A Week Near Flagstaff: Hidden Gems, Crowds, and Unexpected Favorites

We spent part of our Route 66 trip based just outside of Flagstaff, using it as a home base to explore both Flagstaff and nearby Sedona. While we were in the area for most of the week, our time was actually pretty low-key, we stayed in Munds Park, worked during the week, and saved most of our exploring for the weekend. That ended up being the perfect balance, giving us time to recharge while still getting to experience some of the best things to do in Flagstaff and things to do in Sedona.

In this post, I’m sharing exactly how we spent our time, including our full weekend itinerary covering both Route 66 Flagstaff highlights and a day trip through Sedona. You’ll find a mix of history, hiking, quirky roadside stops, and a few honest thoughts on what we loved (and what we didn’t). If you’re planning your own trip, this should give you a good idea of what to prioritize, what to skip, and some helpful tips for visiting both areas, especially if you’re trying to avoid crowds or travel on a budget.

Where We Stayed Near Flagstaff

Camping around Flagstaff can get really expensive, especially if you need full hookups. There are tons of free dispersed camping options in Coconino National Forest if you’re set up for boondocking, but with work and our snake, we needed at least electric hookups. We ended up staying just south of Flagstaff in Munds Park at Munds Park RV Resort, and it worked out really well for us. It’s a really nice campground that also has a lot of mobile home lots that people use as vacation homes, so it has more of a neighborhood feel than a typical campground.

They had literally just opened for the season when we arrived, so it was pretty quiet, which we loved. The downside to that timing was that the pool wasn’t open yet, which was a little disappointing, but we still made good use of the large fitness center during our stay. One of the best parts, though, was the easy access to Forest Service trails right from the campground. It made it really easy to get outside without having to drive anywhere, which is always a huge plus for us.

Saturday in Sedona

Stop #1: Montezuma Well

We kicked off our day exploring Sedona with a stop that had been on my list for a while, Montezuma Well, which I originally heard about on an Atlas Obscura podcast episode. It ended up being one of my favorite stops of the entire day.

We got there early enough to have the trail completely to ourselves, and it was so calm and quiet, just the sound of birds and the breeze through the trees. After a few busy days of work and errands, it felt like the perfect way to ease into the weekend.

Montezuma Well is actually a detached unit of Montezuma Castle National Monument, and the history here goes back a long way. The area has been inhabited for at least 10,000 years, with evidence of permanent settlements dating to around 600 CE. You can still see remnants of cliff dwellings tucked into the limestone walls surrounding the well, which is wild to think about when you’re standing there.

The “well” itself is what makes this place so unique. It’s a natural limestone sinkhole fed by an underground spring, and the water inside is unlike anything you’d expect. It’s heavily carbonated and contains high levels of arsenic, which means it doesn’t support fish, but it does support at least five endemic species that are found nowhere else in the world.

And then there’s the strangest part. Early explorers once believed the well was bottomless, and honestly… it kind of feels that way when you’re looking down into it. What’s actually happening is even weirder. There’s a “false bottom” made up of fine silt that moves in a way that looks like it’s boiling. It’s caused by pressurized groundwater pushing up from below, keeping the sand suspended and constantly shifting.

If you’re even a little into unique phenomena, I highly recommend looking up the National Park Service dive videos before or after your visit- it makes the whole thing even more fascinating: https://www.nps.gov/moca/learn/photosmultimedia/dive-to-the-bottom-of-the-well.htm

Stop #2: Montezuma Castle National Monument

From the quiet, peaceful start to our morning, this stop felt like a bit of a shock. We were not expecting the crowds at Montezuma Castle National Monument.

That said, it’s easy to see why so many people come here. The main feature, Montezuma Castle, is a massive cliff dwelling built by the Southern Sinagua people around 1125 CE and occupied until about 1395 CE. Like Montezuma Well, the name is actually a misnomer given later by European-Americans, the Aztec emperor Montezuma had no connection to this site.

The structure itself is seriously impressive. Built about 90 feet up into a limestone cliff, it’s the largest cliff dwelling we’ve personally seen, and it’s hard not to just stand there for a minute trying to wrap your head around how it was constructed. The scale, the placement, and the preservation all make it feel like a pretty incredible feat of architecture.

The short walk to see it is part of a 0.3-mile paved loop trail, which makes this one of the most accessible stops we’ve done. Along the path, you’ll also pass the remains of Castle A, another dwelling site that was actually about twice the size of Montezuma Castle. It was burned sometime in the 1300s, so today only parts of the stonework and cavate rooms are still visible, but it adds another layer to understanding how large and complex this area once was.

You can’t go inside Montezuma Castle itself (it’s been closed to visitors since the 1950s), but the visitor center has a video tour that gives a closer look at what it would have been like inside.

Crowds aside, this is definitely one of those places that feels worth seeing at least once, especially if you’re already nearby at Montezuma Well.

Stop #3: Oak Creek Arts & Crafts Show

After our first two stops, we made our way into Sedona and wandered through the Oak Creek Arts & Crafts Show. We didn’t end up buying anything, and honestly, I didn’t really expect to, but it still felt like one of those very “Sedona” experiences.

Sedona has such a strong reputation for attracting artists, creatives, and all kinds of makers, so it was fun just walking through the booths and seeing the range of work. There was a little bit of everything- paintings, jewelry, ceramics, and plenty of pieces inspired by the red rock landscapes surrounding the area.

Even without making a purchase, it was a nice slower-paced stop in the middle of the day. Sometimes it’s less about what you take home and more about just soaking in the atmosphere, and this felt like one of those moments. Plus, just look at that parking lot view!

Stop #4: Chapel of the Holy Cross

Our next stop… was almost a stop. We attempted to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, but once again: wow, we were not prepared for the crowds.

Traffic was completely at a standstill just trying to drive by, and the idea of finding parking and actually going in quickly lost its appeal. We ended up just catching a glimpse of it from the road, which honestly felt like enough for us in that moment. Neither of us had much interest in fighting through the chaos.

Even from a distance though, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular stop. The chapel was built in the 1950s into the red rock formations, and it’s a really striking piece of architecture. It’s a Roman Catholic chapel and is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which adds to its significance.

If you’re set on visiting, it’s probably worth going early or at an off time, but for us, a drive-by view was more than enough to wrap up a very full (and very crowded) day in Sedona.

Stop #5: Sedona’s Teal Arches McDonald’s

Our next stop was a quick roadside stop at Sedona’s famous teal arches at McDonald’s.

This is the only McDonald’s in the world with teal arches, and it exists purely because Sedona said no to the classic golden ones. When the restaurant was being built, the city required the arches to match Sedona’s natural color palette so they wouldn’t clash with the surrounding red rock scenery, and teal was the compromise.

Stop #6: Lunch at Whole Foods Market

By this point in the day, we were definitely feeling Sedona prices… so instead of another sit-down spot, we went the more budget-friendly route and grabbed lunch at Whole Foods Market. I had seen someone on Reddit suggest this when I was looking up cheaper lunch options, and it honestly worked out perfectly. We grabbed a couple slices of pizza and added in a few things from the hot bar, and it ended up being a really solid, satisfying meal without spending a ton.

It’s obviously not the most exciting or unique stop of the day, but if you’re trying to balance out the cost of everything else in Sedona, it’s a really practical option to keep in mind.

Stop #7: Fay Canyon Trail

After driving through Sedona, which I truly cannot stress enough was packed, we finally made it out onto a trail. We knew better than to attempt one of the more popular hikes, so we chose Fay Canyon Trail after reading it was a bit less crowded.

For a “less popular” trail, it was still fairly busy, but this was the first time all day it felt manageable. People were spread out enough that we could actually enjoy the hike and have a few quiet moments to ourselves, which made a huge difference.

This one ended up being a great choice. We saw tons of wildflowers along the trail, so it turned into a bit of a botanizing walk too, which I always love. It’s an easier hike overall, but still really scenic and a good way to experience Sedona without being shoulder-to-shoulder with people the entire time.

Wrapping Up Our Sedona Day

Instead of heading back the same way, we took a different route to Munds Park and ended up driving through Oak Creek Canyon, and honestly, that drive alone was worth it. The canyon is part of Coconino National Forest, and it’s one of those stretches of road where you just keep looking around thinking, this place is unreal.

Overall, there’s no denying how beautiful this area is. I completely understand why people love Sedona. But if I’m being honest, the crowds made it really hard for me to enjoy the day as much as I expected. The town just doesn’t feel designed for the sheer number of people trying to move through it, and so much of the day ended up being spent sitting in traffic or waiting around.

I’m also just not someone who enjoys crowds, especially when I’m trying to be outside. A big part of what I love about hiking and being in nature is the quiet and the chance to feel a little removed from everything, and that was hard to find here.

That’s why Montezuma Well ended up being my favorite stop of the day. It had the same kind of beauty, but with none of the chaos- just us, the sound of birds, and that peaceful feeling that makes being out in nature so special.

If we came back, I’d definitely seek out more of those quieter spots again, even if they’re a little less “iconic.” For me, that trade-off is always worth it.

Sunday in Flagstaff

Stop #1: Elden Pueblo Heritage Site

We started our Flagstaff day with a stop at Elden Pueblo Heritage Site, which ended up being a really interesting mix of history and an easy walk.

The site is part of Coconino National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This pueblo was built and occupied by the Sinagua people between about 1070 and 1275, right at the base of Mount Elden. Walking through it, you can still see the outlines of rooms and structures, and it’s one of the larger pueblo sites we’ve visited after spending so much time exploring the Southwest.

What stood out most to me here was just how connected this place was. Elden Pueblo wasn’t some isolated settlement, it was actually a major trading hub. Excavations have uncovered things like macaw skeletons from Mexico and shell jewelry from the California coast, which is wild to think about when you’re standing there in northern Arizona.

There’s also an interesting (and more complicated) history tied to the site. When it was excavated in the 1920s, many of the artifacts and remains were removed and sent to the Smithsonian, which sparked controversy in Arizona. That backlash ultimately helped lead to the creation of the 1927 Arizona Antiquities Act, which protects sites like this today.
The visit itself is simple: a short, paved loop trail takes you through the ruins, and there’s a self-guided tour you can pull up online to follow along. It’s an easy stop, but definitely one that adds a lot of context to the history of the area.

Stop #2: Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve

Next up was a spot I had saved from our last trip to Flagstaff in September, Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve. I came across it while planning that visit and made a note to come back someday… just didn’t expect that “someday” to be this soon.

This ended up being such a great stop. It’s technically a city park, but it feels like so much more than that. The preserve is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and once you start exploring, it’s easy to see why.

We made a loop using parts of the Tom Moody Trail and the Don Weaver Trail so we could hit as many points of interest as possible, and there’s a lot packed into this area. Along the way, we saw Sinagua petroglyphs, the remains of a pithouse, and even an old railroad trestle. And somehow, in the middle of all that, you also get Flagstaff’s only waterfall, which was a fun surprise.

It’s one of those places where you’re constantly stopping to look at something new, whether it’s history or just the scenery around you. There’s also a connection to the Arizona Trail, which runs about 800 miles across the state, so it’s cool knowing this little park ties into something much bigger.

Stop #4: Mother Road Brewing Company

We had originally planned to grab lunch at Route 66 Dog Haus and then come here for dinner, but since Dog Haus is closed on Sundays, our plans shifted a bit and we ended up at Mother Road Brewing Company earlier than expected.

Overall, this was a really solid stop. We both enjoyed our beers, and the food was good too- definitely the kind of place that hits the spot after a day of exploring. That said, it is on the pricier side. Not totally surprising for a brewery in a touristy area, but something to keep in mind if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Still, for the atmosphere, good drinks, and a relaxed place to sit for a while, it was worth it for us.

Stop #5: Flagstaff Visitor Center

We made a quick stop at the Flagstaff Visitor Center, and this one was especially fun for me.
I got my physical Route 66 passport stamped and was able to pick up prizes from a few of the Arizona digital passport programs. I ended up earning both levels of the Arizona Route 66 passport and the first level of the Arizona 250 passport, so it was really satisfying to actually cash those in and grab the rewards.

The Arizona state tourism office actually has a whole ton of different digital passports you can sign up for. You can find them all at https://www.visitarizona.com/experiences-passes

Stop #6: Citizens Cemetery

Next up, we went to Citizens Cemetery to see the mass grave connected to the 1956 Grand Canyon mid-air collision. We had seen a memorial to the victims at the Grand Canyon on a previous trip, so it felt meaningful to visit another place tied to the same event.

The crash happened in June 1956, when TWA Flight 2 and United Air Lines Flight 718 collided mid-air over the Grand Canyon. Both planes had departed from Los Angeles International Airport and were heading east when they crashed in uncontrolled airspace, where pilots were responsible for maintaining separation. The TWA plane fell into the canyon, while the United plane struck a cliff, and all 128 people on board the two flights were killed. It was the first commercial airline disaster to exceed 100 fatalities. The tragedy led to major changes in aviation, including increased funding and modernization of air traffic control systems in the U.S.

Because of the nature of the crash, most victims couldn’t be positively identified. Twenty-nine victims from the United flight were buried at Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery, while sixty-six victims from the TWA flight were buried here at Citizens Cemetery.

Stop #7: First Muffler Man at Northern Arizona University

For our next stop, we made our way over to Northern Arizona University to see something a little more quirky, the lumberjack Muffler Man that many believe to be the first of its kind.

This giant figure originally stood outside the Lumberjack Cafe, and while there are around 200 Muffler Men scattered across the U.S., this one is thought to be the original. It was created in 1962 by Bob Prewitt for a different buyer who ended up falling through, and the Lumberjack Cafe purchased it instead.

Most Muffler Men you’ll see today were produced by International Fiberglass during the 1960s and 70s, but this one actually predates those. It was made by the company’s predecessor, Prewitt Fiberglass Animals, which makes it a pretty unique piece of roadside history. It’s a quick stop, but a fun one, especially if you’re into Route 66-style attractions or just enjoy tracking down those classic, slightly weird Americana landmarks.

Stop #8: Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park

This stop ended up being a bit of a letdown for us. I had Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park marked on my map because it’s known for having a good amount of public art, which sounded like a fun and different kind of stop.

Unfortunately, we just happened to hit it at the wrong time. A lot of the artwork had been removed to make way for new installations, and since the exhibits rotate regularly, we were there in between displays. It’s one of those situations where I can see the potential, but the timing just didn’t work in our favor. If you catch it when installations are up, it would probably be a much more worthwhile stop.

Stop #9: Thorpe Park Disc Golf

We ended up killing some time with a few holes of disc golf at Thorpe Park. The course itself was actually set up pretty well, the holes were nice and it seemed like it could be a really fun place to play. But the overall area wasn’t our favorite. There was a lot of broken glass on the ground, and it just felt a little sketchy while we were there. It wasn’t a terrible stop, but definitely one that didn’t quite live up to what we were hoping for.

Stop #10: Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

For our last stop of the day, we did something a little different and took a special tour at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, and this ended up being one of the highlights of our time in Flagstaff. We opted for one of their themed tours focused on Prohibition, and it was such a fun twist on the typical historic house experience. Our ranger was great, and you could tell a lot of thought had gone into making it engaging.

The mansion itself is beautiful. Built in 1904, it was designed by architect Charles Whittlesey (who also designed the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon) and is a great example of Arts and Crafts style architecture. What makes it especially unique is that it was built for two families, the Riordan brothers, Timothy Riordan and Michael Riordan. Each brother had an identical half of the house, with shared living spaces connecting the two sides. The Riordans moved to Flagstaff in the 1880s and built a successful logging and timber business, which is what made a home like this possible in the first place.

You can only go inside the mansion on a guided tour (or walk the grounds on a self-guided tour), and I’d definitely recommend going inside if you can. Our Prohibition-themed tour added a really interesting layer, we got to see some of the family’s actual alcohol bottles and artifacts, and heard stories about the parties they hosted. The Riordans were very clearly not fans of Prohibition.

One of my favorite little details was that our guide had put together handouts with cocktail recipes pulled from the Riordans’ actual recipe book that he had found in their library, which made the whole experience feel even more personal and memorable.

Wrapping Up Our Flagstaff Day

Overall, Flagstaff ended up being a really well-rounded day for us. It felt like a mix of everything we enjoy- history, a little bit of hiking, some quirky roadside stops, and a unique tour experience to end the day. There’s a lot to do in and around Flagstaff, but it still feels manageable, and it’s the kind of place where you can mix in both well-known spots and lesser-known stops without it feeling overwhelming.

More Route 66

Make sure to check out the rest of our Route 66 posts too!