The most convenient travel option is to fly directly to Flagstaff's Pulliam Aiport (FLG) itself, which now enjoys 100% jet service. The commuter flight from Phoenix to Flagstaff on US Airways is highly recommended for those who enjoy looking out the windows of airplanes (sit on the 'A' seat side of the aircraft). Don't be surprised, though, if you have to call for a taxi once you arrive in FLG. If you want a rental car in Flagstaff, we strongly advise you to make advance reservations before arriving at the Flagstaff airport. Upon leaving the airport, take I-17 north into town.
Some increased travel flexibility is available by flying to Phoenix, renting a car there, and then driving the 2.5 hours to Flagstaff. If you need to stay overnight in Phoenix, here is a page of airport hotels.
Like all western towns, Flagstaff is mainly a place for drivers, not walkers - a rental car will be useful if not necessary.
Some people will choose to fly to Phoenix instead of Flagstaff, and then rent a car. This is a beautiful 2.5-hour drive, with the rental cost probably roughly equal to the airfare savings. Depart the Phoenix airport and head west. Follow signs for I-17 North from the airport (I-10 West will also take you to I-17). Simply stay on I-17 for about 150 miles until you reach Flagstaff. The drive takes you through a variety of ecosystems beginning with concrete/asphalt, moving through creosote/saguaro, then pinyon/juniper, and ending in ponderosa pine. Suggestion (if you have some extra time for the drive): take the Route 179 turnoff of I-17 to the Red Rock country of Sedona, and feel those energy vortices.
Arizona Shuttle offers a shuttle service between the Phoenix airport and Flagstaff. It costs $38 one way if you make your reservation on-line. The shuttle will drop you at the Amtrak train station downtown. You can take a taxi from there, or there is limited rental car availability with a desk in the train station (Hertz).
A large number of hotels and motels are local to Lowell Observatory and downtown Flagstaff. The Drury Hotel is quite conveniently located relative to the observatory, and within walking distance of a number of restaurants for dining options.
Additional information about other local hotels and Northern Arizona's tourist attractions may be found at the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, or the City of Flagstaff web site.
Map of Flagstaff
Map of Lowell Observatory Campus
Weather in Flagstaff (elevation 7000 ft/ 2100 m) in
March is usually sunny
but can be relatively cold, and at times, snowy. Bring warm pants, winter coat,
gloves, boots and heavy socks. Average daytime high and night-time low temperatures for
mid-March are around 50 F (10 C) and 23 F (-5 C), respectively. March is the
tail end of the snowy season for Flagstaff, but can be subject to occasional
episodes of heavy snowfall.
Average precipitation is 2.6 inches (6.6 cm).
