Flagstaff, Arizona: City of Seven Wonders

Photo by Jay C. Treat, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1. San Francisco Peaks, Peaks Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, (928)526-0866. The world's largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest surrounds Flagstaff. Older trees are fondly referred to as "yellow-bellies" because of the mature bark's yellow appearance. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife including the American bald eagle and the black bear. Forest elevations, from 2,600 to 12,633 feet, host plant life from desert cactus to endangered alpine tundra groundsel. At approximately 9,200 feet is the Arizona Snowbowl, P.O. Box 40, Flagstaff, AZ 86002-0040, (928) 779-1951, Fax (928) 779-3019, Snow Report (928) 779-4577. Enjoy Arizona skiing at its peak. Snowbowl features 2,300 feet of verticle drop, average snowfall of 260 inches, 31 trails, four chairlifts, full service rental shop, repair shop, ski school and special events. Skiing mid-December thru mid-April. From mid-June thru mid-October, ride the Scenic Skyride to the top of the mountain for a breathtaking view. Inquire at Flagstaff Visitor Center in the downtown Amtrak Station about the San Francisco Peaks Drive - 30 glorious miles of mountain boulevard, virgin forest and flower bedecked canyons.
2. The Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023-0129, (928) 638-7888 for recorded information, Fax (928) 638-7797. Known throughout the world for its overwhelming size and intricate and colorful landscape, the Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of arid land erosion in the world. The park encompasses 1,904 square miles, including 277 miles of the Colorado River. South Rim facilities are open all year. North Rim facilities are open mid-May through mid-October. Persons interested in visiting Grand Canyon National Park should write to the above address or call the number above for a Trip Planner. Northwest of Flagstaff, 80 miles.
3. Meteor Crater, P.O. Box 70, Flagstaff, AZ 86002-0070, (928) 289-2362, (800) 289-5898, Fax (928) 289-2598. Imagine a giant meteor, weighing several hundred thousand tons, zipping towards Earth at nearly 40,000 mph!! Visit Meteor Crater and view the results, a gaping chasm 570 feet deep and over 4,000 feet in diameter. Exhibits, movies and lectures vividly show and tell about the awesome results of this impact. See where the astronauts trained by taking a guided rim tour. Drive I-40 east of Flagstaff 30 miles and take Exit 233. There's an RV park nearby.
4. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Route 3 Box 149, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, (928) 526-0502, Fax (928) 714-0565. Located 15 miles north of Flagstaff off Highway 89. Over 900 years ago, Sunset Crater Volcano began to form as ash and cinders erupted from a fissure in the ground. Lava flowed from the base of the crater, leaving black rivers of hardened lava. Trails and viewpoints allow close examination of the natural features. The volcano was named by John Wesley Powell for the permanent red-orange hue around the rim. North of Flagstaff on US 89, 20 miles.
5. Walnut Canyon National Monument, Walnut Canyon Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86004, (928) 526-3367, Fax (928) 527-0246. Experience the beauty and history of this tranquil, pristine stream-cut gorge. A hike down the paved trail reveals the ancient cliff dwellings built in the steep canyon walls where the Sinagua Indians (Hisatsinom) lived nearly a thousand years ago. The visitor center museum displays artifacts that make it possible to imagine how the Sinagua lived and farmed. Located seven miles east of Flagstaff on Interstate 40.
6. Wupatki National Monument, H.C. 33 Box 444A, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, (928) 679-2365, Fax (928) 679-2349. Situated in the rain shadow of the San Francisco Peaks, the area now called Wupatki National Monument was once home to the farmers and traders of the Anasazi and Sinagua people, or Hisatsinom, as their Hopi descendants call them. Today you can visit four of the pueblos on trails that allow you a window into the past. Open year-round. Located 39 miles north of Flagstaff off Highway 89.
7. Oak Creek Canyon, Spectacular—awe inspiring— picturesque— none of these words fully describe this indescribable piece of landscape, one of nature's greatest accomplishments. Drive south from Flagstaff on U.S. 89A, about 17 miles.

Flagstaff, Arizona got its name in 1876 when emigrants passing through celebrated the first centennial of our nation by stripping a pine tree (of which we have many!) of its bark and raising the flag on the 4th of July. The name stuck and, in 1881, was changed from "Flag Staff" to "Flagstaff."

Can you name the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? The Seven Wonders of the Natural World?