New Homes & Lifestyles
Flagstaff Offers Outdoor Adventure at It's Best - From cool caves to disc golf, there's something for everyone in this city away from the city, By Jessica Stephens
With average daily high temperatures of 82 degrees through August, summer is a great time to enjoy Flagstaff's natural beauty. The scenery is inviting; mountain tops, caves, woods and canyons invite visitors to go rock climbing, biking, camping, fishing, horseback riding or birdwatching in the great outdoors.
Flagstaff has 33 miles of urban trail to explore, including the Coconino National Forest trail system. You'll find the perfect outing whether you prefer easy, moderate, or difficult activities.
<strong>Bird's-eye View</strong>
When the Valley's heat becomes simply unbearable this summer, enjoy cool, awe-inspiring views on the Scenic Skyride at Arizona Snowbowl. The chairlift climbs to an elevation of 11,500 feet, providing vistas that stretch more than 70 miles, including downtown Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. "It's about 40 degrees cooler than Phoenix at the top. It's a great way to see Northern Arizona. The views are basically unobstructed," says Dave Smith, Snowbowl director of sales and marketing. "It's a nice, easy, enjoyable trip for the whole family."
The Skyride takes approximately 25 minutes each way and is open daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, then Fridays through Sundays into mid October.
<strong>World-class Disc Golf</strong>
Home to four world class courses, Flagstaff has become a Mecca for disc golfers of all ages and skill levels. Imitating much of the traditional characteristics of golf, this fast-growing sport utilizes different sized and weighted discs instead of clubs and a ball. The geographic nature of Flagstaff provides a unique and challenging landscape of trees, hills, rocks and even mountains, creating opportunities for both beginners and experts to enjoy the sport of disc golf.
The established courses in Flagstaff are open to any age or skill level, and unlike its stepmother (golf), usage of the courses is free. World tournaments such as the Pro World Championship have been held in Flagstaff four times, along with popular local competitions such as the Flagstaff Ice Bowl and Aspen Sports Tree Bash Open. Pick up your discs at one of many local retail locations and enjoy a day of non-stop fun at McPherson Park, Thorpe Park, Arizona Snowbowl, or Northern Arizona University courses.
<strong>Flagstaff, All the Vacation You Can Imagine!</strong>
Summer in Flagstaff means exciting events, cool temperatures, amazing scenery and outdoor activities. Head north for shopping in historic downtown, explore the starry skies at Lowell Observatory, discover Native American cultures at the Museum of Northern Arizona, watch a raptor demonstration and have a picnic lunch at The Arboretum at Flagstaff, or take in the historic charm of a 19th Century mansion.
Founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell, Lowell Observatory is still active in research and also welcomes visitors year-round to browse the exhibits and explore the night sky. See the original Lowell telescope, a 24-inch refractor built in 1896 and the telescope Clyde Tombaugh used to discover Pluto in 1930. About one mile west of Flagstaff on Mars Hill, the observatory is open daily for tours and on certain evenings for telescope viewing.
Experience the culture and tradition of the Museum of Northern Arizona's Discovery 2007 summer program. Take part in a world of creative and meaningful exploration of the wonders of the Colorado Plateau. Taught by experienced educators, these programs offer an exciting range of hands-on learning opportunities about the region's traditions of fine arts, natural sciences, Native cultures and ecology.
The Museum of Northern Arizona also offers self guided or docent tours, seasonal exhibits, special lectures, a museum gift shop and bookstore. The museum is located at 3101 N. Fort Valley Rd, just three miles north of downtown Flagstaff on Highway 180, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Travel back to the 19th Century with a visit to Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. Completed in 1904, the historic mansion is expansive, with over 40 rooms and 13,000 square feet of living area and servants' quarters. A tour guide will lead you through this richly furnished home, filled with original artifacts, Stickley furniture, and many other personal possessions of the Riordan families. Reservations are recommended for the mansion tour.
<strong>The Cardinals Fly North for the Summer</strong>
The Cardinals are heading north this summer to train at Northern Arizona University. Flagstaff is ready to welcome new head coach Ken Whisenhunt and the rest of the organization to prepare for the upcoming 2007 season.
SI.com sports analyst, Peter King ranked the Cardinals training camp no. 3 in the NFL in the article "My top five training camps: Places to get up close and personal with NFL." Si.Com is the on-line magazine for Sports Illustrated.
The Cardinals' three practice fields sit at an elevation of 7,000 feet, with players and fans enjoying temperatures in the upper 70s and 80s, a welcome relief from the Valley's 110-plus degree temperatures in July and August.
"Training camp is such a pivotal part of the NFL season," said Cardinals VP/Football Operations Rod Graves. "In Flagstaff and at NAU, we're fortunate to have such an outstanding atmosphere to prepare. The facilities, the setting, and the reception we get from the entire community are all exceptional. We're looking forward to the 2007 training camp and getting started on what will be an extremely exciting season."
Fans are welcome to take photos during practice sessions and get autographs afterwards. For the most up-to-date training camp information, visit <a href="http://www.azcardinals.com/" target="_blank">www.azcardinals.com</a>.
If your looking to see and do it all this summer in one of Arizona's most picturesque cities, pack the kids and the car for a visit to Flagstaff and enjoy the ride!
