Driving Directions to Better Place Forests Flagstaff

Learn about Better Place Forests sustainable Memorial Forest and find your perfect tree

If you’re reading this, you’re likely preparing to visit the Flagstaff Forest. In this post, we’ll explain how to get to the forest and share our local recommendations.

Please save these directions before heading to the forest as cell phone service may be unreliable.

Forest Address

18218 N Hart Prairie Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Most people use Google Maps to get to the forest. Below is the link to the exact forest location.

Better Place Forests Flagstaff (Google Maps)

Directions from Phoenix and Tucson

Take I-17 north towards Flagstaff
Drive for approx 140 miles
I-17 will turn into Milton Road/Rte 66 when it reaches Flagstaff, continue on Milton Rd/Rte 66
Turn left at the traffic light onto N Humphreys St.
Turn left at the traffic light onto Ft. Valley Rd/US HWY 180 (follow signs for Grand Canyon and Snowbowl)
Stay on HWY 180 for approx 18.7 miles (visitors will pass Snowbowl Ski area on their right and keep traveling)
*Turn right (just after mile marker 235) onto FR 151 Hart Prairie Rd (this will turn to a dirt road)
Continue approx 3 miles on the dirt road, FR 151. Any time there is a split or an intersection, stay to the RIGHT. Note that there will be poorly marked splits for FR 418 and 418B – stay to the right to stay on FR 151. You reach the driveway entrance and BPF gate on the right-hand side of the road.
At the gate, you will see a large, metal Better Place Forests sign

Please note that you will have to drive approximately 3 miles on a dirt road before your reach the Better Place Forests gate. There is no other way to access the property except a dirt road (FR 151). If you’re driving a small car you may need to drive slowly as the road is maintained by the Forest Service (and is not maintained by Better Place Forests) for recreation and wildfire access. 4WD is not necessary to access Better Place Forests Flagstaff.

*Make sure to note that FR 151 is a loop that accesses HWY 180 twice, once to the south (you will pass this entrance) and then once again to the north (just after mile marker 235) — which is where you should turn right to access Better Place Forests Flagstaff the quickest and easiest.

You can still reach the forest using the southern intersection of FR 151/HWY 180, but you will have to drive 12 miles on the dirt road instead of just 3 and it will take you much longer to arrive at the gate. Also, the section of FR-151 SOUTH of the forest gate is nearly impassable to vehicles without 4 wheel drive due to rocks.

Important Tips

The forest is incredibly peaceful, but cell phone service can be unreliable.
We recommend wearing sneakers or hiking boots and bringing a jacket. We have walking sticks, hand-warmers, and umbrellas in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Please save these directions as service on the way to the forest may be unreliable.
The closest gas station is located about 30 miles from the forest, south of Snowbowl so it’s a good idea to fuel or charge up before heading out of Flagstaff.
Due to forest service regulations, no sparks are allowed in the forest. This includes BBQs, candles, incense sticks and burning of sage. The fine from the USFS for this is up to $5,000 per instance.

Lodging

Whether you want to stay at an elegant historic hotel or go with a more budget-friendly option, you can’t go wrong with these accommodations.

La Posada: Located an hour away from Flagstaff in the City of Winslow, this historic hotel is also a restaurant and art gallery. It’s filled with history and beautiful architecture built from another time.
Little America Hotel: This hotel has a rustic appeal and offers a cozy getaway in the heart of the pine forest. It features a restaurant and bar, as well as an outdoor pool.
Motel DuBeau Travelers Inn: A tremendous low-cost location with clean rooms and excellent staff. It is located near the Lowell Observatory and Museum of Northern Arizona.
Weatherford Hotel: This 3-star historic hotel features cozy rooms with luxurious accents like clawfoot tubs for a memorable stay. It is also home to a pub that hosts live music.
High Country Motor Lodge: Beautiful and contemporary designed place to stay that includes a sauna, plunge pool and a fun General Store.

Dining

Flagstaff is home to several exceptional restaurants and cafes that are locally owned and operated. Here are a few of our favorites.

Tourist Home: Located in Downtown Flagstaff, this all-day café features a packed menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are known for having the best burrito in town as well as amazing French Cruller donuts.
Flagstaff Brewery: Located Downtown, this location is the ideal place for great food and live music. It features a friendly and casual atmosphere and a relaxing outdoor patio.
Mama Burger: This locally owned burger place is well known for its shakes and tater tots. It’s a cozy diner with a great atmosphere and delicious food.
Bigfoot BBQ: Located in the Downtown Flagstaff area, this barbecue joint has a fun atmosphere, and you can even throw your peanut shells on the floor.
Crystal Creek Sandwich Company: This sub restaurant makes their bread fresh each day and does large group catering as well. They have amazing veggie sandwiches and salads.
Fratelli’s Pizza: The best locally-owned pizza parlor in town. The menu features vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to cater to all guests.
Flagstaff Station: serving great locally roasted coffee and fresh homemade panini sandwiches, soups and baked goods from our location inside a vintage Texaco gas station.

Things To Do

Flagstaff has something for every member of your family to enjoy and experience. Whether you like relaxing at the local park, taking in the art scene, or visiting historical sites and museums, these suggestions are sure to keep you entertained.

Rogers Lake Natural Area: A beautiful place for nature lovers, includes hiking and mountain biking areas far enough away from the trails.
First Friday Art Walks: If you are visiting Flagstaff on the first Friday of the month, be sure to check out this event in the Downtown area. Art galleries and local businesses open their doors between 6 and 9 pm and feature live music, art exhibitions, delicious treats, and more.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff: The arboretum is an excellent tour stop for the entire family. It features a vast assortment of local plants and enchanting butterfly enclosures, trees, and playgrounds for the kids.
Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monument: Located an hour away from Flagstaff, this national monument features large native dwellings, interpretive exhibits, and hiking trails.
Fort Tuthill County Park: This pleasant park features mountain bike trails, areas for disc golf, hiking, and camping.
Snowbowl Skyride: This ski lift attraction gives you an aerial view of Flagstaff and is open throughout the year, allowing you to experience a unique view of the area even during the warm summer months. This location has accommodations available, and it’s located just minutes away from downtown Flagstaff.
Museum of Northern Arizona: For those who love to learn about history and culture, the Museum of Northern Arizona features Native American art and hosts various events during the summer.