Enjoy a full-day family adventure from Scottsdale to Flagstaff, exploring historic sites, Route 66 culture, volcanic landscapes, and fascinating museums celebrating astronomy and local heritage.

Overview

Explore the rich history and natural beauty of Flagstaff on this full-day trip from Scottsdale. Start with a visit to Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, where you’ll get a glimpse into the lives of Flagstaff’s early pioneers. Stroll through Historic Downtown and the Railroad District to soak up Route 66 culture, then head to Lowell Observatory to discover the wonders of astronomy where Pluto was unveiled. Marvel at the volcanic landscape of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument before concluding your day at the Museum of Northern Arizona, celebrating Indigenous cultures and natural history.

– Full-day tour from Scottsdale to Flagstaff, Arizona
– Visit Riordan Mansion and learn about pioneer history
– Explore Lowell Observatory and its astronomical discoveries
– Discover the volcanic landscapes at Sunset Crater and more

Itinerary

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Explore Flagstaff’s logging heritage: Visit Riordan Mansion to discover the history of timber and sawmills in the region.
Historic Downtown and Railroad District
A charming, walkable area centered along the old Santa Fe railroad tracks and legendary Route 66. Featuring beautifully preserved early‑1900s brick and sandstone buildings—like the Tudor‑style train depot and Spanish‑Colonial Hotel Monte Vista—it’s now home to quirky shops, art galleries, local breweries, and diverse eateries.
Lowell Observatory
Spend time at the observatory during a daytime visit to explore its most unique telescopes. Flagstaff’s status as a dark‑sky city and high elevation offer breathtaking night skies. For an even more spectacular experience, shift your tour into the evening—with a later start to possibly catch views of Saturn, Jupiter, or other celestial wonders, depending on the time of year.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Visit the stunning Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, a protected area featuring a unique cinder cone within the San Francisco Volcanic Field. Learn about the monument's fascinating history, including its preservation after a public outcry saved it from potential destruction in the 1920s. Take a self-guided loop trail around the base of the volcano and explore the visitor center to discover more about this natural wonder.
Museum of Northern Arizona
The Museum of Northern Arizona sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks—on lands sacred to Native American peoples across the region. We honor their past, present, and future generations, who have lived here for millennia and will forever call this place home. The museum offers a vast collection of artifacts and extensive information about this area.