There are many outdoor options in Flagstaff year-round. They include hiking Mount Humphreys, Mount Elden and Kendrick Peak and one of the best mountain biking trail systems in the world.
Arizona Snowbowl
Everyone in Arizona who skis hits this popular destination, although drought and the lack of snowfall in recent years have made this place really spotty for the sport. The Snowbowl features 32 runs/trails for beginning, intermediate and advanced skiers. With the San Francisco Peaks as a backdrop, speeding down from an elevation of 11,500 feet can be a thrill.
During the summer, hikers and horseback riders dot the landscape. The Humphreys Trail takes you into ponderosa pine and some aspens. One of the more difficult hiking trails around town, it takes four to five hours to do the six-mile round trip. The reward is Humphreys Peak (12,634.5 ft) and views of San Francisco Peaks range.
If walking isn't on your agenda, ride the ski lift. Call for hours of operations and costs. The Snowbowl is 7 miles north of Flagstaff on Highway 180, 7 miles to ski slopes on Snowbowl Road. (928) 779-1951.
Hiking
The hiking and camping possibilities in the mountains and forests surrounding Flagstaff are almost endless. They include hiking Mount Humphreys, Mount Elden and Kendrick Peak. The region also offers one of the best mountain biking trail systems in the world.
Some hiking trail ideas:
Kachina Trail
Type: Hiking Trails, Ski Trails, Equestrian Trails
Location: Flagstaff, San Francisco Peaks, Humphrey's Peak, Snow Bowl
Information: (928) 526-0866.
Length: 5 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
About: Picturesque, level trail passes through aspen groves and meadows on the way through the southern San Francisco Peaks. Truly an all-season trail. Return via the same way or connect with the Weatherford Trail.
Directions: From Flagstaff, drive north on Hwy 180 to the Snow Bowl turnoff. Drive up the mountain 7.5 miles to the lower parking lot at the Snow Bowl, where you'll find the trailhead.
Tips: Call ahead for maps of connecting trails in the area. Beware of lightning during summer storms in exposed areas. Normally these storms occur in the late afternoon during July and August.
Slate Mountain Trail
Type: Hiking Trails, Mountain bike Trails, Equestrian Trails
Location: Flagstaff, San Francisco Peaks, Coconino National Forest
Information: (928) 526-0866
Length: 5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
About: At the summit and turnaround point are awesome views of the San Francisco Peaks, the Grand Canyon and Painted Desert. The easy-to-follow trail follows an old road, long closed to vehicles. There are signs along the way describing the trees and shrubs.
Directions: From Flagstaff, drive north on US180 to Forest Road 191. Turn left. The trailhead is two miles from this point.
Tips: This is a multi-use trail, open to mountain bikers and horses. No water is available.
Humphrey's Peak Trail
Location: San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff, Snow Bowl, Humphrey's Peak
Information: (928) 526-0866
Length: 8.7 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Difficult
About: This trail to the summit winds up the aspen-covered mountain. The last mile, above the tree line, is especially challenging. It becomes windy, steeper and rockier, but once at the top, there are magnificent views of the entire state.
Directions: From Flagstaff, drive north on U.S. 180 for 7 miles to the Snow Bowl Road. It's another 7 miles to the Snow Bowl parking lot. The trailhead is at the north end of the parking lot.
Tips: Humphrey's Peak, at 12,633 feet, is the highest mountain in Arizona. Pay attention to signs of altitude sickness. Do not attempt to go to the top during an electrical storm, which can occur daily during July and August. No water available.
Arizona Snowbowl
Everyone in Arizona who skis hits this popular destination, although drought and the lack of snowfall in recent years have made this place really spotty for the sport. The Snowbowl features 32 runs/trails for beginning, intermediate and advanced skiers. With the San Francisco Peaks as a backdrop, speeding down from an elevation of 11,500 feet can be a thrill.
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During the summer, hikers and horseback riders dot the landscape. The Humphreys Trail takes you into ponderosa pine and some aspens. One of the more difficult hiking trails around town, it takes four to five hours to do the six-mile round trip. The reward is Humphreys Peak (12,634.5 ft) and views of San Francisco Peaks range.
If walking isn't on your agenda, ride the ski lift. Call for hours of operations and costs. The Snowbowl is 7 miles north of Flagstaff on Highway 180, 7 miles to ski slopes on Snowbowl Road. (928) 779-1951.
Hiking
The hiking and camping possibilities in the mountains and forests surrounding Flagstaff are almost endless. They include hiking Mount Humphreys, Mount Elden and Kendrick Peak. The region also offers one of the best mountain biking trail systems in the world.
Some hiking trail ideas:
Kachina Trail
Type: Hiking Trails, Ski Trails, Equestrian Trails
Location: Flagstaff, San Francisco Peaks, Humphrey's Peak, Snow Bowl
Information: (928) 526-0866.
Length: 5 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
About: Picturesque, level trail passes through aspen groves and meadows on the way through the southern San Francisco Peaks. Truly an all-season trail. Return via the same way or connect with the Weatherford Trail.
Directions: From Flagstaff, drive north on Hwy 180 to the Snow Bowl turnoff. Drive up the mountain 7.5 miles to the lower parking lot at the Snow Bowl, where you'll find the trailhead.
Tips: Call ahead for maps of connecting trails in the area. Beware of lightning during summer storms in exposed areas. Normally these storms occur in the late afternoon during July and August.
Slate Mountain Trail
Type: Hiking Trails, Mountain bike Trails, Equestrian Trails
Location: Flagstaff, San Francisco Peaks, Coconino National Forest
Information: (928) 526-0866
Length: 5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
About: At the summit and turnaround point are awesome views of the San Francisco Peaks, the Grand Canyon and Painted Desert. The easy-to-follow trail follows an old road, long closed to vehicles. There are signs along the way describing the trees and shrubs.
Directions: From Flagstaff, drive north on US180 to Forest Road 191. Turn left. The trailhead is two miles from this point.
Tips: This is a multi-use trail, open to mountain bikers and horses. No water is available.
Humphrey's Peak Trail
Location: San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff, Snow Bowl, Humphrey's Peak
Information: (928) 526-0866
Length: 8.7 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Difficult
About: This trail to the summit winds up the aspen-covered mountain. The last mile, above the tree line, is especially challenging. It becomes windy, steeper and rockier, but once at the top, there are magnificent views of the entire state.
Directions: From Flagstaff, drive north on U.S. 180 for 7 miles to the Snow Bowl Road. It's another 7 miles to the Snow Bowl parking lot. The trailhead is at the north end of the parking lot.
Tips: Humphrey's Peak, at 12,633 feet, is the highest mountain in Arizona. Pay attention to signs of altitude sickness. Do not attempt to go to the top during an electrical storm, which can occur daily during July and August. No water available.
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