The southern end of this passage begins at the bottom of Walnut Canyon near Fisher Point. The route starts up Skunk Canyon, follows several drainages, climbs over several small ridges, goes through a fence, and descends into the Rio de Flag drainage. It there encounters an asphalt road that is an extension of Babbitt Drive. Follow this road uphill for 0.60 miles to Butler Avenue (Taco Bell).
Turn right and go 0.15 miles to Ponderosa Parkway (McDonalds). Turn left on Ponderosa Parkway and go 0.20 miles to Route 66. Turn left on Route 66 (4 motels) and go 0.37 miles to Switzer Canyon Drive (Starbucks, Subway, Dog Haus, Albertsons, and Frys). Water is available from gallon dispensers at each of the grocery stores. Go right on Switzer, and after 0.56 miles turn right on Turquoise Drive and go 0.69 miles to Forest Avenue.
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The northeast corner of this intersection is identified as the Urban Trail System. Follow this trail uphill to the northeast for 0.66 miles to the entrance to Buffalo Park (porta potties). Head north 0.53 miles where there are multiple trail signs including the Arizona Trail. The total distance over this route is 3.76 miles. This section of the trail is also identified as the Lower Oldham Trail. It climbs up along the side of Mount Elden and joins the Rocky Ridge Trail. It passes a trailhead and works its way west over to the Schultz Creek Trailhead. The route now follows the Schultz Creek Trail up and around to a trail junction. The route cuts back to the west, crosses FR 420 (Schultz Pass Road) and climbs up to the junction with the San Francisco Peaks passage and the end of this passage.
If approaching Flagstaff from the north, enter Buffalo Park and follow the main "road" south to the park entrance. Go about 100 feet past the porta potties on the right and take the trail downhill to the right. This leads to the intersection of Forest Avenue and Turquoise. Go 0.69 miles to Switzer Canyon Road. Turn left on Route 66 and go 0.37 miles to Enterprise Road. Follow Enterprise for 0.20 miles. Go right on Butler for 0.15 miles to Babbitt Drive. Go left on Babbitt for 0.60 miles where the asphalt ends and the trail soon enters the woods.
When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Permit $$
None
Directions
Road
FR / Jeep Road - Car possible when dry
To hike
page created by joebartels on Jan 09 2010 12:41 am
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