Flagstaff Arizona’s Best Day Hikes

1. Humphreys Peak

The “Crown Jewel” of Arizona hiking. As the highest point in the state ($12,633$ ft), this is a strenuous 9.5-mile trek. It offers 360-degree views that can reach as far as the Grand Canyon on clear days.

• Difficulty: Strenuous

2. Fatmans Loop

A local favorite for its proximity to town and unique rock formations. The name comes from a narrow squeeze between two massive boulders. It’s a 2.5-mile loop at the base of Mt. Elden.

• Difficulty: Moderate

3. Mount Elden Lookout

Sharing the same trailhead as Fatmans Loop, this trail is a steeper, more rewarding climb to the summit fire tower. It’s often described as a “staircase of petrified lava” and offers expansive views of the city.

• Difficulty: Strenuous

4. Aspen Corner

Located off Snowbowl Road, this isn’t just a trailhead; it’s an experience. It’s famous for its dense groves of white-bark aspens that turn brilliant gold in late September and October.

• Difficulty: Easy (Stroll)

5. Veit Springs

Hidden in the cool shade of the San Francisco Peaks, this easy 1.6-mile loop features historic cabins and a perennial spring. It’s a great choice for families looking for a quiet, forested escape.

• Difficulty: Easy

6. Sunset Crater (Lava Flow Trail)

Walking through a lunar landscape, this trail takes you to the base of Sunset Crater Volcano. You’ll see jagged “A’a” lava formations and cinders from an eruption that happened nearly 1,000 years ago.

• Difficulty: Easy (Paved options available)

7. Wupatki National Monument

While technically a collection of short interpretive trails rather than one long hike, exploring the pueblo ruins like Wukoki or Lomaki is a must. The trails lead you through 800-year-old structures built by the Sinagua people.

• Difficulty: Easy

8. Bear Jaw & Abineau Loop

This 7-mile loop on the north side of the peaks offers a more rugged, alpine feel. It’s known for its dramatic avalanche chutes and is arguably the best spot in the region for solitude and fall colors.

• Difficulty: Strenuous

9. Picture Canyon

A Natural and Cultural Preserve on the east side of town. The trails here lead to ancient petroglyphs and a small waterfall on the Rio de Flag. It’s a fantastic spot for birdwatching and history buffs.

• Difficulty: Easy

10. Sandy Seep

This trail winds through a recovering burn area at the base of Mt. Elden, offering wide-open vistas and great opportunities to see wildflowers in late summer. It also connects to the larger Arizona Trail system.

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Bonus: Inner Basin Trail

If you are visiting in the fall, Inner Basin is the quintessential Flagstaff hike. Starting from Lockett Meadow, it leads you into the heart of the ancient volcano’s caldera, surrounded by thousands of shimmering aspens.

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