Hiking Trails in Flagstaff
THE 10 BEST Flagstaff Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails in Flagstaff
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Outdoor Activities
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16 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
What travelers are saying
- IlliniTravPhoenix, AZ7,158 contributionsThis is one of the most scenic (yet easy) trails I've been on, and I'm already looking forward to visiting again. The first half hour of this hike is a pleasant stroll on generally flat terrain as you make your way back to Red Mountain. We were lucky to be there in the beginning of October when we saw lots of yellow wildflowers. You will notice the earth rising on both sides of the trail and then spot a ladder with an easy climb. That's when the trail changes, and you feel like you are in a secret garden, with weathered rock formations to explore. I read that this trail is best done in the morning or mid-day, since the formations are in shadow in the afternoon.
Be warned that the dirt road from US 180 leading to the trailhead is not good, with lots of ruts. When I return, I'll park close to US 180 and walk the .3 mile to the trailhead.
This would be a great trail to hike if you're looking for something to do between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.Written October 7, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - happytraveler2010_10Sedona, AZ143 contributionsThis area is very scenic and undisturbed. It's worth going there if you exercise caution and are prepared for cold weather. The drive to the meadow is on a narrow winding bumpy dirt road that does not have guard rails and gives the feeling you are going to fall off the edge. Don't attempt it if you get queasy, or car sick, or are afraid of heights. Once you start, there is no turning back, and you better hope you don't meet another vehicle coming the other way, because there are few pull outs or areas to turn around. Passenger cars can get up there with caution, but it would be best if you have 4 wheel drive. When you're there nature surrounds you, making the journey worth it, You may see elk and other wild animals. It was windy and cold in the first week of May and there was snow on the mountain. There is a fee for use.Written May 4, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TutinsPonyPhoenix, AZ2,546 contributionsThis is a great hike, especially in the winter f you get good weather. We had snow from the start and through the forest, which makes it beautiful to hike. It was very windy/gusty at the top once we hit the saddle, had to sue the poles to keep upright. We had prepared for that and had the right equipment, make sure that you have very good gloves as the wind can be brutal.
The signposts are good at the car park on where to start and park, the rest of the posting is only OK, so make sure you have a decent map/GPS. AT the top there are wooden markers, but when there is snow in the forest and there has not been anyone in front of you to pack down the snow, it can be difficult.
Hot coffee for the top in winter is highly recommended. This is a hike from 9,000 feet to 12,300....if you suffer from altitude sickness then be careful and train before you do this. YOU need to be well prepared in winter especially.Written November 20, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - edmonditeedmond, oklahoma1,207 contributionsWe loved walking the Fatman's loop! It was a nice sunny day and just what we needed. Loved the alligator junipers and the big boulders. Took about an hour to do the loop.Written October 31, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- mreidphx88 contributionsThe Kachina Trail has beautiful scenery of Aspen and Pine Trees. The trail is rocky and has surface roots (and a fallen tree blocking the trail) which creates a somewhat challenging hike. We only encountered a few hikers (June weekday mid-morning).Written June 16, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CWGrossCalgary, Canada299 contributionsSP Crater is an excellent example of a classic volcanic cinder cone, the likes of which you're not allowed to hike at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. You can hike it here, but it is TOUGH. AS others have said, it's one step forward, three steps back. It took us about an hour to climb up (from the saddle, which itself was half-way up) and 15 minutes to slide down. But once you get to the top, you get a commanding view of the San Francisco Volcanic Field around you and the staggering, vertiginous crater below you. It was difficult and we almost gave up several times, but ultimately I am glad we did it.Written September 21, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- marfitaGreenwood, SC378 contributionsThis was a bit much for me at my age (and at that altitude). Had to stop and rest my heart five times. My husband didn't seem to have much trouble. It was just around the corner from where we were staying and the first place we visited. There's a parking area and info posted about the site. I signed in and read about how we should leave artifacts in place. Couldn't imagine what they were talking about until I got up to the peak. I had been looking at the wide range of wildflowers and the different colors of the basalt (black, red, brown) when I saw a rock I thought would make a good wire-wrapping piece. It turned out to be a piece of pottery. We found three pieces! I took a picture of them and we left them behind.
The caves were small ... and more like holes in the ground just to look down into, but the vista from up there was very good. Saw a deer and a lizard. Also saw a tarantula! What's it doing out in the daytime? Rabid maybe? Haha! Apparently it's mating season or something.
Fitbit said I took over 5,000 steps. Must have been small ones.Written October 14, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ROCruiserClaremont, CA4,569 contributionsWhat a wonderful find! This was the best spot for me on our 10-day RV trip on Route 66. We left Grand Canyon to Flagstaff and this park was right on the beautiful 180. Very quiet and serene. We walked the shorter trail and son decided to take the long trail. Did not really see any wildlife since it was at noon but still very pretty all around. For a while I thought we were in Switzerland when looking across to the hills on the other side of 180. Would love to go back for more.Written November 17, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alison PGrants Pass, OR57 contributionsThis is a kick-ass hike so be prepared for a strenuous, rocky uphill hike. This is not for anyone looking for an easy hike. The views along the way and at the lookout are fantastic. If youre not used to elevation, it is challenging, but we stopped a lot to catch our breath. Saw beautiful blooming cactus along the way. Coming down was almost as hard as going up but we felt very accomplished (and ready for a beer!) when we finished. Suggest going early as it would be really hard in the heat of the day.Written May 23, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jennifer BPhoenix, AZ5 contributionsThis was a very easy hike. It is flat all the way to Fisher Point, except for the descent at the very beginning of the trail. This is also the only place the trail is shaded by trees. The rest of the trail is in full sun. But if you go in the morning or late afternoon, it wouldn't be too hot. At Fisher Point there was a shallow cave that we ate our picnic lunch in. There was tall grass meadows that we hiked through and they were beautiful when the breeze blew.Written June 23, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Grover RPensacola, FL22,047 contributionsThis is one of the premier hikes of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. It is a nearly mile paved loop around the lava field of Sunset Crater Volcano that exploded 1,000 years ago. For many of us in the east, you simply do not often get to have this experience. Walking on the jagged black lava rocks that are nearly devoid of vegetation is both stark and amazing. Hiking it you get great views of Sunset Crater Volcano and Lenox Crater, another hike, as well a view of Humphries Peak, the highest point in Arizona. The trail is not the best hiking but it is unique walking across the lava fields between two cinder cone volcanos.Written December 8, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Risa A5 contributionsThis was recommended to us and we are happy it was. Difficult ascent initially but then becomes more level, shaded and beautiful.
Quite the road to get to the trailhead, but worth the trip!Written August 26, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Grover RPensacola, FL22,047 contributionsMy favorite trail in Sunset Cater Volcano National Monument is Lenox Crater as it provides incredible views of Lenox Crater and more impressive, the views of Humphreys Peak the highest point in Arizona. You start of the lava flow parking lot and go west toward the mountains. At first you walk through a section of lava flow before starting you climb up a cinder can volcano. At 278 vertical feet it is not the hardest but it will have some steep sections. You will crest the crater and then continue up to the highest point of the cinder cone. Here you will have amazing views of the mountains round Flagstaff. While the volcanic rock creates a strange, gritty walking surface that is barren for grass, it is great habitat for Ponderosa Pine. So much of the area nearby is barren but SCNM has some of the best ponderosa pines. The combination of the forest and the views make this a MUST SEE if you are in Flagstaff.Written December 9, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Grover RPensacola, FL22,047 contributionsThe rangers at Wupatki recommended this stop to our group and I am so glad they did as the short rise in elevation provided some of the best views of the Mountains, Volcanos and Desert Plain in the Flagstaff Area. The pictures are amazing and don't do it justice. This is a short pull off between Hwy 89 and Wupatki National Monument. It is short 100 foot vertical climb to an amazing view point. You can see Wupatki as well as Sunset Crater Volcano and Humphreys Peak. Great short stop and view.Written December 9, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jim CPort Hueneme, CA69 contributionsWe had been thinking of doing the Fatman Loop, but it was already busy at mid-morning, so we continued north another mile or so to see if this was better. Not a soul around and only one car in the lot: another pulled in as we were about to start our walk. This trailhead connects to several other trails, so a hike of almost any length, either out-and-back, or a loop, is possible. The kiosk map shows the major routes, and with a GPSr, it is very easy to avoid missing a turn or getting lost. Not a lot of elevation gain at first, but that will change quickly a couple of miles from parking. We did a rough loop of nearly five miles, on both good trail and on barely single-track. We saw two other couples, one with two kids, and a bicyclist, in three hours. Great hike!Written July 29, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
