Perfect Day Trips from Tempe: Flagstaff's Cool Pines and Bearizona Wildlife Adventure
Arizona evokes images of saguaro cacti and vast deserts, but its pine-covered mountains deserve equal attention. Flagstaff, a family favorite just two hours north of Tempe, delivers cooler temperatures, breathtaking scenery, and endless activities. Recently, my husband Jeff, daughter Piper, and I embarked on this refreshing drive for a memorable day out.
Flagstaff, home to Northern Arizona University, blends college-town vibe with top restaurants, hiking trails, and kid-friendly attractions. It's ideal for escaping Tempe's summer heat, fall foliage viewing, or winter skiing at Arizona Snowbowl.
This trip, we headed to Flagstaff then Bearizona in nearby Williams.
We fueled up at Snooze on College Avenue near Northern Arizona University—famous for omelets, egg Benedicts, fresh juices, and irresistible pancakes (Piper's go-to: chocolate chip).
Heading north on I-17, the urban sprawl quickly yields to stunning desert vistas, climbing from Phoenix's 1,100 feet to Flagstaff's 7,000 feet. Past Sedona, pines transform the landscape into a forested wonderland.
Our first stop: the Pioneer Museum outside downtown. Housed in a historic turn-of-the-century hospital, it showcases Flagstaff's ranching, logging, and transportation heritage. Highlights include an iron lung exhibit, decade-by-decade artifacts from the 1880s, Santa Fe railroad cars, a Model T, and a pioneer cabin—perfect for kids on the former 'poor farm' grounds.
Lunch was at Tourist Home Urban Market on San Francisco Street. This gourmet spot offers breakfast, lunch, pastries, wine, cheese, local Hayden Flour Mills products, and more. Favorites: the Annex Burger with bacon jam and House Salad with apples and quinoa. Don't miss their massive chocolate chip cookies—we shared one, though Piper wanted it all.
Skipping downtown shops this time, we drove 40 minutes to Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams. After a map at the gate, drive a three-mile forested loop through 100+ acres to see bison, wolves, burros, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and bears (keep windows up!).
Park for Fort Bearizona's walking tour: young bears, red foxes, javelinas, porcupines, otters, and a petting zoo. Catch keeper talks, otter feedings, meet-and-greets, or raptor shows if time allows. We grabbed a keychain souvenir for Piper before heading home.
Desert views signaled our return; we dined at Perfect Pear Bistro in south Tempe (northeast corner of Priest Drive and Ray Road). This local gem serves salads, sandwiches, pastas, and flatbreads. I chose the Strawberry Fields salad, Jeff the Chicken Spinach Dip flatbread, and Piper cheese pizza.
Trace our route on Google Maps and plan your own northern escape!
