Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
NE of downtown on 89N. From I-40 exit 201, 1/2 mile on US 89 to Page. Turn left at light at Smokerise Drive.
GPS: N35.234192, W111.575673
Phone: 928-526-9926
Get Google Directions
Today, we delve into Flagstaff's unique geological past and rich ancient history, all just a short drive from your KOA.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM): Walnut Canyon National Monument
Activity: Step back in time to explore ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings carved into the U-shaped canyon. Choose the challenging Island Trail (240 steps down, 240 up!) for an immersive experience among the ruins, or the easier Rim Trail for panoramic views from above.
Drive Time from Flagstaff KOA: Approximately 15-20 minutes (9-12 miles) east.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning for cooler temperatures, especially if hiking the Island Trail, and fewer crowds. The Island Trail closes at 3:30 PM.
Tips: Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. Park entrance fee (America the Beautiful Pass accepted).
Lunch (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM): Picnic in Nature or Grab & Go
Activity: Pack a picnic to enjoy at Walnut Canyon, or head north towards Sunset Crater and grab a quick lunch on the go.
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Sunset Crater & Wupatki National Monuments
Activity: Experience a dramatically different landscape at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, where you can walk the Lava Flow Trail across recent volcanic flows. Continue north to Wupatki National Monument to explore impressive ancient pueblos like Wupatki Pueblo and Wukoki Pueblo, scattered across the vast desert.
Drive Time from Walnut Canyon: Approximately 30-40 minutes to Sunset Crater, then another 15-20 minutes to Wupatki (often done as a scenic loop).
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for beautiful lighting on the volcanic rock and ancient ruins, creating dramatic shadows and warm colors.
Tips: Dress in layers; these areas can be exposed. The same park entrance fee covers all three national monuments for 7 days.
Evening: Relax & Recharge at Flagstaff KOA Holiday
Activity: Head back to your KOA. Enjoy dinner at your campsite, perhaps a BBQ and smores.
KOA Fun: Let the kids explore the Nature-Inspired Playground. Unwind by a campfire.
Today balances urban exploration with exciting, active fun, all within Flagstaff.
Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM): Discover Historic Downtown Flagstaff
Activity: Stroll along the vibrant streets of Downtown Flagstaff, which is also part of historic Route 66.
Drive Time from Flagstaff KOA: Approximately 5-7 minutes (2-3 miles) southwest.
Best Time to Visit: Mornings are great to browse shops before they get too busy.
Highlights:
Route 66 Charm: Explore vintage signs, classic storefronts, and grab some iconic memorabilia.
Unique Shops & Boutiques: Discover art galleries, local craft stores, candy shops (a hit with kids!), and more.
Lowell Observatory: See where Pluto was discovered! Offers fascinating exhibits.
Museum of Northern Arizona: Features exhibits on regional geology, ecology, and Native American cultures.
Lunch (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM): Downtown Eats
Activity: Enjoy lunch at one of Flagstaff's diverse downtown restaurants. Options range from casual cafes and brewpubs to classic Route 66 diners. Try Macy's European Coffeehouse and Bakery for a great cafe vibe, or Diablo Burger for local flavor.
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Aquaplex Splash or Treetop Adventure!
Option A: Flagstaff Aquaplex (Year-Round Water Fun)
Activity: Perfect for all ages! This state-of-the-art indoor aquatic center features water slides, a lazy river, lap lanes, and a climbing wall. Great for a rainy day or to cool off.
Drive Time from Downtown Flagstaff: Approximately 5 minutes (1-2 miles).
Best Time to Visit: Check their open swim schedule, as hours vary.
Tips: Daily admission fees apply. Remember swim diapers for toddlers.
Option B: Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course & Ziplines (Seasonal Thrills)
Activity: Conquer elevated obstacles and soar through the pines on ziplines! They offer both an Adult Course (ages 12+) and a dedicated Kids Course (ages 7-11).
Drive Time from Downtown Flagstaff: Approximately 15-20 minutes (8-10 miles) southwest.
Best Time to Visit: Book reservations in advance, especially during peak season. Good for cooler parts of the day.
Tips: Check age/height/supervision requirements carefully.
Evening: Flagstaff KOA Holiday Fun & Relaxation
Activity: Head back to the KOA. Rent Bikes and explore the 4 miles of paved trails. Enjoy family movie night or a barrel train ride.
Your final day offers opportunities for stunning high-altitude views or a unique underground adventure.
Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM): Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Gondola (Seasonal High-Altitude Views)
Activity: Ride the scenic gondola up the San Francisco Peaks, Arizona's highest mountain. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Flagstaff area, the distant Grand Canyon, and the Painted Desert from 11,500 feet! In fall, this is the ultimate spot for golden aspen foliage.
Drive Time from Flagstaff KOA: Approximately 30-35 minutes (17-20 miles) north.
Best Time to Visit: Mornings for clearer views. Fall (late Sept/early Oct) for spectacular autumn colors. Check their operating schedule.
Tips: Dress warmly at the top, even in summer. Bring binoculars!
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch in Flagstaff or Picnic
Activity: Grab a quick lunch in Flagstaff, or pack a picnic to enjoy at a scenic spot on the mountain.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Choose Your Adventure
Option A: The Arboretum at Flagstaff (Peaceful Botanical Beauty)
Activity: Explore 200 acres of beautiful botanical gardens focusing on high-altitude plants. Enjoy peaceful walks and learn about the region's flora. Great for birdwatching.
Drive Time from Snowbowl: Approximately 30-40 minutes.
Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers, summer for blooms. Closed Nov-Apr.
Option B: Lava River Cave (Unique Underground Exploration)
Activity: Explore Arizona's longest lava tube! It's an unlit, natural cave, offering a truly unique and adventurous experience.
Drive Time from Snowbowl: Approximately 40-50 minutes.
Best Time to Visit: Good for any time of day, but road to cave can be rough or impassable in wet weather/winter.
Tips: ESSENTIAL: Bring at least two reliable light sources per person (headlamps are best!), warm clothing (cave is ~40°F), and sturdy shoes. It's dark and uneven!
Evening: Farewell Fun at Flagstaff KOA Holiday
Activity: Enjoy a final dinner at your campsite, reminiscing about your adventures. Take advantage of Flagstaff's dark skies for some incredible stargazing – a perfect end to your trip.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
