HikeArizona.COM

Coconino National Forest is working on a new trail system in the Flagstaff area to address increased use. New trails are planned, some will be specific to various uses: equestrian, hiking, and mountain biking. (No mention of eBikes!? )

One notable thing looking at the proposed map is that there will be two new trails built that access the Elden Summit, along with improvements to the existing summit trail. The plan has not been finalized and is open for public comment.
Comments (in writing) are due by September 28, 2020.

Full Details:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino ... RDB5439778

Map of proposed changes:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/nfs/11558/www/n ... 343433.pdf

What the Forest Service is proposing:
• Adding up to 55 miles of new system trails
• Modification, improvement and construction of 6 trailheads
• Guidelines for consistent management of recreation trail events
• Improvements to signs, education, interpretation, and trails
• Decommissioning at least 7 miles of unauthorized trails

Question: Does Elden’s trailhead have any gates that would prevent an early-morning start?

It is not clear which trailhead you are referring to, there is the one along 89, Schultz Tank TH, and several others along Schultz Pass rd/Elden Springs rd. In general, there are gates, but I believe they are only used for closing off access in the winter (and maybe during stage 3 closures, localized temporary fire closures, etc).

Also...linky no worky.

Referring to the main trail/Fatmans Loop TH off 89. I don’t see any barrier on Google Maps but I’d like to be sure.

@PatrickL
There are no gates. In fact I just hiked the main Elden Lookout Trail to the summit today. I have also hiked to the summit in the past via the Sandy Seep Trail-Heart Trail.

@azbackpackr Thank you!