Elden Lookout Trail

For a challenging hike with a fantastic rewarding view of Flagstaff, you can take the 6 mile round trip hike up to the top of Mount Elden via the Elden Lookout Trail. This hike is fairly difficult and will take about 4 to 5 hours.
To get here, take Route 66 east out of Flagstaff toward the mall. Continue past the mall where Route 66 becomes Highway 89. Just past the mall and the McDonalds and Safeway that are on the right, you will see signs to the trailhead on the lefft. Park here and set off on the hike. Make sure you look at the map of the hike posted at the trailhead before you head up, because there are a few trails in this area that cross each other and you don't want to get lost. The trail starts as the Fatman's Loop, an easier and very pleasant loop in this area for those not eager to reach the top of the mountain. Halfway around the loop, the Elden Lookout Trail splits from the Fatman's Loop, and starts to zig-zag up the mountain. The trail is steep but the switchbacks make it managable. Be prepared for hot and exposed weather at the top. A fire burned much of the top of Mount Elden in the late 70's, and the remnants of old dead trees are still very visible. Plan for a few minutes at the top to hang out, enjoy the view from 9295 feet, and maybe have a quick snack. Make sure you avoid the top when there are large, dark grey clouds nearby. Being the on the highest point around with large metal towers around you is not a good idea when lightning strikes. Be Safe and Enjoy!


Thanks to Cosmic Ray for the directions and description.

Weatherford Trail - San Francisco Peaks

This hike travels up the side of the San Francisco Peaks and can be as hard or easy as you want to make it. To get to the very top of the peaks (12,633 feet, the highest point in AZ) is about 20 miles and will take all day (10+ hours) but it's an up-and-back hike, so you can turn around at any point, once you'vec had enough. It is a steep but rewarding climb, as the views get more and more spectacular as you climb up the side of these mountains.
To get here, take Highway 180 north out of Flagstaff. Turn right on Schultz Pass Road, and continue 5 miles up this road to the trailhead and parking lot, which are at Schultz tank. Park on the right and head off on the hike just across the road. The trail quickly begins to climb, and in a mile and a half you'll reach the Aspen Spring. You can choose to make this hike a short one by turing around here, or continue hiking on the trail to the right. After this point, the trail really starts to climb the mountains. Remember to be safe and reasonable about deciding when to turn around. It's easy to convince yourself to just go a little farther, but every step up the mountain is another step down and you do NOT want to get caught up here after the sun has gone down. So be safe and enjoy this terrific hike!

Thanks to Cosmic Ray for the description and directions.

Veit Springs Loop

This is an easy hike on the side of the San Francisco Peaks. It's a two mile round trip and will take about an hour. It will take you past old cabins, springs, and pictographs left by the ancient people who lived here.
To get here, take Highway 180 north out of Flagstaff toward the Grand Canyon. Turn right on Snow Bowl Road, and continue up for four and a half miles until you see the trailhead on the right as the road curves to the left. Just park here in front of the trail head and start hiking. You will head into the forest and soon come across a wide trail that goes both ways. Turn right, and then just follow the trail. When it splits, take a left on the small foot trail, then left again at the next split. This will bring you to the cabins, and you can continue past them to the springs and pictographs. On your way back, you can go the other way at the splits to see a nice view on the return trip.

Props to Cosmic Ray for this route and description