So we’re deciding between going into flagstaff and just picking a box up at mormon lake. Any opionions from people who have already done this? Is flagstaff a hell walk through strip mall land in the outskirts of the city, or does the trail drop you right downtown w/easy access to food, po, hotels?
Anyone ever stay at mormon lake? A peaceful place for a day off?
I’d love opinions!
Brian Sweet
brian sweet
Just got off the phone with a friend that went to NAU in Flagstaff. He said the trail goes right through the middle of Flag and that food, motels, etc are all right there on Old Hwy 66. Flag has several P.O.s. I’m calling them tomorrow to see which P.O. (zip code) is closest to the trail.
bowlegs
I’m really looking forward to walking through “Flag” sometime this season. I wouldn’t dream of missing it, since it’s 125 miles from Pine, time for a town stop, and sounds like a great town. Thanks for the tip on Beaver St. Brewery.
Garlic
I would not miss out on Flagstaff. It is a funky little town and I really enjoyed my time there while on the Arizona Trail. Flag also has a great Urban Trail System to get you in and out of town. The old downtown area is a lot of fun. If you like Thai food, Pato Thai right across from Babbitt’s outdoor store is the bomb.
Sirena
All General Delivery mail in ALL towns goes to the Main Post Office. That can be a problem for hikers who want to use a PO closer to the trail. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten that policy changed when I’ve called to ask for an exception.
We mailed our Flagstaff box, after calling, to Holiday Inn Express. We could see their sign about a block from the trail. I like their breakfast, laundry, proximity to restaurants, hot tub and exercise room (JK about the exercise). We walked past fast food and a major grocery store when we followed the trail out of town. The town walk portion was quickly over as we walked into a park and green area.
Marcia
The downtown P.O. does not handle general delivery. You have to go to the eastern facility. The bus drops you off before and after Postal Rd. Thus it is hard to catch the return bus due to the walk to and from the P.O. Avoid Hogg restaurant next to the Motel 6 near Enterprise. Check your ATM slips: merchants are not allowed to place your number (last 5 digits) and expiration date on your receipt. I found flagrant disregard for this Governmental rule, and found many that they print your complete card number, expiration date, and when you sign they now have your signature on the merchant copy. Arizona has the highest identity theft in the U.S.
Teutonic Knight
That’s interesting…we’ll watch our receipts.
Before hiking we block new accounts through the three credit reporting agencies. The downside, having to be home to get a call to open a new credit account, is not important to us. The block seems worth it to avoid ID theft.
Marcia
Sirena - good call on Patio Thai in Flag. It really was good!! Other good outdoor stores,including Babbitt’s, is Peace on Route 66 or Aspen Outdoor, both in the downtown area. Both have stuff that is hard to find.
Westbrook