The Flagstaff segment of the Arizona Trail is just over 10 miles long and passes through the middle of town between Interstate 40 and Route 66. The trail's surface varies from paved to gravel and generally follows along urban streets, also going through scenic Buffalo Park. The trail links US Forest Services trails Fisher Point and Oldham.
The Arizona Trail crosses over Cedar Avenue via the Matt Kelly Urban Trail Bridge — 139 feet long, 14 feet wide and 19 feet high. At it's southern end, the trail courses through a ponderosa pine forest and is rough going in some places. On the north end the trail goes around the east rim of McMillan Mesa, for great views.
Parking is available on the southern end on the trail at the Canyon Vista Campground (7997 Lake Mary Road) in the Coconino National Forest.
Near the northern end of the trail, parking is available at McMillan Mesa Park (along N. Locust Drive) and Buffalo Park (2400 N. Gemini Road).
Very steep rough trail. We could not ride with our city e bikes.
Probably better suited for mountain biking, jogging or hiking. Very rough at times so I would not categorize this as road biking. Beautiful scenery!
We started on this trail off of Lake Mary Rd where the map directed us to start. We realized the trailhead did not start there but it was about a 1.5 miles away. That's fine but the path is almost impassable. We thought some of it was just washed out and would then open up but this terrain is up and down very hilly and rocky trail. I don't think even a mountain bike could manage this trail. We pushed our bikes for about a mile and then turned back. It was just to hard. I don't recommend this the way the map shows it.
The section on McMillan Mesa is mostly packed Volcanic fine gravel or Chet. Suitable for a 3- wheel cycle. Crosses the 2007 Matt Kelly Urban Trail Bridge. Mostly shade less, with wide open views in all directions. The trail through Buffalo Park is also a Service road bisecting the Buffalo Park Loop Trail.
Instead of the service road., one may use the east section of Buffalo Park Trail and stop to read a sign Honoring Dale Shewalter, a Flagstaff School Teacher, responsible for the early development of the Arizona Trail. Noel Keller 23 Jun 2011
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!