West Clear Creek Trail: Arizona's Most Remote Canyon Hike
Complete guide to West Clear Creek trail in Arizona: 9-mile canyon hike through a 200-foot deep wilderness gorge with swimming holes and perennial stream access
Flagstaff Hiking Guide
Flagstaff sits at 6,910 feet on the Colorado Plateau, surrounded by the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests. The San Francisco Peaks rise directly above the city to 12,633 feet at Humphreys Peak, Arizona’s highest summit.
Most Coconino National Forest trails don’t require permits. Fossil Creek is the exception, with a $6 permit required April 1 through October 1 via recreation.gov. Walnut Canyon National Monument and Sunset Crater charge entry fees.
The high elevation means snow from November through April on trails above 7,000 feet. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms. The inner basin trails and alpine routes are only reliably accessible from June through October. Year-round hiking is possible on lower-elevation trails and the urban Buffalo Park system.
Browse trail guides below.
All Guides
Walnut Canyon Island Trail: Cliff Dwellings Near Flagstaff
Walnut Canyon Island Trail loops past 25 Sinagua cliff dwellings in 1 mile. The catch: last entry is 1 hour before close. Complete guide to visiting near Flagstaff
Sycamore Canyon Rim Trail: Arizona's Second Largest Canyon from the Top
The Sycamore Canyon Rim Trail offers 2,000-foot canyon views with no crowds. 9 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous, no permit. High-clearance vehicle recommended
Sunset Trail Flagstaff: Ridge Traverse on Mount Elden
Sunset Trail Flagstaff guide: 5-mile ridge traverse on Mount Elden with views of the San Francisco Peaks, Painted Desert, and Sunset Crater from 9,200 ft
Schultz Creek Trail: Ponderosa Pine Hiking on Mount Elden's Northwest Slope
Schultz Creek Trail is a 5.7-mile ponderosa pine route on Mount Elden near Flagstaff. Easy to moderate, great for families and trail runners. No fee, no permit
Mormon Mountain Trail: A Quieter Summit Southeast of Flagstaff
Mormon Mountain Trail is a 4.2-mile round trip hike to an 8,178-foot volcanic summit near Mormon Lake. Great views, no crowds, no fee. Best May through October
Kendrick Peak Trail: Northern Arizona's Most Overlooked Summit
Kendrick Peak trail guide near Flagstaff: 10,418-ft summit, historic fire lookout cabin, full elevation breakdown, and why this hike beats the crowds on Humphreys
Kachina Trail Flagstaff: The Best Fall Color Hike in Arizona
Kachina Trail near Flagstaff winds through aspen groves at 9,500 ft. Best fall color in Arizona. Complete guide to the route, shuttle, and altitude prep
Inner Basin Trail Flagstaff: Hiking Inside a Volcano
Inner Basin Trail near Flagstaff climbs into the collapsed caldera of the San Francisco Peaks volcano. Complete guide with access road warnings, fall color tips
Humphreys Peak Trail: Arizona's Highest Summit Guide
Complete guide to the Humphreys Peak trail near Flagstaff: summit timing, thunderstorm safety, elevation breakdown, and what to expect at 12,633 ft
Fossil Springs Trail Arizona: Canyon Hike to 20,000 GPM Springs
Fossil Springs Trail Arizona guide: 8-mile round trip with 1,500-ft descent to year-round turquoise springs, permit requirements, seasonal closure dates, and safety tips
Elden Lookout Trail Flagstaff: Summit Guide for Mount Elden
Complete guide to the Elden Lookout Trail near Flagstaff: 5.4-mile summit hike to a 1930s fire tower with 270-degree views of the Grand Canyon and Painted Desert
Bell Trail Arizona: Wet Beaver Creek Hiking Guide
Bell Trail Arizona hiking guide: 7.4-mile round trip to The Crack swimming hole on Wet Beaver Creek, with canyon walls, year-round flow, and flash flood safety tips
Abineau Bear Jaw Loop: The Quiet North Face of the San Francisco Peaks
Complete guide to the Abineau Bear Jaw loop near Flagstaff: 7.1-mile loop on the north face of the San Francisco Peaks through old-growth forest and talus