Category: Local Trails

How to read our trail listings

Every trail here is matched to official U.S. Forest Service records where they exist, so listings show real mileage, surface and trail class instead of guesses. Mileage is for the mapped segment, which is usually one way, so double it for an out and back. Forest Service trail classes run from 1 to 5. Class 1 and 2 trails are rough, minimally developed paths, class 3 is a typical well defined hiking trail, and classes 4 and 5 are wide, smooth and often easy enough for families. A higher number means a more developed, easier tread.

The San Francisco Peaks

The Humphreys Trail starts near Arizona Snowbowl and climbs through aspen and spruce, above treeline and onto a rocky ridge to the 12,633 foot summit. The Forest Service segment runs 4.82 miles one way, and most hikers gain about 3,300 feet. It is a serious day at altitude: start at dawn, turn back if storms build, and stay on the trail through the fragile alpine tundra.

For big views with less suffering, the Kachina Trail traverses the south face of the Peaks through aspen groves with little elevation change. On the northeast side, the Inner Basin Trail climbs into the volcano’s eroded caldera and is famous for golden aspens in late September and early October. The Weatherford Trail follows an old 1920s scenic road toward the saddle between the summits, and on the quieter north side the Abineau and Bear Jaw trails link into a steep, beautiful loop.

Mount Elden and the Dry Lake Hills

Right on the edge of town, Mount Elden and the Dry Lake Hills hold Flagstaff’s busiest trail network. The Elden Lookout Trail climbs steeply up the east face for about 3 miles toward the fire lookout and towers, with views over the city and the volcanic field to the east. Sunset Trail (5.14 miles) and Schultz Creek (4.4 miles) are local favorites for both hiking and mountain biking, while Rocky Ridge and the Pipeline Trail are easy to string into longer loops. Expect company on weekends, and yield to uphill traffic.

Easy trails and family hikes

The Aspen Nature Loop (1.64 miles) near Snowbowl is a gentle walk through meadows and aspen, spectacular in fall. Along US 180, the Kendrick Park Watchable Loop is a short, wide class 4 trail built for wildlife viewing, and elk are common at dawn and dusk. East of town, Walnut Meadows Loop and the Campbell Mesa trails offer rolling, low key miles that usually dry out earlier in spring than the mountain trails. And Walnut Canyon National Monument pairs a short hike with Sinagua cliff dwellings.

Bigger days

The Kendrick Trail (4.6 miles) climbs Kendrick Peak northwest of town to a historic fire lookout, with views across the volcanic field and, on clear days, toward the Grand Canyon. The Deer Hill Trail (5.6 miles) is a quieter National Forest option. For long distance hikers, the Arizona Trail covers about 97 mapped miles in the Flagstaff area alone on its way from Mexico to Utah, including the stretch around the Peaks.

The Flagstaff Urban Trails System

Inside the city, FUTS links neighborhoods, parks and forest with more than 50 miles of paved and natural surface paths. You can start at a coffee shop downtown and be on dirt in the pines within minutes. The Flagstaff Loop Trail is a long distance route designed to ring the city by combining FUTS and forest trails.

When to hike

• Late May through June: dry, sunny and warm. Fire restrictions are common, and some areas may close in extreme fire danger.
• July through mid September: monsoon season. Mornings are usually clear, but lightning builds by early afternoon. Get off ridges and summits by noon.
• Late September and October: the best season, with cool, stable weather and golden aspens on the Peaks.
• November through April: snow on the Peaks and higher trails. Lower trails east of town often stay hikable, and Nordic skiing and snowshoeing take over up high.

Stay safe out there

• Altitude is real. Headache, nausea and breathlessness are warning signs. Descend if they get worse.
• Carry water and layers, even on short hikes. Temperatures drop fast with elevation and clouds.
• Know before you go. Check the Coconino National Forest for closures, fire restrictions and trail conditions, or stop by the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Flagstaff.
• Leave no trace. Stay on trail, pack out trash and give wildlife plenty of space.

Gear up locally

Rent or buy gear at Snow Mountain River or Babbitt Brothers Trading downtown, and get your bike dialed at Absolute Bikes or Single Track Bikes. Heading to the red rocks instead? Read our Sedona guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest hike in Arizona?

The Humphreys Trail near Flagstaff leads to the summit of Humphreys Peak at 12,633 feet, the highest point in Arizona. Expect a full day with roughly 3,300 feet of climbing.

What is the best easy hike in Flagstaff?

The Aspen Nature Loop near Arizona Snowbowl is a gentle 1.6 mile walk through aspen and meadows. The Kendrick Park Watchable Loop and Walnut Meadows Loop are other easy options.

When do the aspens change color near Flagstaff?

Aspen color usually peaks on the San Francisco Peaks from late September into early October. The Inner Basin, Kachina and Aspen Nature Loop trails are classic places to see it.

Are dogs allowed on Flagstaff trails?

Dogs are allowed on most Coconino National Forest trails and on FUTS, typically on a leash. Rules differ in national monuments and some wilderness areas, so check before you go.

What does trail class mean?

Trail class is the U.S. Forest Service development scale from 1 to 5. Class 1 trails are minimally developed and rough, class 3 is a typical hiking trail, and classes 4 and 5 are wide, smooth and well maintained.

Updated October 2026 by the Northern Arizona Co. directory team.