff's Historic Downtown and Railroad District, citing friendly locals, open-air music and countless places to eat, drink and shop. Others also enjoyed the historical signposts, buildings and railroad station. Still, some complained that the college students made the area a bit too lively at night, while others complained of limited parking options.

Nestled in the San Francisco Peaks at 9,500 feet, the Arizona Snowbowl is one of the state's best spots for skiing and snowboarding. The Snowbowl offers three different areas for a variety of skill levels: the Round Up Rail Park, the Southern Belle intermediate parks and the Sunset Terrain Park, which is best suited for advance skiers. The Snowbowl also welcomes visitors to its slopes in the summer for hiking and a scenic chairlift ride that travels up to 11,500 feet. 

Travelers who visited in the fall highly recommended adding the Snowbowl to your itinerary, describing the fall colors as spectacular from the top of the gondola. Meanwhile, winter downhill skiers said the slopes were nicely manicured and provided diverse options for both novice and experienced powder hounds. However, a few reviewers were disappointed with the mediocre customer service.

Meteor Crater was created more than 50,000 years ago by a massive meteor strike near Winslow, Arizona. Visitors can experience the 550-foot-deep and nearly mile-wide cavity from an air-conditioned viewing area, outdoor observation deck, self-guided trail or by guided tour of its rim. Other activities at this popular attraction include the Discovery Center and Space Museum, a 4D theater and an Apollo 11 training space capsule. The center and museum feature interactive exhibits that explore the science and history of meteorite impacts around the world.

Recent travelers were awe-struck by the crater. The mix of child- and adult-friendly activities at the Barringer Museum was frequently praised. Keep in mind that high winds occasionally cancel the popular mile-long guided rim tour.

The third national monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture, Montezuma Castle was built by the Sinagua people over the course of 300 years. Whether you call it a palace or a high-rise apartment, the dwelling was used a shelter during flood seasons, according to historians. By the mid-15th century, the Sinagua vacated the structure, which today is part of a sycamore grove that provides a critical habitat for native plants and animals.

Visitors are impressed by the cliff face, which can be viewed only from a distance after an easy half-mile walk. On-site signage provides information about the Sinagua's history and engineering achievements. The nearby visitor center offers more information, as well as archaeological finds.

The Museum of Northern Arizona is an homage to the culture and nature of Northern Arizona's Colorado Plateau. Founded in 1928, the museum has permanent exhibits that range from Native American contemporary art to a gallery that delves into the geologic features of the 130,000 square miles that form the Colorado Plateau. A handful of temporary exhibits also pass through the museum.

Travelers say that the museum packs in a lot of exhibits and rich information for such a small space. Some visitors suggest visiting this museum before heading to the cache of national monuments, such as the Wupatki National Monument or even the Grand Canyon, since it gives such an expansive history of the area's Indigenous people. Others warn that the museum's main focus is on the Native American tribes of the region and less on the geology of Northern Arizona. Some reviewers also said this may not be suitable for young children as there are no exhibits specifically designed to engage kids.

Bison and wolves and bears, oh my! While the star attraction is in Bearizona Wildlife Park’s name, visitors to the safari park may see a wide variety of North American animals along with black and grizzly bears. Travelers can drive through a Ponderosa pine forest, walk through Fort Bearizona and visit a petting zoo. Lucky visitors may even spy bears in their den through the viewing glass located in a cave.

Visitors enjoyed the variety of animals, although some note the unpredictability of sightings in this naturalistic setting. The walk-thru experience was especially enjoyable. Some travelers recommend arriving in the morning in order to observe the bears at their most active and avoid crowds.