Is Flagstaff the coolest "mountain" town in Arizona?

Photography courtesy of UNPLUG. Magazine's Photojournalist Michael Marcinko

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The Arboretum At Flagstaff, by Michael Marcinko

Let’s start with a trail that’s right in town — Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve (3920 N El Paso Flagstaff Rd). It’s lowkey one of the best spots for an easy adventure. You’ll walk along riparian areas (fancy word for “green spots with water”), spot basalt cliffs, and find ancient petroglyphs carved by the Northern Sinagua people. It’s only a few minutes from downtown, which makes it perfect if you want to sneak in a quick hike before brunch or just need a little nature reset without a full-on backcountry mission.

Picture Canyon, by Michael Marcinko

If you’re ready for a bit more action, Fatman’s Loop Trail is your go-to. It’s about 2.5 miles and wraps around the eastern slope of Mount Elden. Expect pine forest, cool rock formations, and the kind of views that make you say “okay, Arizona, I see you.”

Want something a little more immersive? Head up to the Kachina Trail near Arizona Snowbowl. It’s around 5 miles each way, winding through aspen groves and spruce-pine forest with peeks at the San Francisco Peaks — Arizona’s highest mountains. In the fall, the aspens go full gold, and honestly, it feels like walking inside a postcard.

Humphreys Peak, ,by Michael Marcinko

Humphreys Peak: The Big One

If you’ve got stamina and snacks, Humphreys Peak Trail is the ultimate Flagstaff flex. It’s the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet. The trail starts from the Arizona Snowbowl parking lot and climbs about 3,300 feet over 10 miles round trip. It’s a grind — rocky, windy, and totally worth it. The summit views stretch across the whole state, sometimes even into Utah and New Mexico. Just remember: it’s alpine terrain, so layer up and start early. Afternoon lightning storms are no joke at that elevation.

Aspen Loop ,by Michael Marcinko

Chill Vibes: The FUTS & Lake Mary

Not every day needs to be a summit day. The Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) has around 59 miles of paved and dirt trails running through town — perfect for biking, walking, or just vibing. You can hop on right from downtown, wind through pine forests, and end up near a local coffee shop without ever touching a main road.

If you’re craving lake views, Lake Mary Road is where locals go for mellow rides or picnics. Upper and Lower Lake Mary are both great spots for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just hanging by the water watching elk wander by at sunset.

Flagstaff might just be that place.

Lockett Meadow, by Michael Marcinko

Flagstaff is basically Arizona’s outdoor playground — alpine peaks, lava flows, forest trails, and lakes all within 20 minutes of each other. Whether you’re chasing summit views or just want to chill under the pines, this town delivers.

So yeah — if you’re looking for a mountain escape that’s high-altitude, low-stress, and full of trails that make your camera roll explode, Flagstaff might just be that place.

For more on Flagstaff, AZ, visit https://www.flagstaffarizona.org/?gad_source=1