Hike Details
A Hikes
Tuesday, November 3
Little Bear to Sunset Loop
Assembly Place and Time: Bell Rec. Center at 6:45 a.m.
This is a loop with well-marked paths, minimal traffic and stunning views. Challenges include steep climbs and limited shade in a burned forest where nature is thriving again.
EC = 1211’ AEG = 1364’ Hiking Distance = 8
Wednesday, November 4
Walnut Canyon via Sandy Canyon, Arizona Trail, and Fisher Point: Walnut Canyon begins at the Canyon Vista Campground and wanders along the Walnut Canyon Trail. The trail goes through the forest and along the way we will explore caves, see unique rock features, and enjoy expansive canyon views. The highlight of the hike is reaching Fisher Point, where we will be rewarded with panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding wilderness. Keep an eye out for ancient cliff dwellings, remnants of the area’s Native American history, adding a cultural dimension to your journey.
EC = 488’ AEG = 1049’ Hiking Distance = 13.2
Thursday, November 5
Abineau Trail to Bear Jaw Trail: This is a stunning hike on well-maintained trails that offers mixed difficulty terrain with rolling hills and a steep incline at the start. The trail winds through a gorgeous forest of aspen and pine trees. Most of the trail is shaded.
The views along the way are beautiful. Challenges consist of high altitude, steep climbs, and loose rocks.
EC = 1799’ AEG = 1893’ Hiking Distance = 7.4
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B Hikes
Tuesday, November 3
Fatman’s Loop and Tom Moody Extended Trail Loop
Assembly Place and Time: Bell Rec. Ctr. at 6:45 a.m.
1) Fatman's Loop is a great hiking route that takes hikers on a climb over a historical lava flow offering stunning views of Flagstaff and the surrounding areas. Ancient alligator junipers that lean over the trail, some of which are over 900 years old, are part of the amazing scenery. Approaching the top of the hill, the trail passes over a 500,000-year-old lava flow that has cooled into interesting boulders and blocks, which are perfect to scramble and explore. The trail is shaded by tall pines at lower elevations, but there's little shade toward the top. Keep an eye out for spiky banana yuccas growing along the trail.
EC = 665’ AEG = 613’ Hiking Distance = 2.5
2) After completing the first hike, those hikers who want to do the second will take the short drive to Picture Canyon Trailhead to hike the Tom Moody Extended Loop Trail. The trail features many wildlife species, such as eagles, bats, owls, and elk. Interpretive signage throughout the trail helps to better appreciate the area's environmental and cultural history. The trail winds around basalt outcroppings, through gentle hills, and into shaded oak and aspen woods. One of the highlights on Tom Moody is the petroglyphs viewing area, where hikers can examine prehistoric rock engravings and imagine the lives of the individuals who produced them. Together with breathtaking views of the canyon, the trail meanders alongside the river and includes a waterfall overlook, where hikers can take in the tranquil beauty of the water falling.
EC = 249’’ AEG = 305’ Hiking Distance = 3.8
Wednesday, November 4
Arizona Trail via Aspen Nature Trail Loop
This hike is just a portion of the beautiful Arizona Trail, providing breathtaking mountain views in a moderately easy hike. It's a cool winding trail that passes through aspen groves and open meadows. The trail is straightforward to navigate and tends to be less crowded, especially on weekdays. However, the terrain can be rocky, so hiking sticks may be useful.
EC = 1211’ AEG = 1364’ Hiking Distance = 8
Thursday, November 5
Walnut Canyon via Sandy Canyon to Fisher Point
This hike has beautiful views all along the way. There is a moderately steep descent to the base of the canyon as well as level trails surrounded by grassy fields and towering stone walls. The hike begins at the Canyon Vista Campground (there may be a parking fee) and wanders along the Walnut Canyon Trail among expansive canyon views. The destination is Fisher Point, a gargantuan cliff that looms over the scenic valley with a cave that begs to be explored.
EC = 550’ AEG = 715’ Hiking Distance = 7.2
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C Hikes
Tuesday, November 3
Red Mountain
Assembly Place and Time: The Home 2/Tru hotel lobby at 10 a.m.
Red Mountain is a relatively easy hike. However, it provides one of the most fascinating looks at Arizona geology to be found anywhere. The trail winds through pinyon pines and junipers toward a broken rise of cinder and red rock visible to the west. A 6' high stone check dam that must be climbed by way of a wooden ladder marks the entrance into the mountain’s interior. This geological montage is a place where we can easily spend an hour climbing and exploring various nooks and crannies before we retrace our path back to our vehicles.
Minimal EC and AEG; Hiking Distance = 2.7
Wednesday, November 4
Picture Canyon
Step back in time on the 478-acre Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve. The trails here are hard-packed and practically rock free. Whether you’re hunting for canyon views or exploring ancient archaeological sites like petroglyphs and pit houses, there is something for everyone. We will see Flagstaff’s only waterfall, tucked away by a scenic historic railroad trestle. We might even spot deer, elk, and birds in this beautiful riparian zone. It’s the perfect spot to get some fresh air while uncovering the rich ecological and cultural history of the region.
EC = 135’ AEG = need Hiking Distance = 3
Thursday, November 5
Buffalo Park to Paradise Spring
Part of the Flagstaff Urban Trail system, Buffalo Park is located on a mesa, an ancient lava flow, and has incredible views of Mount Elden and Mount Humphreys. The trail is well maintained, hard packed and beautiful. In 1964 it was developed by James Potter Sr. to be a park that would host elk, deer, antelope, and bison. Today the park is spread over 215 acres with well-marked trails and exercise stations if you choose. Hiking in the pine trees of Flagstaff is a wonderful treat.
EC = 130’ AEG = 250’ Hiking Distance = 3.4
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