18 Amazing Hikes in Flagstaff Arizona

Last Updated on May 30, 2024 by Nikole

Flagstaff, Arizona is a hiker’s paradise, with abundant trails offering stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Flagstaff:

Now let’s check out some more great hikes in Flagstaff Arizona!

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1. Griffith Springs Trail

Griffith Springs Trail is a peaceful and scenic trail that winds through ponderosa pine forests and offers beautiful views of the San Francisco Peaks.

Length: 3.2 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Approximately 5 miles

Completion Time: 2-3 hours

Elevation Gain: 600 feet

Trail Type: Out and back

Difficulty: Moderate

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/GriffithSpringsTrail

2. Arizona Trail (Walnut Canyon)

Walnut Canyon Hiking trail near Flagstaff Arizona

The Arizona Trail in Walnut Canyon offers hikers the opportunity to explore the unique geological formations of Walnut Canyon while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Length: 3.6 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Approximately 10 miles

Completion Time: 2-3 hours

Elevation Gain: 400 feet

Trail Type: Loop

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ArizonaTrailWalnutCanyon

3. Abineau-Bear Jaw Trails

The Abineau-Bear Jaw Trails provide a challenging and rewarding hiking experience, with a mix of steep ascents, dense forests, and picturesque meadows.

On certain parts of the trail, you can even catch glimpses of the Grand Canyon which is 70 miles away. You can tackle this trail by hiking or riding horses.

Length: 7.4 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Approximately 20 miles

Completion Time: 4-6 hours

Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet

Trail Type: Loop

Difficulty: Strenuous

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/AbineauBearJawTrails

4. Sandy-Seep Heart Trail

Sandy-Seep Heart Trail is a secluded and tranquil trail that meanders through diverse landscapes, including sandy washes, lush meadows, and rocky terrain.

Length: 4.5 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Approximately 12 miles

Completion Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation Gain: 800 feet

Trail Type: Out and back

Difficulty: Moderate

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/SandySeepHeartTrail

5. O’Leary Trail Near Flagstaff Arizona

OLeary Trail in Flagstaff Arizona

O’Leary Trail offers hikers sweeping views of the volcanic landscape, with the opportunity to explore lava flows, cinder cones, and ancient forests.

This trail is not easy to find on Google Maps, it is located within the Coconino National Forest.

Length: 4.2 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Approximately 7 miles

Completion Time: 2-3 hours

Elevation Gain: 500 feet

Trail Type: Out and back

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Location: Coconino National Forest

6. Kachina Trail

Kachina Trail is a scenic and serene trail in Flagstaff Arizona that winds through aspen groves and meadows, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

This Flagstaff trail in Arizona is one of the most popular areas to hike because of its vast scenery. You will come across ancient pines, steep slopes, volcanic debris, and lava flow areas.

Length: 5.5 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Approximately 8 miles

Completion Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation Gain: 900 feet

Trail Type: Out and back

Difficulty: Moderate

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KachinaTrail

7. Devils Bridge Trail

Devils Bridge Arizona Sedona

Devils Bridge Trail is a popular and iconic trail that leads to a natural sandstone arch, providing hikers with stunning panoramic views of the red rock landscape.

This Trail isn’t the closest to Flagstaff Arizona, but it’s worth mentioning especially if you travel to Sedona for gorgeous hikes. While you are in the area try exploring some more and use our guide for 8 amazing things to do in Sedona Arizona.

Length: 4.2 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Approximately 40 miles

Completion Time: 2-3 hours

Elevation Gain: 400 feet

Trail Type: Out and back

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/DevilsBridgeTrail

8. Humphreys Peak

Humphreys Peak hike in Flagstaff Arizona

Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona, offering a challenging yet rewarding hike with unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Even if you don’t want to hike this stunning mountain, you will have some of the best views from the ground. We were able to view it from our Wyndham hotel during our 8-day visit to Arizona.

Length: 9 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Approximately 14 miles

Completion Time: 6-8 hours

Elevation Gain: 3,300 feet

Trail Type: Out and back

Difficulty: Strenuous

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HumphreysPeak

9. Elden Lookout Trail

Elden Mountain Arizona Flagstaff

Elden Lookout Trail is a popular and well-maintained trail near Flagstaff Arizona that leads to a historic fire lookout tower, providing hikers with panoramic views of Flagstaff and the surrounding area.

This trail is a part of the Mount Elden Dry Lake Hills Trail System and showcases petrified lava and pinyon-juniper woodlands.

Length: 5.6 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Within city limits

Completion Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet

Trail Type: Out and back

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EldenLookoutTrail

10. Inner Basin Trail

Hiking trail in Flagstaff Arizona

Inner Basin Trail offers hikers a chance to explore the inner caldera of an ancient volcano, with lush forests, vibrant wildflowers, and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

Length: 4.2 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Approximately 20 miles

Completion Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

Trail Type: Out and back

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/InnerBasinTrail

11. Buffalo Park Trail

A peak along a hiking trail in Arizona

Buffalo Park Trail is a scenic and family-friendly trail that loops around a picturesque meadow, offering stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks and Mount Elden.

Length: 2 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Within city limits

Completion Time: 1-2 hours

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Trail Type: Loop

Difficulty: Easy

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BuffaloParkTrail

12. Old Caves Crater Trail

Old Caves Crater Trail takes hikers on a journey through volcanic landscapes and ancient lava flows, with opportunities to explore lava tubes and caves along the way.

Length: 1.5 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Approximately 15 miles

Completion Time: 1-2 hours

Elevation Gain: 300 feet

Trail Type: Loop

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/OldCavesCraterTrail

13. Fatman’s Loop Trail

Fatman’s Loop Trail is a scenic and accessible trail that winds through ponderosa pine forests, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Length: 2.5 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Approximately 3 miles

Completion Time: 1-2 hours

Elevation Gain: 500 feet

Trail Type: Loop

Difficulty: Easy

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/FatmansLoopTrail

14. Fay Canyon Trail

Fay Canyon pinnacle

Fay Canyon Trail is a leisurely hike that leads to a picturesque red rock canyon with towering sandstone walls, offering stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Length: 2.4 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Approximately 35 miles

Completion Time: 1-2 hours

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Trail Type: Out and back

Difficulty: Easy

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/FayCanyonTrail

15. Bynton Canyon Trail

Bynton Canyon Trail takes hikers through a lush canyon oasis with seasonal waterfalls and vibrant vegetation, providing a cool respite from the desert heat.

Be prepared for a $5 fee to get to the hike.

Length: 8 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Approximately 30 miles

Completion Time: 5-7 hours

Elevation Gain: 600 feet

Trail Type: Out and back

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ByntonCanyonTrail

16. Soldier Pass Trail

Soldier Pass Trail in Sedona

Soldier Pass Trail leads hikers through stunning red rock formations, including the famous Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Length: 4.2 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Approximately 35 miles

Completion Time: 2-3 hours

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Trail Type: Out and back

Difficulty: Moderate

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/SoldierPassTrail

17. Campbell Mesa Loop

Campbell Mesa Field of wild flowers off a hiking trail

Campbell Mesa Loop offers a peaceful and scenic hike in Flagstaff Arizona which takes you through pine forests and open meadows, with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting along the way.

Length: 6.1 miles

Distance from Flagstaff: Within city limits

Completion Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Trail Type: Loop

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CampbellMesaLoop

18. Mars Hill Trail

Mars Hill Trail leads hikers to the summit of Mars Hill, where the historic Lowell Observatory is located, offering panoramic views of Flagstaff and the surrounding landscape.

Length: 1 mile

Distance from Flagstaff: Within city limits

Completion Time: 1 hour

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Trail Type: Out and back

Difficulty: Easy

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/MarsHillTrail

In Conclusion to Best Hikes in Flagstaff Arizona

These hiking trails in Flagstaff offer something for hikers of all skill levels, from easy family-friendly walks to challenging treks with rewarding vistas.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a fitness buff, or simply looking for a peaceful escape into the great outdoors, Flagstaff’s diverse hiking trails have something for everyone to enjoy.

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Trail Name Length Distance from Flagstaff Completion Time Elevation Gain Trail Type Difficulty
Griffith Springs Trail 3.2 miles Approximately 5 miles 2-3 hours 600 feet Out and back Moderate Link
Arizona Trail (Walnut Canyon) 3.6 miles Approximately 10 miles 2-3 hours 400 feet Loop Easy to moderate Link
Abineau-Bear Jaw Trails 7.4 miles Approximately 20 miles 4-6 hours 2,300 feet Loop Strenuous Link
Sandy-Seep Heart Trail 4.5 miles Approximately 12 miles 3-4 hours 800 feet Out and back Moderate Link
O’Leary Trail 4.2 miles Approximately 7 miles 2-3 hours 500 feet Out and back Easy to moderate Link
Kachina Trail 5.5 miles Approximately 8 miles 3-4 hours 900 feet Out and back Moderate Link
Devils Bridge Trail 4.2 miles Approximately 40 miles 2-3 hours 400 feet Out and back Moderate to strenuous Link
Humphreys Peak 9 miles Approximately 14 miles 6-8 hours 3,300 feet Out and back Strenuous Link<