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Conservation area for native high-elevation plants, with views of wildlife & a butterfly garden.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a conservation area for native high-elevation plants, set in ponderosa pine forest south of downtown. Walking paths wind past a butterfly garden and native plantings, with covered pavilions and shaded benches along the way for anyone who just wants to sit and watch the birds go by.
Reviewers consistently mention how mellow and clean the grounds feel, with hummingbirds, jays, and other wildlife showing up regularly along the trails. It's dog-friendly and family-friendly, and Mother's Day activities have drawn extra praise from visitors. A small nursery on-site sells native plants, so it's not unusual to leave with something for the garden at home.
Flagstaff sits roughly 80 miles south of the South Rim, making the Arboretum an easy add-on for anyone already routing through town for the Route 66 heritage sites or a night's stay before or after the canyon.
556 reviews
in the last week
This was our second visit to the arboretum. The trails are well maintained and easy to walk with our dog. The variety of high altitude flowers and the pines make for a very peaceful and relaxing experience. Janice was very informative about the arboretum and talking with her was a pleasure. It is worth the drive from Flagstaff, even with the short bumpy drive on the forest road. We visited from Tempe and will be back again.
a week ago
It's a small arboretum, much smaller than Boyce Thompson. It does not have many plant types, more small plant types or not perennial types. This should be more a garden. It's a bit far from free ways. To get in there, be ready to drive on rough road, no alphalt, just soil and your suspension will bounce up/down no matter how slow you drive. Pathways to the visit center are small, need to be improved. One notice is this place has ramada for wedding party holding service
2 weeks ago
2 weeks ago
I was not so amazed... I have been to the Arboretum of phx, which is much hotter and unhabitable place for many plants and flowers however its beautiful if visited in the right weather(I went in Dec)... Flag being such a beautiful weather place should have had more vegetation and flowers however it was nothing like that.. We had thot of spending at least half a day thr however came out of it within an hour. The 2stars are for the natural beauty of flag
2 weeks ago
The Raptors alone were worth the price of admission