Must Do or See When Winter Vacationing in Flagstaff? (Sedona: restaurants, pubs)

[landmissle]

Hi folks,

My family and I really loved staying in Flagstaff last year in January. We visted the Painted Desert, Meteor Crater, Bearizona (little cheesy), and a few pubs in town. We planned to visit the Grand Canyon, but everyone but myself got sick on the third day of our seven day visit.

So, we are trying this again this January and doing our best not to bring cooties along with us this time (and avoid any where we're there). Obviously we plan on seeing the Grand Canyon and will probably go to the Painted Desert again also.

We like the outdoors, history, nature and so we gravitate towards those kinds of outings. Of course I consider crafted beer "nature" so a nice pub is not out of the question...That said, what sites or activities do the local recommend or other folks familiar with the area recommend?

Also possible to be on our itinerary, would be a visit to Sedona.

Would also be very interested in any Indian archaeology sites.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

[curly5759]

In the Sedona/Verde valley area for indian ruins, I suggest: Tuzigoot, Montezuma Well (free), Montezuma castle, Honakai and Palataki. The last 2 are close to Sedona. One requires reservations, the other doesn't. Last time I was at Montezuma castle, they had a 2 for 1 deal that included Tuzigoot if you visited within 7 days (iirc).
Tuzigoot is very close to Jerome, you could do both and get your Jerome t-shirt while you are there. You know the one: My parents went to Jerome and all I got was this...
Fort Verde is very close to the Castle if you are into western history.
Out of Africa (wild game park you drive through) is also close to the last 2 mentioned. I haven't been so can't comment on it.

[landmissle]

Hi Curly5759,

Perfect! Your suggestions are exactly the kind of thing we are looking for. Thank you very much.

[landmissle]

Just in case others are researching the same topic, I'll post a few links that I've found.

https://www.flagstaffarizona.org/winter/ - The city's suggestions

https://www.mikesroadtrip.com/top-10...-in-flagstaff/ - Nice blog post on the topic

I'm still hoping to get local or past vacationers suggestions.

[blindjesse]

The local Flagstaff monuments (Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, Wupatki) are worth seeing.

The Museum of Northern Arizona is nice if you're into (mostly Native American related) local history. The Pioneer Museum is just down the street - mostly settler-related stuff. Also the Riordian Mansion is nice.

Note that there hasn't been any snow yet this season. I don't know if there was when you were here last year, and there may be some by the time you get here. But any type of snow activities would depend on that. Generally crowds are small in January, unless it just snowed or it's a weekend after a big snow. That usually just affects snow play areas and restaurants though, the monuments would still be sparse. If there is snow, stay off of US-180 just west of town / in town, particularly in mid-afternoon. Traffic can be a nightmare.

[KurtAZ]

Is the Observatory open during winter? That is pretty cool if you have never been to visit.