Flagstaff
Memorial Forest
A 160-acre lush forest in the desert highlands with views of Kachina Peaks.
Why Flagstaff?
A natural alternative to traditional cemeteries
Flagstaff Memorial Forest offers a meaningful way to return ashes to the earth within a protected forest sanctuary.
Trees instead of tombstones honor loved ones with a memorial that grows.
Ashes naturally nourish the forest—no harmful chemicals, low impact.
Every memorial funds conservation, protecting forest and wildlife habitats.
Legally protected in perpetuity—the forest is never developed or disturbed.
A high-elevation forest oasis
Experience Arizona’s first conservation Memorial Forest unlike any traditional memorial—where lush greenery and mountain views defy typical Arizona desert expectations.
Wildflowers
Larkspur, lupine, and Rocky Mountain iris bloom seasonally across the forest.
Native birds
Bluebirds, flickers, and chickadees thrive among the diverse forest canopy.
Abert's squirrel
Dig truffles at tree roots and spread spores that nourish the Ponderosa Pines.
Your memorial
protects the forest
Your memorial does more than honor a life—it protects an ecosystem. Each purchase funds a Stewardship Trust to preserve the forest and provides you irrevocable access rights in perpetuity.
Return to nature,
make it beautiful
After cremation, families need a place to remember. With Better Place, ashes find a permanent home in a protected Memorial Forest—not on a mantle, not scattered without a place to return.
It’s simpler than traditional burial, more comprehensive than direct cremation, and designed for how we want to be remembered—as part of something living.
Need cremation services? We offer carbon-neutral cremation.
Three perfect memorial locations
Within Flagstaff Memorial Forest are three distinct locations, each with its own character and natural beauty. Discover the one that speaks to you.
Homestead Grove
Stunning grove of aspens near parking and the Welcome Tent.
Sunset Meadowview
Views of Larkspur Meadow. A diverse mix of trees and unique rock formations.
Ponderosa Ridge
A path with mountain views leads you to some of the tallest Ponderosa Pines.
Two ways to create a living memorial
Memorial Tree
- Multiple people & pets at one tree
- You choose tree & location
- Add a personalized Guide-led ceremony
- Add customized Memorial Marker
Your tree. Your forest. Your choices.
Starting at $6,200 • View Pricing
Bundle with cremation • Save $1,000
Spreading Grove
- Honors one life in a shared grove
- Location chosen for you
- Simple self-led memorial ceremony
- Includes small, simple marker
A grove. A forest. A place to rest.
Starting at $2,250 • View Pricing
Bundle with cremation • Save $1,000
Nature Memorial Ceremony
A personalized ceremony with loved ones to return ashes to the earth.
Starting at $100
Memorial Marker
A customized bronze marker placed at a tree or grove to honor a life.
Starting at $500
Flagstaff tree species
Flagstaff features three native Arizona tree species, each with their own symbolism and strength for honoring your loved one. Explore trees virtually or visit the forest in-person.
Quaking Aspen
Among the oldest living organisms, with clonal colonies living thousands of years. Their soft wood provides vital habitat for cavity-nesting birds.
Southern White Pine
Beautiful with silky soft needles and slender cones. Tough and drought-tolerant, provides winter habitat for wildlife.
Ponderose Pine
Towering giants with butterscotch-scented bark, living up to 600 years. Iconic and fire-resistant, it provides vital habitat for wildlife.
What to expect
What happens when you explore with a Guide
A Guide helps you understand your options, answers your questions,
and walks you through next steps—no pressure.
How does it work? What’s included? Is this right for me?
Guides can show you trees virtually or plan a forest visit.
Every detail is shaped around your family’s values.
We’ll help you understand what’s right for you.
Schedule an online tour or an in-person forest visit.
Visit Flagstaff Memorial Forest
Find out what a living memorial looks like. Walk the forest paths, view Memorial Trees, and find the right resting place—by appointment, in person or online.
- 18218 N. Hart Prairie Road Flagstaff, AZ 86001
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
What families say
“Death is never easy, but having this beautiful Aspen tree as a living memorial is making it a little easier.”
Better Place Memorial Forests
Our protected forests span America—from the redwoods of the Mendocino Coast to the ridgetops of the Berkshires. Some of the most beautiful, biodiverse places in the country.
RESOURCES
Want to know more?
Talk to a Guide, 24/7
When you’re ready, we’re here.
Explore at your own pace
See the two ways families honor a life.
Questions?
We're here to help.
What is a Memorial Forest?
A Memorial Forest is a protected natural area designed as an alternative to a traditional cemetery where cremated ashes are returned to the earth at the base of a chosen, established tree or in dedicated groves.
Is a Memorial Forest in Flagstaff the right choice for me or my loved one?
Absolutely. Instead of tombstones in a cemetery, your loved one’s ashes become part of the Flagstaff Memorial Forest ecosystem, protected forever through conservation. Your memorial grows and evolves with the seasons, celebrating the cycle of life.
How much does it cost to spread ashes in Flagstaff Memorial Forest?
In Flagstaff, you can choose a shared Spreading Grove or private Memorial Tree to spread ashes. View pricing here
What are the benefits of Flagstaff Memorial Forest compared to cremation or funeral homes?
Flagstaff provides a meaningful alternative to traditional options: a protected forest resting place without funeral home pressure. Your memorial supports conservation, becomes part of a living ecosystem, and gives your family a permanent place to visit.
Why choose Flagstaff Memorial Forest over other Memorial Forests?
People may choose Flagstaff Memorial Forest for its beautiful native tree species, sentimental value, and its commitment to stewarding the land.
Can I visit Flagstaff Memorial Forest anytime?
Yes! You can arrange an in-person visit anytime by contacting a Guide. Get Started
Can you get buried in Flagstaff Memorial Forest?
Flagstaff Memorial Forest allows spreading ashes, not traditional burial.
What are the steps to choosing a Memorial Tree in Flagstaff Memorial Forest?
Choosing a Memorial Tree is easy. Select the tree size, species, and location within the forest. You can choose online with the help of a Guide or visit the forest in person, whichever is easiest for your situation. Get Started
What to consider when choosing a Memorial Tree in Flagstaff Memorial Forest?
Think about whether you want a Memorial Tree along an accessible path, in a sunny meadow where you can picnic, or in a more secluded location.
