Flagstaff Underground

If you’re looking for a way to peel back the layers of Flagstaff’s history without just reading plaques or flipping through guidebooks, the Flagstaff Underground tour might just be the adventure you need. While I haven’t personally taken this 75-minute walk myself, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of an experience that’s both fun and surprisingly educational.

What I love about this tour is how it combines storytelling with real-world exploration—visiting underground sites and historic landmarks that most travelers overlook. Plus, at just $30 per person, it’s a pretty accessible window into Flagstaff’s past. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that you’ll need a moderate fitness level to fully enjoy it, especially since it involves some walking and navigating uneven surfaces. This tour is best suited for those who love history, enjoy a touch of mystery, and are curious about the stories hiding just beneath the surface of a charming Western town.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling from knowledgeable guides, bringing local history to life.
• Unique underground sites, including a hidden bowling alley and haunted hotels.
• Affordable price point that offers a quality, memorable experience.
• Short but impactful duration—perfect for a quick afternoon activity.
• Great reviews emphasizing the guides’ personality and expertise.
• Moderate activity level required, with some walking and exploring.

An Inside Look at Flagstaff Underground: What to Expect

Starting Point and General Setup

The tour kicks off at 22 E Route 66, a location easily accessible in downtown Flagstaff. Given it’s a mobile ticket and near public transportation, most visitors shouldn’t have trouble finding it. The group is small—up to 20 people—making it more intimate and allowing the guide, “Great Scot,” to share stories that feel personal rather than scripted.

The Tour Itinerary: Step-by-Step

The Historic Saloons: The Senate Saloon

We begin at one of Flagstaff’s most iconic rough saloons, The Senate Saloon. Here, the tales of wild-west brawls and larger-than-life characters come alive. You get a glimpse into the boisterous nightlife that once defined this frontier town. The stories aren’t just about drinking and fights—they paint a vivid picture of the social fabric and rough-and-tumble spirit of early Flagstaff.

Reviewers rave about how knowledgeable the guide is, often mentioning how the host’s personality makes these stories come alive. One reviewer said, “GREAT tour!! A lot of history and very interesting. I recommend this tour. The host was awesome and very knowledgeable.”

Descending into the Underground Bowling Alley

Next, you’ll descend into a hidden underground bowling alley, tucked away from the public eye for decades. This part is particularly intriguing because it’s a rare find—an underground relic that hints at a different era in Flagstaff’s social life. The guide shares stories about how such underground spaces often served as secret gathering spots, adding an element of mystery and adventure.

Flagstaff’s Old Jail: The Frontier Justice

The tour then moves on to Flagstaff’s old jail, where the focus shifts to frontier justice and notorious outlaws. Walking through the historic holding cells, you can almost imagine the tense standoff or the last moments of those who once faced justice here. The stories of these outlaws and the harsh punishments they faced are vivid, and many find this part particularly compelling.

Haunted Hotels and Ghostly Tales

From there, the tour visits Flagstaff’s haunted hotels—places famous for ghost stories and spooky occurrences. Whether you believe in spirits or not, the stories about eerie happenings and ghostly sightings add a layer of intrigue. These sites have a long-standing reputation for paranormal activity, and the guide does a good job balancing fact and folklore.

The Old Downtown Hospital

Finally, the tour explores the abandoned halls of Flagstaff’s old downtown hospital. Known locally for its haunted legends, the hospital’s ghost stories are a highlight. As you walk through the empty corridors, you’ll hear about the hospital’s role in the community and the ghost stories that have persisted over the years. Some visitors find this part genuinely chilling, while others enjoy the historical context and storytelling.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

At just $30, this tour offers a rich glimpse into Flagstaff’s past that’s hard to find elsewhere. The small group size and the engaging storytelling make it feel personal, and the guide’s passion shines through. Many reviews, like Jim’s, point out how Scott’s personality and knowledge made the experience memorable and worth every penny.

The 75-minute duration strikes a good balance—long enough to explore multiple sites and hear stories, but not so long that it drags on. If you’re short on time but curious to see a different side of Flagstaff, this tour hits the mark.

Accessibility and Practicalities

You should be prepared for some walking and navigating uneven surfaces, especially underground or in historic sites. The tour is designed for those with a moderate physical fitness level, so it might not be ideal for anyone with mobility issues. The meeting point is centrally located and easy to reach, and the tour ends back where it started, making logistics simple.

The Guide and Atmosphere

All reviews highlight the guide’s engaging personality. “Great Scot” is described as knowledgeable, personable, and makes the stories come alive. This personal touch elevates the experience from just a walk through historic sites to a lively storytelling session that sticks with you.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy history, ghost stories, or hidden underground sites, you’ll find a lot to love here. It’s especially great for those interested in a more authentic, local perspective on Flagstaff. The price point is reasonable, and the guided aspect means you’ll learn plenty without having to do the legwork yourself.

While not explicitly family-oriented, the content is suitable for older kids and teenagers with an interest in history or spooky stories. However, very young children might find the underground parts and ghost stories a bit intense.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Flagstaff Underground offers a compelling look at the city’s past that’s both fun and informative. The mix of underground relics, historic sites, and ghostly tales keeps the tour lively and engaging. The combination of a knowledgeable guide and well-chosen locations means you walk away with a greater appreciation of Flagstaff’s unique character.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy storytelling and exploring off-the-beaten-path sites without committing to full-day excursions. It’s a solid way to add depth to your Flagstaff visit, especially if you’re a fan of history or ghost stories.

If you’re looking for an affordable, memorable activity that’s different from typical sightseeing, this underground adventure is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

How long is the Flagstaff Underground tour?
It lasts approximately 75 minutes, making it a quick but comprehensive experience.

What’s the cost?
It’s $30 per person, which is quite reasonable given the scope of the experience and the stories involved.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at 22 E Route 66 in downtown Flagstaff, a central and accessible location.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, it could work for older children or teens interested in history and ghost stories. Very young children might find parts of it less engaging.

What’s included in the tour?
All fees and taxes are covered, and the tour is conducted in English. The group size maxes out at 20 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level since there’s some walking, underground exploration, and navigating uneven surfaces.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviews praise the guide’s personality, storytelling ability, and knowledge, which greatly enhance the experience.

What kind of sites do we visit?
Expect historic saloons, underground bowling alleys, old jails, haunted hotels, and an abandoned hospital—all with stories that bring Flagstaff’s past to life.

Is the tour weather dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In the end, if you’re after a fun, accessible glimpse of Flagstaff’s underground secrets, this tour is a great pick. It’s an excellent way to break away from the usual sightseeing and get a taste of local history with a bit of ghostly flair thrown in.