Diversity in Climates

    I am a proud resident of Flagstaff, a friendly, rural little city, located in Northern Arizona. I originally moved to Arizona in November 1996 when my husband and I retired to Sedona. I have been in Flagstaff since the spring of 2004.

 

    I love the diversity of the climates in Flagstaff as the weather here is beautiful and winters are moderate. Growing up in Alaska, I have always loved mountains and trees, and we have all that here in Flagstaff without the intense cold. Therefore, this is my home and I intend for it to remain that way for the rest of my life.

 

    I find it very exciting to live in a state so filled with natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, that people come from all over the world just to see our beautiful state. In addition, hardly a western or outdoor movie is made that doesn’t include some location of scenic beauty that I personally recognize. Why short-change myself by living anywhere else?

 

    Flagstaff was named on Independence Day, 1876, when a centennial flag was flown from the tallest pine tree as a guide to travelers. Flagstaff became a town in 1894, was incorporated as a city in 1928 and has been the county seat of Coconino County since 1891.

 

    The climate of Flagstaff is very mild with temperatures averaging 42 degrees in the Spring, 62 in Summer; 47 in the Fall and a very comfortable 28 degrees in the Winter. Summer is the time when many people visit Flagstaff as it gives them the opportunity to escape the intense heat that has blanketed this country the past year. In the winter, residents and visitors alike, enjoy skiing at the Arizona Snow Bowl.

 

    At an elevation of 7,000 feet, Flagstaff is located in a National Forest filled with robust ponderosa pine trees. This area is considered the high desert. Flagstaff is located about 140 miles north of Phoenix and is the gateway to the Grand Canyon.

 

    Outdoor lovers are in paradise here in Flagstaff with a multitude of attractions and activities. There is hiking, skiing, horseback riding and, of course, the beautiful pine forests. Flagstaff is also a university town, with Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College. It is also a cultural hub with many good restaurants, entertainment venues and museums. Just a short distance from Flagstaff, residents and tourists alike can enjoy excellent hiking and touring in some of the most beautiful country in the Southwest, ranging from lush pinewoods and meadows to rugged rainbow colored deserts. The Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona’s red rocks, Native American reservations, and a string of breathtaking national monuments are all within a short drive of our beautiful little city. There are also a number of great bike riding trails for the biking enthusiast.

 

    Historic Route 66 runs right through the middle of Flagstaff and there are many buildings and signs commemorating the history of the highway. Many shops offer Route 66 memorabilia for purchase. Flagstaff is also home to Riordan Mansion State Park. The Museum of Northern Arizona features Native American art, history and artifacts. Lowell Observatory, located on Mars Hill, is an astronomers dream right here in town. Open to the public on weekends, the observatory usually has viewings through its main telescope of various planets and their moons and numerous stars. It’s a fascinating place, famous the world over!

 

    There are many quaint specialty shops, fantastic outdoor eateries, and a vibrant and interactive arts and music scene.