Flagstaff in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The San Francisco Peaks

Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 25, 2024

1. The San Francisco Peaks Marker

Inscription. The mountain in the distance, known as the San Francisco Peaks, soars to an elevation of 12,633 feet. Mr. C. Hart Merriam, while leading a scientific expedition to the Peaks in 1889, developed the concept of life zones. These zones describe how plant and animal community distribution is affected by elevation, temperature, and exposure.

This Observatory is located within the transition zone which is dominated by ponderosa pine forest. If you climb the Peaks you will notice ponderosa giving way to aspen, fir, spruce, bristlecone pine, and ultimately alpine tundra at the summit.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 35° 12.155′ N, 111° 39.842′ W. Marker is in Flagstaff, Arizona, in Coconino County. It is on West Mars Hill Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1400 W Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff AZ 86001, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Flagstaff & High Country

and in Hopi.

It is also in the American Southwest,

in the Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Clark Dome Weather Station (a few steps from this marker); Lowell Observatory (a few steps from this marker); U. S. Astronomer Percival Lowell, Specialist Of Mars, And Anamizu (within shouting distance of this marker); Soda Acid Fire Extinguisher / Stone Water Tank

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); The Sundial (within shouting distance of this marker); 42-Inch Reflecting Telescope (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Lee Giclas (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Lawrence Lowell Telescope (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flagstaff.

More about this marker. The marker is on the grounds of Lowell Observatory.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 25, 2024

2. The San Francisco Peaks Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 222 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.