Tucked at the foot of Arizona's highest mountain peak, Flagstaff is the place to find respite from summer heat under the tall pines or cozy up next to the fireplace when winter snow falls. No matter what time of year, grab your sweetie by the hand and head to Arizona's highest city to cuddle in a romantic cabin in the woods.
If your honey has been asking for time away for just the two of you, the National Forest Service's Fernow Cabin can provide the setting for your very own fairytale in a land that feels far, far away. Set in a grassy clearing surrounded by forest, the log cabin has room for up to 8 people and makes a spacious romantic getaway. Listen to the breeze through the trees and watch the sunset from the covered porch. You'll have few interruptions as the cabin sits alone on a private road and cell phone service is sketchy. The cabin has running water from May through October, but you'll need to bring your own bedding, towels and firewood. Propane operates the refrigerator, stove, hot water heater and lights.
Known as the "Honeymoon Cabin," cabin no. 5 at the Arizona Mountain Inn has romantic appointments that include a whirlpool-style bathtub with a view of the fireplace. The A-frame cabin for two has a king-sized bed and a full kitchen that includes pots, pans dishes and appliances. Linens and towels are provided, so you can focus on minimal packing for your romantic getaway. The cabin lies along paved roads 1 mile south of the I-40 interchange with I-17 on Lake Mary Road, keeping you close to Flagstaff's restaurants, night life and other amenities. Tall pines and rolling topography make you feel like you're out in the woods.
What do you get when you cross a cabin with a tent? While it may seem the lead-in for a funny joke, a yurt can set the stage for serious romance. Stay at one of two large backcountry yurts at the Flagstaff Nordic Center 15 miles north of downtown. The yurts lie along backcountry trails accessible by hiking or mountain biking during the summer months or cross country skiing in winter. The yurts lie in a grassy meadow among pine and aspen. Cozy up by the wood stove and snuggle in the double bed. Grill your food on a propane stove and eat with wide-open views of meadows, mountains and the forest. Flagstaff Nordic Center also has 12-foot by 16-foot cabins and smaller yurts for rent at their main campground.
At 7,000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff's high and dry climate makes lowlanders prone to altitude sickness that can put a kabash on even the most romantic plans. Drink plenty of water for a few days before arriving at your romantic Flagstaff cabin and continue to hydrate during your stay. Fill a gallon jar with purified water and float slices of strawberry, lemon, cucumber or other fruit in it. Not only does it add a romantic touch to an ordinary drink, but electrolytes found in the fruit help maintain your body fluids. Bring over-the-counter remedies for headache and nausea just in case and spend plenty of time in the bedroom for the first few days until your body adjusts.
