Flagstaff is located near the center of Northern
Arizona in the cool pines at an elevation of approximately
7,000 feet, near the base of the San Francisco
Peaks. Flagstaff is ideally positioned at the
juncture of Interstate 17 and Interstate 40, about
150 miles north of Phoenix and 80 miles south
of the Grand Canyon. Mount Humphreys is the highest
point in Arizona and towers above Flagstaff at
12,643 feet. Natural treasures are nearby such
as the Grand Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano National
Park and Wupataki National Monument.
DATE
FOUNDED
1876
DERIVATION
OF NAME
On Sept. 11, 1857 the Beale road reached the
base of the San Francisco Peaks. The road followed
the 35th parallel (later Route 66) and was meant
to be the ‘great emigrant road to California’.
In May 1876 a group of settlers from Boston
selected a sight at the base of the San Francisco
Peaks to be a township and named it “Agassiz”.
The New England settlers chose a tall pine,
trimmed its branches from the bottom up and
attached a flag to the top in observance of
the national centennial, Fourth of July. The
flagpole remained after the celebrants moved
on. It became a landmark of the area for people
traveling along the Beale Road and the name
Flagstaff became predominantly used from that
point forward.
ELEVATION
7,000 Feet
CLIMATE
Flagstaff is one of the few Arizona cities that
has a four-season climate. Winters most often
begin in November although significant snowfall
usually does not occur until mid-December. Snowfall
varies from year to year with some winters bringing
over 150 inches while others deliver as little
as 50 inches. Throughout the winter dark and
snowy nights yield to sunny days resulting in
clear and dry roads.
 March
usually exhibits the warmest temperature of
any winter month, and yet the largest amount
of snowfall. By April temperatures begin to
warm, although a light rain or snow frequently
dusts the area. May’s sunny days and average
temperatures of 55 degrees leaves no doubt that
spring is in the air.
The
summer months of June, July and August remain
pleasant, with early morning temperatures averaging
in the high 40s and peaking in the 80s during
afternoons. In fact, summer days rarely reach
above 85 degrees and the afternoon thunderstorms
provide a nice break from the summer sun.
By
September the rains end and a warm dry period
begins leading us gently into fall. During October
temperatures can vary as much as 50 degrees
and the city may receive its first snow.
AVERAGE
TEMPERATURE
Spring 55
Summer 78
Fall 60
Winter 35
YEARLY
PRECIPITATION
Average Precipitation (rain/snow) 21.3
RECREATIONAL
ACTIVITIES
Mountain Bike Riding, Skateboarding, Downhill
Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Ice-Skating, Disk Golf,
Golf, hiking, Rock-Climbing, Indoor Climbing,
Horseback Riding, ATV Exploring, Canoeing/Kayaking,
Fishing and Camping.
ART,
CULTURE & MUSIC
Flagstaff has a number of arts and cultural
locations to enjoy, such as the Coconino Center
for the Arts, Theatriko’s (live theater),
Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, Galleries, Museum
of Northern Arizona, Riordan Mansion State Park,
and historic downtown. Flagstaff comes alive
at night with plenty of dancing and music in
a variety of clubs for jazz, country, blues,
rock-n-roll or contemporary.
LOCAL
DINING
Flagstaff offers dining opportunities including
great Mexican food, fine Italian dining, world
class Thai and Asian fare, delicious Japanese
sushi, elegant French cuisine and an array of
Microbreweries, Route 66 cafes and Western steakhouses
– you name it – we have it.
LOCAL
AIRPORT
Pulliam Airport, located four miles south of
downtown Flagstaff on I-17, provides frequent
daily flights to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor
International Airport, where national and international
connections can be made. 2000 implements totaled
36,483.
DIRECTIONS
FROM PHOENIX
Take I-17 North following the “Flagstaff”
signs. I-17 terminates in Flagstaff and becomes
Milton road, which becomes Route 66. This is
the main artery through Flagstaff.
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