Flagstaff is a city full of surprises. Nestled in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest, it offers hundreds of local restaurants and bars. It also serves as a gateway to several national parks and monuments.
Despite its many attractions, many people don’t think of Flagstaff as a typical vacation spot.
Each year, about 5 million visitors come to Flagstaff. One of them is Chloe Power, who traveled all the way from Australia to visit friends.
“Definitely underrated,” Power said. “When I think of Arizona, I think of the Grand Canyon and Phoenix. I didn’t know much about Flagstaff.”
She enjoyed the dark night skies, the forests, and the easy access to the Grand Canyon. But it was different from what she expected.
“It’s very different from Australia,” she said. “I’m used to beaches, so this mix of desert and mountains is perfect. The pine trees really surprised me.”
Local residents Tayele Kringen and Cole North moved to Flagstaff a year ago from the Arizona valley. They said whether Flagstaff is underrated depends on who you ask.
“If you live in Arizona, you know about it,” Kringen said. “But outside the state, many don’t. When I tell friends we have mountains and a ski resort, they say, ‘No, you don’t. Arizona is all cactus.’”
