Coconino National Forest

The Coconino National Forest contains all or parts of often designated wilderness areas (160,000 acres) with the newest, Kachina Peaks Wilderness, covering the summit of the San Francisco Peaks. The other nine wilderness areas within the Coconino are: Fossil Springs , Kendrick Mountain , Mazatzal , Munds Mountain , Red Rock-Secret Mountain , Strawberry Crater , Sycamore Canyon , West Clear Creek , and Wet Beaver .

The Kachina Peaks Wilderness Trail will take the hardy hiker to the highest point in the state of Arizona. An additional 320 miles of hiking trails lead through the forest into all the wilderness areas. The Elden/Dry Lake Hills trail system offers short hikes from within Flagstaff city limits.

In some places, Flagstaff's urban trail system connects to the Elden/Dry Lake Hills trails, offering easy access to the National Forest from the town. Brief descriptions of some of these hikes follow.

Buffalo Park

This easy two-mile loop on Switzer Mesa is at its best from spring through fall. It takes you around the park, which was originally developed to hold a small herd of bison. Now the area is popular with hikers, walkers, mountain bikers, and runners.

Oldham Trail

A hike of moderate difficulty running four and a half miles (one way) on Mount Elden. The trail takes you through a beautiful canyon and passes a 100-foot-high basalt cliff that is popular with rock climbers. After strolling through a meadow, you'll find a gorgeous view of the San Francisco peaks.

Fatman's Loop

The trail's proximity to AZ 89 and the resulting traffic noise remove any wilderness feeling this two-mile loop on Mount Elden once had, but it is still an enjoyable walk with some nice views. The trail wanders through a thick pine-oak forest and climbs through a jumble of large boulders, finally offering views of the rugged slopes of Mount Elden.

Observatory Mesa Trail

An easy one-point-six-mile (one-way) trail that goes west through a city park, passes through a pine forest, and leads to the Coconino National Forest. Observatory Mesa is named for Lowell Observatory, which is located on its southeast edge.

Fort Tuthill Trail

An easy three-point-three-mile (one-way) trail that follows Sinclair Wash, then joins an old logging railroad grade. The path traverses a highway and skirts developed areas, but offers beautiful views of the San Francisco Peaks.

Sinclair Wash Trail

This easy hike near Northern Arizona University runs 2.1 miles in one direction. After passing through the campus, it winds in and out of small drainages and continues down Sinclair Wash, allowing the hiker access to undeveloped forest south of I-40.