The damage remains and it is still a sight to see.įrom the Abineau Trail’s upper terminus, sweet views abound: views up into Humphrey’s avalanche chutes and distant desert vistas north toward Grand Canyon.

A massive avalanche ripped through here in 2005, bowling over the forest in a way not seen anywhere else in Arizona. Moss grows copiously here in the endless shade of Humphreys’ north face.Ī little under two miles in, the forest engulfing the trailside gives way to a swath of downed trees over 100 feet wide and a half mile long. Starting on the Abineau Trail, the trail climbs steadily through mixed conifers and tall, mature aspens. I recommend hiking the loop counter-clockwise as the steep loose soil on Abineau is often tedious to descend. This sub-alpine loop traverses some of the most unique terrain on the San Francisco Peaks. Why you should go: Otherworldly avalanche destruction and grizzly forests. Related Read: 7 Spectacular Places to See Arizona’s Fall Colors 1. Without further ado, a selection of thirty incredible Flagstaff hikes. Grab some snacks, water, and a comfortable pair of shoes and enjoy yourself - just pack a rain jacket and watch out for those afternoon Monsoon thunderstorms! Unless you’re attacking Humphreys on a winter ascent, it doesn’t take expensive gear to hit the trail here. Each one has a story - with places like the Lava River Cave and Red Mountain surrounding the hiker in geologic wonder.īefore you head out, grab a copy of the Flagstaff Trails Map - its indispensable for navigating many of the selected routes. Known as the San Francisco Volcanic Field, every hill and mountain in the area is an extinct volcano. And for the truly adventurous, Flagstaff’s snowy winters offer up mountaineering and snowshoeing opportunities like nowhere else in the state.įor the curious hiker, Flagstaff’s volcanic landscape is ripe with geology lessons. Hit the primo aspen groves on the San Francisco Peaks, Bill Williams Mountain, or Mount Elden and immerse in a sea of technicolor eye-candy. Desert dwellers escape the heat for the cool of Flagstaff’s hiking trails, while the locals know the summer weather is the #1 reason to live in Flag.ĭon’t sleep on autumn either. Learn more about our editorial policies here.įor locals and out-of-town visitors alike, Flagstaff is a hiking wonderland.Ī high altitude region dominated by pine, aspen, and mixed conifer forests, it’s a beloved summertime stomping grounds among Arizona’s adventurers. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links.

Flagstaff altitude