Schultz Creek Trail: Ponderosa Pine Hiking on Mount Elden's Northwest Slope

Schultz Creek Trail doesn’t get the crowds that Mount Elden’s summit routes do, and that’s a point in its favor. It runs 5.7 miles one-way through open ponderosa pine forest on the mountain’s northwest side, following the Schultz Creek drainage from one trailhead to the other. The footing is easy, the shade is real, and the trail works for families, trail runners, and anyone who wants a forest walk without a brutal climb.

Trail Overview

Schultz Creek Trail connects two trailheads on opposite ends of the route. The north end is the Schultz Tank Trailhead on FR 420, accessed off US-180 north of Flagstaff. The south end is the Elden Spring Trailhead, which ties into the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS). The one-way distance is 5.7 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain if you’re heading south to north. Going north to south is slightly downhill overall.

Elevation along the trail runs from roughly 7,000 feet at the south end to about 7,800 feet near Schultz Pass at the north end. At this altitude you’re well into ponderosa pine territory, which means real shade and cooler temperatures compared to the desert floor below Flagstaff.

No fee, no permit required. Coconino National Forest manages the trail.

Getting There

North Trailhead (Schultz Tank): From Flagstaff, take US-180 north toward the Grand Canyon. About 3 miles north of downtown, turn right on FR 420 (Schultz Pass Road). Follow it roughly 2 miles to the Schultz Tank Trailhead parking area on your left. The road is dirt but usually passable in a regular car when dry.

South Trailhead (Elden Spring): From downtown Flagstaff, take US-89 north. Look for the Elden Spring Road trailhead area near the base of Mount Elden. This end connects directly to Flagstaff’s urban trail network, so locals often start here on foot from town.

For a one-way hike with a car shuttle, leave one vehicle at each end. Most visitors without a shuttle start at the Schultz Tank end (north) and hike as far as they like before turning back.

Trail Description

Miles 0 to 1.5: Schultz Tank to the First Meadows

From the Schultz Tank Trailhead, the trail heads south into the trees almost immediately. The grade is gentle right from the start. You’re walking through open ponderosa forest with scattered shrubs and grasses underneath. The creek drainage stays close on your left for much of this section.

By mile 1.5 you’ll pass through the first open meadow patches. In May and June these spots fill in with wildflowers, including lupine and Indian paintbrush. The trail is well-defined and easy to follow.

Miles 1.5 to 3.5: Through the Heart of the Forest

This middle section is the most pleasant part of the hike. The trail rolls gently with the terrain, never climbing steeply. Ponderosa pines grow tall here and block a lot of the afternoon sun, which matters if you’re out in summer.

You’ll cross the creek drainage a few times on log bridges or rock steps. Nothing technical. The trail markers are clear and the path stays obvious.

At mile 3 is a good turnaround point for out-and-back hikers who don’t have a shuttle vehicle.

Miles 3.5 to 5.7: Down to the Elden Spring Trailhead

The trail loses elevation gradually in this southern section. The trees thin slightly and you start getting glimpses of Mount Elden’s rocky upper slopes to the east. The final mile brings you into the trailhead area near Elden Spring, where the trail merges with the Flagstaff Urban Trail System.

If you’re going car-free, this is the start of the route that connects back into town.

What to Bring

At 7,000 to 7,800 feet in the ponderosa zone, Schultz Creek Trail is cooler than Sonoran desert hikes but still requires the basics.

Water: Carry at least 2 liters per person for the full 5.7-mile one-way. There’s no reliable water on the trail. A hydration pack or water bottles keeps you from running dry on the return trip.

Footwear: The trail is well-maintained and mostly smooth dirt. Trail runners work fine. Hiking boots give more ankle support if you’re new to uneven terrain. Either option is fine for most people.

Sun protection: The ponderosa canopy provides good shade but you’ll still catch direct sun in open sections. A sun hoodie is a solid option for UV coverage without overheating.

Layers: Flagstaff weather moves fast. Afternoon temperatures drop quickly when clouds roll in. Carry a light jacket even in summer.

Photo Spots

The best light hits this trail in the early morning, when the sun angles through the ponderosa trunks from the east. The long shadows through pine forest make for good landscape shots.

The meadow sections between miles 1.5 and 2 are the top spots for wildflower photography in late May and early June. Get low and shoot across the flowers toward the tree line for the best framing.

Mount Elden’s rocky ridgeline shows through the trees in the southern section. From mile 4 onward you can frame the rocky slopes through the pines on clear days.

Safety Notes

Thunderstorms: Summer monsoon season runs from July through September. Flagstaff gets hit hard. Afternoon storms build quickly and can arrive by noon on active days. If you see clouds building to the south or southwest, start heading back. The ponderosa forest provides some protection from lightning but open meadow sections don’t.

Mountain bikes: The trail is shared use. Stay right on blind curves. Trail runners especially should watch for bikes on fast downhill sections.

Snow and mud: The trail closes to bikes (not hikers) when it’s muddy. Snow can stick from November through April, occasionally later. Check the Coconino National Forest website for current conditions before driving out to the trailhead.

Cell service: Service is limited near the Schultz Tank end. Download an offline map (Gaia GPS or AllTrails) before you leave the car.

Wildlife: Black bears live in this forest. They’re rarely a problem but make noise on the trail and don’t leave food in your car.

For any trail emergency, call 911.

Related Trails

If Schultz Creek is too mellow, the Elden Lookout Trail climbs the east side of Mount Elden to a fire lookout tower at 9,299 feet. It’s steeper and more challenging, but the summit views are worth it.

The Flagstaff Urban Trail System connects from the south trailhead and gives you access to Buffalo Park, a flat 2-mile loop that’s good for a warm-up or cool-down walk.

For a longer day, the Schultz Creek Trail links with other Mount Elden trails at the north end. The Heart Trail and Sunset Trail both branch off near Schultz Pass and add mileage and climbing if you want it.