The mountains were calling...


And I answered! Over spring break I took my daughters up to the mountains of Arizona and here are some of my favorite things we did in the Flagstaff area! I asked a bunch of local friends and they sent me great suggestions. There is still more to discover and I want to go again. If you get the chance, absolutely go! And bring a camera, or hit me up and I'll tag along.


Favorite Hike: Tom Moody Loop/Picture Canyon


This hike was awesome with kids! It is a little stinky at first because of the marshes you hike through, but eventually you pass them by and it's all forest. Forests, a cool little waterfall, and petroglyphs! The petroglyphs made it totally worth it. I recommend a lot of water and know that the end of the loop has a lot less shade. After the petroglyphs my kids were tired and there were two smaller trails you could take as a shortcut, they get a little steep but we managed! We hiked about 3 miles in total and with lots of stops took us around 2 hours.

Two children playing on large rocks in a sunny forest park, jumping and exploring nature outdoors.
Water cascading down rocky canyon walls into a rushing stream below, natural waterfall landscape photography.
Two children exploring a rocky forest trail surrounded by tall trees in a scenic outdoor setting.
Ancient petroglyphs carved on red rocks surrounded by bare trees in a natural outdoor setting.
Two people studying a trail map on a wooden sign board in a rocky mountain landscape with pine trees. Whitney Popp, Popp Photography
Ancient rock petroglyphs carved into weathered stone surrounded by dry desert brush and sparse vegetation.

Favorite Shop: Golden Hive


This little shop is full of such fun bee related products. From honey to beeswax candles it has such fun items! What makes this awesome for kids is that they can roll their own beeswax candle. There are multiple colors and they can make two tapered or one large candle for only $5. They help show you how and have scraps of other colors to decorate with. My girls (ages 7 and 10) spent a good 30min working on theirs and I never felt rushed.

Child looking at candlelight in the evening. Whitney Popp, Popp Photography, Arizona.
Child holding a candle in darkness, illuminated by warm candlelight in a moody, atmospheric setting.

Favorite Bookstore: Bright Side Bookshop


LOVE a good independent bookstore! This one was wonderful. The staff was super helpful with suggestions and I was impressed by their horror section. Most places only have Stephen King and maybe one other, this place had so many options and I'm currently reading Grey Dog by Elliot Gish, and goodness is it getting dark. My girls loved the kids area and the little table in the back where they could sit and read.

Child reading a book on a park bench with a leashed dog standing nearby on a sunny day in Flagstaff, Arizona

Favorite Museum: Museum of Northern Arizona


I was so impressed by this museum! Though a bit smaller, it had so much for kids to do! AND kids under 10 get in free. The indigenous displays were by far my favorite. I loved how they embraced the history of the region with a strong emphasis on how these cultures and people continue today. I do wish the gift shop had more budget friendly options. If you are wanting high quality indigenous art absolutely go to the gift shop! For the kids there just wasn't quite as much (but we spent hours within the museum doing all the little activities so still totally worth it).


Favorite Hot Chocolate: Macy's European Coffeehouse


It felt like stepping back in time and another country when entering. They are known for their hot chocolate and it was definitely a win for my 10 year old. Be aware there are two places to order. You'll see the big line to the main counter but just inside the door and to the left is another counter where you can order drinks and food. We grabbed our drinks and wandered to downtown which was perfect.

Two children explore ancient stone ruins surrounded by ivy-covered walls and trees in a rustic outdoor setting.
Children walking through ruins near Sedona, Arizona. Whitney Popp, Phoenix, Arizona photographer.
In between Flagstaff and Sedona, red and white rock side with pine trees. Whitney Popp, Phoenix, Arizona.
Red and orange cliffside of Sedona Arizona. Whitney Popp, Phoenix, Arizona.
Little girl reads outside a log cabin with her yellow dog in the mountains. Whitney Popp, Phoenix, Arizona.
Young girl holds stuffed animal as she looks out over a canyon. Whitney Popp, Phoenix Arizona photographer.

Places that were Recommended


The rest of my suggestions come from other friends and family members who visit often. I haven't been so I can't vouch for them, but I can vouch for the people giving the recommendations!


Bearizona Wildlife Park


Lowell Observatory (Pluto was discovered here!)


Lava Tubes (I was told to bring a headlamp and/or flashlights...and to watch my head since it can get low)


Bushmaster Park (my nephews love this playground)


Snowbowl Ski Resort (the link takes you to their summer activities but you can search around for other seasons!)


I can't wait to go back and feel those cool mornings and wind through the pine needles. If you get the opportunity to go, do it! Bring the kids, the dog, or leave everyone and grab some girl friends. No matter who you are with, Flagstaff is worth the visit.

2 children hike near Sedona, Az in the forest. Whitney Popp, Phoenix Arizona photographer.