Here’s a selection of our favorite easy, moderate, and difficult trails. All directions are from Flagstaff.
All of the trail distances listed on our website are one way distances with the exception of loops which are indicated as such. Times are approximate.
To learn more about hiking trails in the Coconino National Forest, click here.
Distance: 5 miles Time: 2.5 hours
Directions: North on Humphreys St., north on Hwy 180 to Snowbowl Road (7 miles). Follow Snowbowl Road to parking lot. Trail begins at far end of right-side (south) parking lot.
Description: Views of rocky slopes, pine and aspen forest, wildflower meadows, and Flagstaff. Trail Map
Distance: 4.5 miles Time: 3 hours
Directions: North on Humphreys St to Hwy 180. North on Hwy 180 for 7 miles to Snowbowl Road. Turn right on Snowbowl Road, go 7 miles to parking lot. Trail begins at far end of parking lot on the left (north).
Description: Trail goes up Humphreys Peak (12,633 ft). Views of San Francisco Peaks mountain range, and ponderosa pine and aspen trees. Stay on the trail above the tree line. Trail Map
Distance: 2.2 miles Time: 1 hour
Directions: Drive north 2 miles on US 180 to FR 420 (Schultz Pass Road). Turn east and follow FR 420 about a mile to a gate and cattle guard. Turn right down over the hill toward Schultz Creek and park. The trailhead is marked with a sign near the creek bed.
Description: Views of upper reaches of Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons. Trail flora include ponderosa pine, oak, juniper, desert cliffrose, yucca, and prickly pear cactus. Trail Map
Distance: 2 miles Time: 1.5 hours
Directions: Follow Route 66 (which becomes Highway 89) past the entrance to the Flagstaff Mall and the Peaks Ranger District Office to a trailhead parking lot just off the north side of the highway.
Description: Scenic overlooks of Flagstaff, the eastern suburbs and surrounding countryside. Trail Map
Distance: 4 miles Time: 2.5 hours
Directions: Drive north out of Flagstaff on US 180 to FR 420 (Schultz Pass Road). Drive 6 miles east on FR 420 to the trailhead at a parking lot on the south side of the road.
Description: Views of San Francisco Peaks, lava fields, and Sunset Crater from the summit plateau. Trail winds through aspen and oak trees. Trail Map
Distance: 6.7 miles Time: 3 - 4 hours
Directions: Fort Valley trail system is located 7 miles northwest of Flagstaff off US 180. From Route 66 turn north on Humphreys St. then turn left at the third signal onto highway 180. Drive approximately 4.7 miles to Forest Road 164 B. Turn right, and drive about 400 feet then make another right on to a dirt road where the trailhead will be straight ahead about 100 feet.
Description: Fort Valley trail is within the Chimney Springs area, just north of Flagstaff. The area has a gradual sloping terrain that consists of several shallow canyons and sweeping views of the San Francisco Peaks. Ponderosa Pine and Gambel Oak trees are the primary type of vegetation with New Mexico Locust and an occasional Hedgehog Cactus.
Distance: 5.5 miles Time: 3.5 hours
Directions: North on San Francisco St. (one way north), right on Forest Ave. (which becomes Cedar), then left on Gemini. Go to end. Trail begins from Buffalo Park.
Description: Views of Oak Creek Canyon, Painted Desert, and Sunset Crater. Trail weaves through boulder fields, cliffs, and pine groves. Aspen, pine, spruce, and fir trees. Trail Map
Distance: 3 miles Time: 2.5 hours
Directions: East on Rt. 66 (Hwy 89) to Peaks Ranger Station (on left while traveling east). Trail begins behind ranger station.
Description: Trail goes to top of Mt. Elden. Views of Flagstaff, volcanic geology, and pinion, juniper, and aspen trees. Trail Map
Distance: 8.7 miles Time: 5 hours
Directions: North on Humphreys St to 180. North on Hwy 180 for 2 miles to FR 420 (Schultz Pass Road). Turn right on FR 420, go 6 miles. Trail is on left side of road, opposite water tank.
Description: Views of Oak Creek Canyon and Verde Valley. Trailside vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, limber pine, bristlecone, and corkbark fir. Trail Map