Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona and towers above Flagstaff at 12,637 feet. The summit can be most easily reached by hiking the 4.8 miles (7.7 km) long Humphreys Summit Trail that begins at the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort in the Coconino National Forest.

In 1911, John Weatherford opened the town's first movie theater. It collapsed under heavy snowfall a few years later, but he soon replaced it with the Orpheum Theater, which is still in use today.

The Motel Du Beau was established in 1929 after Albert Eugene Du Beau (a hotelier of French Canadian descent) observed a potential business opportunity in the Flagstaff area: the necessity for overnight accommodation catering specifically to an evolving breed of travelers--"Auto Tourists" en route to visit the Grand Canyon. Room rates started at just $2.50/night and advertisements boasted "luxurious" amenities including carpeting, double beds, and indoor toilets.

The Rio de Flag, which has historically been known as the River de Flag and San Francisco river, originates from the San Francisco Peaks and roughly follows Route 180 towards Flagstaff. The river did not always run its current course through the city. During the 20th century it was rerouted in certain areas to allow urban expansion and as a means of flood control.