Tucked into the mountains in the middle of the Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff encompasses everything fascinating about Arizona. It is in the shadow of the state's tallest mountain -- Humphreys Peak, and it is home to the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort. It is also near the Wupatki National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Meteor Crater, and Grand Canyon National Park. But while the outdoor adventures in Flagstaff range from hiking and mountain biking to snow skiing and snowboarding, this isn't just a resort city -- Flagstaff is home to Northern Arizona University, a top-ranked, public research university established in 1899.

Being home to one of the world's best universities is just the beginning. Flagstaff is also the location of the Lowell Observatory, one of the oldest observatories in the country, dating back to 1894. Considered one of the world's most important places, the observatory was where Pluto was discovered in 1930.