If you’ve been reading our blog for long you know that Mom and Scooby road tripped to the Eastern Sierra every year to enjoy gorgeous Fall colors, hike, relax, forest bathe (aka Shinrin-Yoku), and to snap tons o’ pics! (Scooby was the bestest photo assistant you know). We had our first Bishop CA Fall Colors Pawcation scheduled but The Creek Fire in the Eastern Sierra created so much destruction and horrendous air quality that the State of California Forestry Service cancelled ALL Reservations 3 days before our vacation! What?! Oh no! Mom already had “time off” from workie so where do we go? We had heard GREAT things about the Mountains in Northern Arizona but Can You Take Dogs to Flagstaff? We needed to know!
Is Flagstaff a Dog Friendly Town?
After checking the temps, AQI and Fall Color reports in Flagstaff and the surrounding areas, it was pretty apparent that Flagstaff was the place to be within driving distance for Leaf Peepers! Clean air, Ponderosa Pines, Golden Aspens, warm days, COLD nights, amazing National Forests and Monuments and…YES! DOG FRIENDLY! Woohoo! There’s definitely no shortage of places to explore in Flagstaff! We’re there!
Tip: Do you want to plan a PawCation but not sure how to start? Check our ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR BEST DOG FRIENDLY VACATION page for our guidance!
What is Flagstaff Known For?
Flagstaff is home to Northern Arizona University – also known as NAU- and is a quaint, college, mountain town surrounded by amazing mountain ranges. This picturesque town enjoys four seasons, 266 days of sunshine and averages 108 inches of snowfall annually! Little known facts about Flagstaff also include:
- Pluto was discovered at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff!
- Flagstaff is the city with the highest elevation on the Historic Route 66!
Elevation of Flagstaff Arizona
The Altitude in Flagstaff sits at 6,909 feet above sea level at the basin. Mount Humphreys (which is the highest point in Arizona) towers above Flagstaff at an amazing 12,633 feet! Needless to say, the Mountain views in Flagstaff are stunning!
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Weather for Flagstaff AZ
Overall, Flagstaff has cooler temperatures than the majority of Arizona so, hiking, walking and meandering on trails is typically pretty pleasant. Flagstaff, however is very similar to the rest of Arizona in that there’s relatively low humidity. So, always be sure to pack LOTS of extra water in your car and carry more than your normal amount of water on you for you and your dog while out exploring!
Dry air, hot sun, altitude and very little natural water can also be very dangerous to your dogs in particular. We highly recommend that you:
- ALWAYS check the Weather for Flagstaff before planning your trip. Also check the weather each day before you head out!
- Check Fire and other weather / environmental warnings and concerns prior to your trip and daily.
- Check the Wildfire and Smoke Map and Arizona Wildfire Response Dashboard before you leave for Flagstaff and daily once you arrive. Flagstaff Wildfires are common and you may want to make other plans if the air is unhealthy.
- Take much more water in your car and on on your person that you think you will need.
- Drive to the areas you want to see, park and “wander” the area, sit, relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Limit actual “hiking” and very long walks unless you are fully prepared to keep your dog cool, hydrated and shaded as needed.
Does Flagstaff Arizona have Rattlesnakes?
While rare (but not impossible) Rattlesnakes typically prefer rocky desert ground and are typically not found in the city areas. However, Coconino County IS home to Western Diamondback, Mojave, Blacktailed, Hopi and Black Rattlesnakes! The Black Rattlesnake specifically prefers higher elevations and is common in the Coconino National Forest. Rattlesnake “season” is typically April through Fall so please be on the lookout. Black Rattlesnakes are highly venomous! Rattlesnakes are an important reason alone to keep your dogs on leash when exploring the Flagstaff area.
Hiking in Flagstaff with Dogs
Before you head to Flagstaff we highly recommend you do some research and planning so you have a variety of daily options depending on the weather and fire conditions. We helped Mom create the PERFECT size PawVentures® (our brand!)Travel Journal to help you (and us) plan and document your PawCation! First, research your area and write down your “wishlist” of things to do and see! Then, list your favorite things each day (smells, sounds, food, views, etc.) while everything is fresh in your mind so you can be immediately transported back in time furever when you pick up your journal!
Dog Friendly Hikes Flagstaff AZ
There are SO MANY Amazing Flagstaff Hiking Trails to choose from! Most hiking trails are considered dog friendly with a few exceptions which are protected areas. Be sure to check each trail online before you and your pups head to the trail.
One of our favorite research tools is Alltrails.com. Since Arizona climate can be quite surprising to non-residents, we highly recommend taking things slow and select short trails with potential water nearby (if it exists that’s a bonus)! We’ve pre-selected Easy and Moderate Trails with “River” in the Alltrails link above. We’ve visited, walked or driven near many of these trails and thoroughly enjoyed!
The drive alone to many of these areas is a beautiful adventure in itself! We recommend when you see beautiful scenery to pull over and meander to enjoy more of the view! Always pack a picnic and blanket, snacks, a good book, camera, binoculars and a camping chair so you can immerse yourself in the smells, sights and sounds (you know, Forest Bathe) on the spot!
Tip: You can deselect “River” in the Alltrails List and select “Lake” for extra trails that also look amazing!
The Arizona National Scenic Trail
Did you know there is an 800 mile, non-motorized path stretching across Arizona which starts in Mexico and ends in Utah? Wowza! This amazing trail spans deserts, mountains, canyons, forests and combines the environment with history, communities and people. The BEST Part? The Arizona National Scenic Trail is one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the U.S. and passes through Flagstaff!
Although hiking the entire Arizona Trail through Arizona is NOT recommended for dogs (due to lack of water and extreme weather conditions), there are many sections where you can park near portions of the Arizona Traill and do a short exploration. Once you find part of the trail, enjoy a short nature walk with your dogs!
Want to learn more about the AZT? One of our FAVORITE Through Hikers,
Darwin Rakestraw (aka Darwin on the Trail) lives in Arizona and documented his experience on the Arizona National Scenic Trail in his 11 Episode Series on Youtube. Darwin recently created a documentary, Through The Great Southwest. 100% of the proceeds from all sales and rentals goes towards preservation and education of the Arizona National Scenic Trail! If that wasn’t enough, you can learn even more about what goes on behind the scenes of the AZT on Darwin’s The Outdoor Revolution Podcast.
The Arizona Trail Map
We recommend finding the shadiest sections of trails to keep your pup comfortable. We were near the Schultz Pass to Cedar Ranch San Francisco Peaks Passage 34 section of the Arizona Trail during the month of October and it was stunning! You can find specific information for bringing your Dogs on the Trail here plus, check out the Arizona Trail Map for more info!
Where is the Largest Ponderosa Pine Forest?
Coconino National Forest in Flagstaff is home several Conifer Trees and is habitat to the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine trees in the world ! The Ponderosa Pine Forest in Arizona stretches from Flagstaff along to the White Mountains. Ponderosa Pines can live for 500 or more years! The bark on Ponderosa Pines are black for the first 120 to 150 years then peels off to expose a yellow “under layer” which smells of vanilla, butterscotch and cinnamon!
Tip: Stick your nose in a crevice in the bark to get a whiff of the delicious notes.
We can’t think of a better place for Forest Bathing for Dogs and People than Coconino National Forest! What is Forest Bathing you ask? It’s the English translation for Shinrin-yoku which in Japanese means “taking in the forest atmosphere” (aka Forest Bathing). It was developed in Japan during the 1980s and has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. If you’ve ever visted a Forest you may know the “ahhhh” feeling but didn’t know how to describe it. That feeling is what Forest Bathing is all about! You don’t have to travel to Japan to Forest Bathe, however. Pick a park with many trees or, travel to your nearest Forest area and enjoy!
If you want to learn more about Shinrin-yoku and Forest Bathing, we highly recommend Mom’s favorite book written by he world’s foremost expert in forest medicine, Dr. Qing Li.
Wildflowers in Flagstaff
Although we only saw remnants, Flagstaff is also known for it’s amazing impromptu fields of wild Sunflowers starting in mid July through August after the monsoon season! Lavender Lupines also make a statement in Flagstaff! We really want to go back in late July to see the gorgeous fields of Sunflowers!
Where are the Wildflowers in Flagstaff?
Check NAU’s Wildflower guide for more information so you can your wildflower vacation in Flagstaff!
Are there Fall Colors In Flagstaff?
As we mentioned, Fall Colors is exactly why we visited Flagstaff! The variety of trees combined with winding roads, trails and elevation make Fall Foliage in Flagstaff a wonderful Autumn experience and a fantastic place to Leaf Peep! Temperatures are very cool in the morning, warm during the day and cold at night so wear layers and pack blankets for you and your pups!
Flagstaff provides a variety of resources for annual Leaf Peepers! You can also check out the Leaf-oMeter for Flagstaff to help plan your Fall Colors in Flagstaff PawCation!
Dog Friendly Things to do in Flagstaff AZ
Here’s a list of the places we visited and we highly recommend!
Arizona Snowbowl Area
- Park at Arizona Snowbowl and explore the surrounding area
- Explore or Hike the Kachina Trail
- Drive or Hike Road (Dirt) NF-522 through the Freidleine Prairie Dispersed Camping area
- Visit anywhere in Coconino National Forest!
Schultz Pass / Lockett Meadow Area
- Drive and Explore Schultz Pass Road. There are many Trailheads along this route to investigate.
- Take the Winding Road to Lockett Meadow – this drive is a little scary but AMAZING! Take your time and enjoy the ride! The Meadows are wonderful once you arrive!
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
- The Drive through the Park is beautiful! Pack a picnic and pull over at one of the many vistas and have lunch with your entire fur family!
- Bonus: Stamp your National Parks Book and collect a sticker here! Ella and Luna fell in LOVE with their wild animal stuffies from the park welcome center store! Ask for ones without button eyes!
Other Dog Friendly Places in Flagstaff AZ
Things we wanted to see but ran out of time or they were closed!
- The Arboretum at Flagstaff (it’s Dog Friendly!)
- Oak Creek
- Walnut Canyon National Monument – Dogs on Leash are allowed on the Rim Trail but not Island Trail. Bonus: Stamp your National Parks Book and collect a sticker here!
- Highway 89a from Flagstaff to Sedona – was highly recommended as a great Fall Color Scenic Drive
- Humphrey’s Summit Trail – we either took a wrong turn on the dirt roads or it was just too treacherous (plus there was nobody around) so we turned around (see that mishap in our movie)!
- Wupatki National Monument – Dogs are only allowed in parking lots due to the sensitivity of the ancient pueblos but we think this would be a gorgeous scenic drive with your pets. NEVER leave your dogs alone in the car, however. Heat and weather conditions are harsh in Arizona! Bonus: Stamp your National Parks Book and collect a sticker here!
- Discover Flagstaff has a section dedicated to Dog Friendly activities for more ideas!
Flagstaff Dog Friendly Hotels
We always prefer to stay in “unique” rentals. Sometimes we find them on AirBnB and sometimes through research. Discover Flagstaff has a small list of preferred pet friendly hotels to help you find a hotel that is right for your fur family!
Dog Friendly Cabins in Flagstaff AZ
We stayed at the Ski Lift Lodge and Cabins within feet of the Coconino National Forest. Cabin 28 has a full kitchen and a private fenced in patio with attached plot (for quick and private potties)! Check out our Flagstaff Movie to see a mini tour of the cabin and property! Being at the base of the Arizona Snow Bowl in the Coconino National Forest is the number one draw about these cabins (and mom says the restaurant / bar on the premises was an added bonus)! The cabins are rustic but very clean. If something is not to your liking let them know and they will address it right away! Ask for Harry and tell him Scoobylife sent you!
Dog Friendly Restaurants in Flagstaff
Our FAVOWITE thing to do on PawCation is to rent a place with a full kitchen so we can all enjoy a relaxing meal together! Mom either brings her Fav foods in our portable fridge (listed on our Amazing Dog Gear and Stuff page) or we stop and get local favorite foods for Mom and take back to our home base! We do certainly enjoy an occasional relaxing patio experience and Discover Flagstaff keeps a current list of the best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Flagstaff!
We hope you WUV our video and recommendations! Drop us a note in comments and say HI! Better yet, send or tag us in your pics so we can see your PawVentures too!
P.S. While you’re enjoying Northern Arizona, you may want to drive 200 miles West for some sun and lake time! Check out our blog on Lake Havasu to see where our fwiend Willow lives part time!
Happy PawVentures!
Ella & Luna