When the dog days of summer arrive, it seems like half of Arizona escapes to Flagstaff looking for relief due to the city’s cooler temperatures. And there’s no better place to spot wildflowers and wildlife than The Arboretum at Flagstaff. The trails are flat and some are paved, so lace up your sneakers and grab a light jacket (the park sits at an elevation of 7,150 feet). Then hit the trails that weave through past meadows, through forests, around a pond and into themed gardens.
The summer months are all about wildflowers at the Arboretum (peak bloom season is June through August), and many of the flowers feature identification plaques. Before we even paid our admission fees, we spotted columbines and coral bells at the base of tall pine trees. The arboretum specializes in plants native to northern Arizona and the Colorado Plateau; the grounds and buildings belonged to the arboretum’s founder, Frances McAllister, who moved to the area in 1967. The arboretum was founded in 1981. Frances had previously resided in Los Angeles and wanted to share her knowledge of how to garden at 7,000 feet with the community. Enter through the visitors center where you will find exhibits about the area and a gift shop.
Wildflowers and the San Francisco Peaks as seen from the arboretum. Founded in 1981, the arboretum is home to paved trails and walking paths that showcase the natural plants of Arizona’s High Country.
The arboretum sits on 200 acres, and it’s easy to explore the park in a few short hours. The trails are all signed. Explore the Water Conservation Garden, Shade Garden, Blue Garden and, our personal favorite, the Pollinator Garden, which was buzzing with hummingbirds and bumblebees during our visit. The arboretum offers wildflower walks in June, July and August in addition to bird walks on some Saturdays in May, June and July and daily guided tours at 11 a.m. There is also a popular native plant sale that takes place outdoors in the summer.
Check out the Willow Pond, home to the endangered Little Colorado spinedace fish and rare willows. Enjoy unobstructed views of the San Francisco Peaks beyond Wildflower Meadow and a kitchen herb garden. Watch for small chipmunks playing in the gardens. Attendees can enjoy raptor shows, a summer concert series, bird and wildflower walks and other events. The arboretum wraps up its season with an evening Pumpkin Walk in late October. Picnics are encouraged, and leashed pets are allowed. So pack a lunch and beat the heat while still enjoying the great outdoors in this peaceful little slice of Northern Arizona.
Please check with the Flagstaff Ranger District of Coconino National Forest before planning your hike. For more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=70983
