Flagstaff has a thriving craft-beer and cocktail scene and a long list of ghost stories, and the Haunted Pub Crawl puts the two together. Led by a local guide, the evening walks you through downtown while you stop at several bars, sample drinks at your own expense and hear tales of hauntings, historic drinking dens and the colorful characters of a railroad and lumber town. The name, Spirits With the Spirits, sums up the tone: playful, storytelling-heavy and designed for adults who want a social night out rather than a solemn history lecture. Because the stops are inside lively venues, the tour has a more convivial feel than a street-only ghost walk, and the pace suits groups of friends, couples and bachelor or bachelorette parties.
What to expect
A small-group evening of roughly two hours, moving between a handful of downtown pubs and bars within walking distance of each other. At each stop the guide shares a story linked to the venue or the street, perhaps a famous guest, a fire, a haunted staircase or a tale of Prohibition, and the group has time to order a drink and chat.
Drinks are typically not included, so budget accordingly, and ask the operator which stops are on the current route, since venues change. Guides tend to be funny and welcoming, and it is easy to meet other travelers along the way. The route stays in the compact downtown core, so walking distances are short.
Why it works
It is a social, flexible and entertaining way to see downtown after dark, and it doubles as a bar guide, since you leave with a list of places you liked. It fits well into a Saturday night, or any evening when you want dinner and drinks with a bit of entertainment built in.
It is not for children, and it is wise to plan your ride home, eat beforehand and pace your drinking, because the altitude of about 7,000 feet makes alcohol hit harder than at sea level. Bring a photo ID, and know that venues may have their own age policies.
Practical points
Dress in layers, because you will move between warm interiors and cold sidewalks, and wear comfortable shoes. Check the tour page for the meeting point and cancellation policy, and for current group sizes. If you prefer to skip the alcohol, ask whether non-alcoholic options are welcomed at the stops, which they usually are.
Pair this with a daytime Route 66 history walk for the facts behind the legends, or with the Weatherford Hotel ghost tour for a more focused story. Drink responsibly, and use a taxi or ride-share if you are staying outside the walkable core.
Group dynamics matter on a pub crawl. Smaller groups feel more personal, so ask about the maximum size when you book, and consider arriving a few minutes early to meet the guide and your fellow guests. Celebrations such as birthdays and bachelorette parties are common, and guides are experienced at keeping the mood fun without letting it get out of hand.
If you have mobility concerns, ask about stairs and distances between stops. Remember that the stories are told for entertainment, so enjoy the mix of folklore and history, and thank your guide with a tip if the evening was a good one.
What to expect
The experience
A guided evening walk between several downtown bars, with haunted-history stories at each stop; drinks are bought separately.
Best time
Weekend evenings, after an early dinner.
How long
About two hours; confirm on the tour page.
Tips
Eat first, pace your drinks at 7,000 feet, bring photo ID and plan a safe ride back to your hotel.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adult friends and couples who want drinks, stories and a social night.
- Families
- Not for children; this is an adult evening.
- Couples
- A playful alternative to a dinner date.
- Pair with
- A downtown dinner and the Route 66 walking tour.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
Are drinks included?+
Usually not, so plan to buy your own at each stop; check the tour page for details.
Is it for adults only?+
Yes. It involves bars, so it is designed for guests of legal drinking age.
Is it very scary?+
No. The stories are playful and the setting is social, more entertaining than frightening.
Do I need to eat first?+
It is a good idea. Food at the bars is limited on some stops, and altitude makes alcohol stronger.
Can I skip the alcohol?+
Usually yes; ask the operator, since most venues offer non-alcoholic drinks.