Spring is officially here, and for Flagstaff locals, there's no better time to enjoy the City of Wonders and the amazing cultural and geological attractions that make this city such a special place to live. There is no time period.

Travelers from all over the world plan once-in-a-lifetime trips to places like Grand Canyon National Park in this part of the state. Those who call Flagstaff home don't need to renew their passports to see this natural wonder. You can get there in about 90 minutes by car.

For Flagstaff residents, March and April are great times to travel. There is still a chance of snow along the jagged canyon cliffs, one of the few things that makes the spectacular scenery even better. Visitation to the park increases during the summer months, peaking in July, the prime time for summer road trips. This means Grand Canyon National Park will be less crowded in the coming months, and Flagstaff residents won't have the park to themselves again until November.

Last year's presidential proclamation designated three separate pieces of land around the Grand Canyon as “Baji Nwabujo Itaha Kukuveni – Ancestral Footprints of Grand Canyon National Monument.” One of the areas included in the new monument is the land around Tusayan near the entrance to the South Rim.

US Forest Service Provides a guide to historical locations within the new monument It may be new to locals. The list includes locations such as: red butte, a prominent landmark central to the creation stories of multiple tribes. If the forest trail is dry, there is a short but steep hike from this location to the fire lookout tower. Historic sites such as Hull's Cabin, the oldest remaining cabin near the Grand Canyon's South Rim, and the former Apex Logging Camp are also located within the new monument. Learn more about: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/kaibab/home/?cid=FSEPRD1129246&width=full

While Arizona has garnered national attention for designating new national monuments honoring Native American history, Flagstaff has an impressive track record of recognizing sacred sites in Wupatki National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument. be.

Both locations offer a unique opportunity to learn about the rich history of indigenous culture and walk between the chambers where ancient people laid their heads at night. Living with modern conveniences such as heated homes, Flagstaff's modern residents are building stone rooms and demonstrating the ingenuity necessary to thrive in a northern Arizona environment that lacks such amenities. You will be amazed. Visiting these places with kids in the spring is a great way to ask questions like how do you think people got along without things like heated cars and down jackets? It's time. The Junior Ranger Program at the monument offers children the opportunity to explore such questions about these tranquil landscapes settled by ancient peoples.

The next stop on the Seven Wonders tour is Oak Creek Canyon. Here Manzanita Campground will open his February and Pine Flat Campground West will open his April 12th. This is also a place where people come from far and wide. A 40-minute drive through one of the state's most beautiful canyons can be seen from Flagstaff.

Sunset Crater Volcanic National Monument is also one of the city's wonders, and like the Grand Canyon, if you're lucky this time of year offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the area.

While the San Francisco Peaks are still open for downhill skiing and snowboarding this time of year, spring is a great time to get in shape for those planning a hike to Humphreys Peak, Arizona's highest mountain, once the trails are ready later this year. It's also the time to start. Passable.

The seventh and final wonder of our city is the enchanting ponderosa pine forest that envelops our community and serves us well. Ranked as having one of the cleanest air in the country We also offer hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and other recreational opportunities. Please take advantage of this spring. FBN

Ryan Randazzo

For more information, please visit the official visitor center located at the historic train station at 1 East Route 66 or visit: discoverflagstaff.com.

Ryan Randazzo is a media relations and project manager at Discover Flagstaff.