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Travel the Trails

Trip 1: Flagstaff & Vicinity

Disclaimer: NANACT trip guides are based on information from Native Roads: The Complete Motoring Guide to the Navajo & Hopi Nations, 2nd Edition by Fran Kosik (Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2005). Some information may have changed since the publication of the book. While NANACT will attempt to maintain current information, consider verifying the current operation/existence of businesses, accommodations, dining and similar interests before planning your trip.

Scenic & Historic:

Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA)

Founded in 1928 as a community effort by a group of Flagstaff citizens, the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) is a private, nonprofit institution originally established as a repository for Native American artifacts and natural history specimens from the Colorado Plateau. The original founders, zoologist Dr. Harold S. Colton and artist Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were dedicated to preserving the history and cultures of northern Arizona. Over its 75-year history in Flagstaff, MNA has evolved into a regional center of learning with collections, exhibits, educational programs, publications, and research projects that serve more than 100,000 people each year. As the only accredited museum within 150 miles of Flagstaff and the only natural history museum within 250 miles, the Museum of Northern Arizona plays a vital role as interpreter of the Colorado Plateau. MNA Director: Robert G. Breunig, PhD.  Address: 3101 N. Fort Valley Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (Just 3 miles north of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona on US Highway 180, on the way to the Grand Canyon); 928-774-5213; http://www.musnaz.org.

Native Americans for Community Action, Inc. (NACA)

The mission of Native Americans for Community Action, Inc. is to provide culturally appropriate health and human services to urban American Indians and others in need, emphasizing advocacy, harmony, and respect. The Oak Creek Vista Overlook project was established in 1988 in partnership with the United States Forest Service, Coconino National Forest as an economic development program that allows Native Americans artisans to sell their arts, crafts and jewelry at a vista overlook location along US Highway 89A. This program has grown in popularity and reputation each year. To date this year, 280 vendors have registered to sell their crafts.  Oak Creek Vista Overlook is 13.8 miles south of downtown Flagstaff.  From City Hall head south 4.5 miles on AZ-89 Alt / I-40 Bus /S Milton Rd / I-17 and take exit 337 for AZ-89A toward Sedona.  Take AZ-89A south approximately 9.3 miles to the entrance on the east side of the highway for the vista overlooking Oak Creek canyon.  For more information, contact Dorothy Denetsosie Gishie (Overlook Program Coordinator) (928) 526-2968 ext 26.

Accommodations (Hotels/Camping/RV Parks):

Flagstaff Lodging

Flagstaff Hotels and motels with AAA Ratings

(http://www.flagstaffarizona.org/staying_hotels.html) With more than 70 hotels and inns to choose from plus a variety of campgrounds and cabins, it's no wonder people making that once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Grand Canyon or onto Native lands often choose to stay in Flagstaff.

Flagstaff Bed & Breakfasts

(http://www.flagstaffarizona.org/staying_bed-breakfast.html)

Flagstaff-Area Cabins, Lodges, & Hostels

(http://www.flagstaffarizona.org/staying_cabins.html)

Flagstaff Campgrounds and RV Parks

(http://www.flagstaffarizona.org/staying_campgrounds.html)

Tours:

How to Get to Flagstaff

(http://www.flagstaffarizona.org/flag_directions.html)

Flagstaff is northern Arizona’s convenient hub for transportation and tours. Located at the intersection of Interstate 40 and Interstate 17, Flagstaff is only 81 miles (130 km) from the Grand Canyon via Highway 180. National commercial air service to Flagstaff is provided by US Airways and Horizon Air/Alaska Airlines with daily direct flights to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. Amtrak provides daily service to the historic downtown train station. Several shuttle and tour operators also provide service to Flagstaff and to many nearby attractions. A scheduled bus company, the Mountain Line, and several taxi companies offer convenient transportation around town.

Traditional Arrivals From the East or West: Interstate 40 From the South / Phoenix: Interstate 17 From the North / Page / Lake Powell / Monument Valley: Highway 89 If you are coming from Phoenix, take I-17 north and follow the numerous "Flagstaff" signs. I-17 terminates in Flagstaff at its junction with I-40 and becomes Milton Road which in turn becomes Route 66 in downtown Flagstaff. This is the main artery through Flagstaff.

Scenic Arrivals From Sedona: Highway 89A north through Oak Creek Canyon From Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim): Highway 180 south

Arrival by Rail Amtrak services Flagstaff twice daily on the Southwest Chief line. Flagstaff can also be reached by rail from either the east or west. The historic downtown train station is an active operating facility, with daily arrivals and departures by Amtrak (800-872-7245).

Arrival by Air Air service to Flagstaff’s Pulliam Airport is available via US Airways (800-235-9292 • usairways.com) and Horizon Air (800-547-9308 • horizonair.com). Pulliam Airport is located five miles south of downtown Flagstaff, Just off 1-17.

Food & Dining:

Flagstaff Restaurant Listings

(http://www.flagstaffarizona.org/dining.html)

From sushi to cowboy barbecue, Flagstaff has an eclectic collection of diners and restaurants that pleases even the most discriminating. Just ask the food editors and Conde Naste Traveler, who named Flagstaff's own Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar one of the top 95 restaurants in the world in 2007.

Services (Auto/Gas/Repair/Emergency):

Flagstaff - Visitor Services

(http://www.flagstaffarizona.org/flag_visitor-services.html)

The Flagstaff Visitor Center is located in the historic train station, 1 East Route 66, and has free information on local attractions, events, accommodations, and tips on Flagstaff’s diverse dining choices and vibrant nightlife scene. Flagstaff Visitor Guides, 5-Day Explorers, guidebooks, event calendars, area maps and brochures are available free of charge. The Visitor Center is open daily.

Art & Culture (Galleries/Trading Posts/Museums):

Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA)

Founded in 1928 as a community effort by a group of Flagstaff citizens, the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) is a private, nonprofit institution originally established as a repository for Native American artifacts and natural history specimens from the Colorado Plateau. The original founders, zoologist Dr. Harold S. Colton and artist Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were dedicated to preserving the history and cultures of northern Arizona. Over its 75-year history in Flagstaff, MNA has evolved into a regional center of learning with collections, exhibits, educational programs, publications, and research projects that serve more than 100,000 people each year. As the only accredited museum within 150 miles of Flagstaff and the only natural history museum within 250 miles, the Museum of Northern Arizona plays a vital role as interpreter of the Colorado Plateau. MNA Director: Robert G. Breunig, PhD.  Address: 3101 N. Fort Valley Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (Just 3 miles north of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona on US Highway 180, on the way to the Grand Canyon); 928-774-5213; http://www.musnaz.org.

The Oak Creek Vista Overlook

is a partnership between Native Americans for Community Action, Inc. (NACA) and the United States Forest Service, Coconino National Forest as an economic development program allowing Native Americans artisans to sell their arts, crafts and jewelry at a vista overlook location along US Highway 89A. To date this year, 280 vendors have registered to sell their crafts. Oak Creek Vista Overlook is 13.8 miles south of downtown Flagstaff. From City Hall head south 4.5 miles on AZ-89 Alt / I-40 Bus /S Milton Rd / I-17 and take exit 337 for AZ-89A toward Sedona. Take AZ-89A south approximately 9.3 miles to the entrance on the east side of the highway for the vista overlooking Oak Creek canyon. For more information, contact Dorothy Gishie (Overlook Program Coordinator) at call (928) 526-2968 ext 26.

Permissions

  • Trip information is condensed with permission from Native Roads: The Complete Motoring Guide to the Navajo and Hopi Nations, by Fran Kosik, Rio Nuevo Publishers, Tucson, Arizona, 2005. Trip numbers generally coincide with chapter number in the book. Fran's full book contains much more wonderful information on traveling our Native roads. For more detailed information, the book can be purchased from:
    Museum of Northern Arizona bookstore, 3101 N. Ft. Valley Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86001; phone #: 928-774-5213 or direct 928-774-5211 + Ext 261. Or, contact the publisher, Rio Nuevo Publishers, PO Box 5250, Tucson, Arizona 85703; phone #: 520-623-9558 or 800-969-9558. Trip numbers generally correspond to chapter numbers.