Tag Archives: Hiking

Hiking in the Cool Country of Northern Arizona

A short, easy Summer loop hike from Snow Bowl Road on the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff leads to Alfa Fia Tank.

The Trailhead for Alfa Fia Tank

The Trailhead for Alfa Fia Tank begins at this post and rail fenced meadow. Parking a car is easy.

The San Francisco Peaks as seen from the shoulder of the mountain.

The San Francisco Peaks as seen from the shoulder of the mountain.

A butterfly on wild Iris.

A butterfly on wild Iris.

Deep ferns line the trail.

Deep ferns line the trail.

Aspen, Spruce and Ponderosa Pine trees.

Aspen, Spruce and Ponderosa Pine trees.

The first view of the meadow and the distant cinder cones of the San Francisco Volcanic Field.

The first view of the meadow and the distant cinder cones of the San Francisco Volcanic Field.

Alfa Fia Tank.

Alfa Fia Tank.

Tall Aspens surround the meadow.

Tall Aspens surround the meadow.

Aspen Corner - Alfa Fia Tank don't fence me in-1

The meadow offers many great picnic spots.

The area once was fenced, but only the posts and a few strands of barbed wire remain.

The area once was fenced, but only the posts and a few strands of barbed wire remain.

Rain closes in on the trail.

Rain closes in on the trail. The Summer monsoon season typically lasts through July, with frequent showers and thunderstorms.

A Hike Along Rocky Ridge Trail

Rocky Ridge trail signsAn easy and enjoyable hike near Flagstaff, Arizona, Rocky Ridge trail  is actually a section of the Arizona Trail.  It is 2.8 miles in length and climbs from 7,191 feet to 7,587 in elevation.  The trail begins at Schultz Creek parking just off Schultz Pass road and passes through warm south-facing juniper and pine forest with an interesting mix of cacti.  Along the upper reaches of the trail you find Gambel Oak and more Ponderosa pine.  Besides hikers, this trail is a frequent single track route, connecting to Oldham trail, Brookbank trail,  Mount Elden Lookout road, and can be used to access Flagstaff through Buffalo Park.

Rocky Ridge trailFor a quick hike today, I entered the trail at the 2.3 mile marker, partway up Mount Elden Lookout road, and headed south toward the Schultz Pass trailhead.  The trail lives up to its name, and although having some very smooth stretches, passes through many rocky areas as it follows the base of the Dry Tanks Hills near Mount Elden.