Oldham Trail #1 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Little Elden Trail #69

Mount Elden - AZT #32

Flagstaff - AZT #33

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Big Loop around Mt Elden using various trails. This is a great route. It was hot but I had a water stash at mile 15 which was a life saver. Felt surprisingly good

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hi

Sep 14 2023

mazatzal

Routes 36
Photos 2,658
Triplogs 1,347

67 male

Joined Jul 28 2004
Scottsdale, AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Sep 14 2023
		mazatzal • Triplogs 1,347

Hiking	1.00 Miles	50 AEG

Hiking	1.00 Miles
	50 ft AEG

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	oldguy	scatdaddy
	Sredfield

A group of us installed a 4 panel kiosk at Buffalo Park

Wildflowers Observation Light

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1 archive

Oct 22 2022

PrestonSands

Guides 170
Routes 148
Photos 5,914
Triplogs 2,097

48 male

Joined Apr 12 2004
Tucson, AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Oct 22 2022
		PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097

Hiking	8.00 Miles	1,600 AEG

Hiking	8.00 Miles
	1,600 ft AEG

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Mostly hiking with a bit of bike ride at the bottom. Storm winds were becoming hideous higher up so I turned around near the top of Upper Oldham and came back down. Checked out an unmarked side trail I hadn’t seen before on the way down, appeared to be a mountain bike stunt trail. Lots of mountain bikers riding the Elden Lookout Road.

Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
Gamble oaks and isolated aspens changing

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"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan

Aug 28 2021

ScaredyCat

Guides 2
Routes 208
Photos 93
Triplogs 205

male

Joined Aug 08 2020
Phx az

Flagstaff North Urban Trail

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Aug 28 2021
		ScaredyCat • Triplogs 205

Hiking	12.05 Miles	1,876 AEG

Hiking	12.05 Miles	6 Hrs 7 Mns	2.04 mph
	1,876 ft AEG	13 Mns Break

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

An untraditional TH as I started this outing from

park. Rain, thunder & storm clouds upon my arrival.

Best to wear my new boots or expect to slip.

Walk to the back of the park and jump on the azt. Didnt realize Oldham eventually turns into a dirt rd with bicyclists. Quickly looked for a way out. Found brookbank but decided to cross back to rocky ridge.

Stopped shy of the road. Turned around & quickly bailed from another road. This caused me to backtrack some but oh well. Located a cave but didnt have time to climb up there. Returned to a beautiful sunset in the park. Amazingly enough, no sign of a storm thru the entire hike.

Jun 19 2021

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Elden - Oldham - Sunset Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jun 19 2021
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	17.02 Miles	4,957 AEG

Hiking	17.02 Miles	8 Hrs 10 Mns	2.41 mph
	4,957 ft AEG	1 Hour 7 Mns Break

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The_Eagle

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Bruce had an unexpecting opening, so I checked quick feasible options. Temps of northern staple options were not looking great. The base of Elden 90, Weatherford 85, Kendrick & Sitgreaves 87, Wilson 105. The top of Mingus 88, Wilson & Casner 100. In the words of the famous Fraley... yikes. I pitched a nice Humphreys out-n-back via Weatherford with 67 temps in the upper stretch. The_give me heat or give me death_Eagle opted for whatever on Elden. I held back on suggesting Humphreys via Lookout Trail #4 and went with this seemingly sensible loop.

Due to wildfire smoke haze, we couldn't make out the iconic San Francisco Peaks until close to Flagstaff. It looked like the smoke ceiling was about 300 feet above Elden. We got a spot at the full TH as one left as we arrived.

The ascent up Elden is typically one of my favorite stretches of the loop. Not so much this round with temps that resembled Piestewa in May. Bruce requested a few mini-breaks heading up, so we didn't run out of sweat too quick.

Heading down the lookout road on the flipside was lined with incredibly fragrant Cliff Wood's Rose.

Noticed several isolated [ Yellow Columbine ] on Sunset Trail and some smaller species on Oldham. It seemed odd, scattered away from its typical perennial water source habitat.

Saw three [ Mule Deer ] along Oldham Trail #1. Then a large patch of [ Indian Paintbrush ] near Schultz Tank; old man eagle eye said he saw a few patches earlier too.

There is a fair amount of burn areas; most are mixed with healthy pines. The exception is a half-mile annihilated stretch north of Heart Trail #103.

We continued to see scattered Columbine. One species of wildflower seems to thrive each year. Two years ago, owl clover was everywhere. I would never have guessed Columbine to be widespread without a major water source, but it is lightly scattered for several miles.

The other oddity was the lack of hikers anywhere except the initial ascent up Elden, one group on Oldham, a family of three doing a Snowbowl-to-Elden shuttle run, and maybe two isolated hikers. The upper trails were 95+% mtn bike tracks, hiker footprints were rare. Wild savers pretending to be hikers were absent.

The hike eased into afternoon sprinkles and refreshing breezes!

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Wood's Rose

Wildflowers Observation Light
perhaps moderate to some; heavy side of light fits better

_____________________

- joe

Jun 19 2021

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Elden - Oldham - Sunset Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jun 19 2021
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

Hiking	17.04 Miles	4,635 AEG

Hiking	17.04 Miles	8 Hrs 13 Mns		2.39 mph
	4,635 ft AEG	1 Hour 6 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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joebartels

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Headed high to get out of the smokin' hot heat and wandered into just smoke. It had settled around flag from the Backbone and probably the Slate fire. It cleared up quite a bit as the day went on.

We've done numerous versions of this hike in the past. The latest, last year after the Museum Fire.

Elden Lookout Trail climbs a steep 2500' in 3.5 miles. The upper half of this hike is better in the fall with the aspens. After passing the Lookout, we were on our way to the Sunset Trail. Here we passed numerous patches of sweet smelling Wood's Roses, that Joe thought were Cliff roses.

On Upper Oldham, we started getting into the burn area. The upside of the burn, is the views to the peaks. This trail drops down to Oldham #1 and then Brookbank #2

Brookbank Trail starts the climb and got a bit toasty. We got lucky and the clouds started rolling in as we hit Sunset Trail. A bit past the intersection with the Little Bear Trail, you start hitting the burn again. We were lucky enough to get about 45 minutes of light off and on rain.

We had the clouds for the rest of the hike, which made it more pleasanterest.

The hike down the Elden Lookout Trail is not a favorite. As steep as it is going up, it's tiresome with all the loose uneven rocks going down on tired legs.

I'll be back.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Slash Pile

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Jan 15 2021

Daytripper

Guides 7
Routes 187
Photos 2,318
Triplogs 909

74 male

Joined Dec 10 2016
Gold Canyon

Nate Avery Trail - Buffalo Park - FUTS

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Jan 15 2021
		Daytripper • Triplogs 909

Hiking	5.42 Miles	617 AEG

Hiking	5.42 Miles	2 Hrs	2.83 mph
	617 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

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Fatmans Loop Trail #25

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Family trip to Flagstaff, rented an Airbnb near the Elden Lookout TH. Decided to get some exercise so we went to Buffalo Park where the dogs could roam. They drove back and I decided to hike it back to the Elden Lookout Trailhead. A few cross country runners out in Buffalo Park but not that busy despite being in the 50’s there was a strong steady cold breeze and some stronger gusts. Started along the AZT and Oldham trail then on to the pipeline trail. Initially mostly a road walk going past neighborhood use trails, a thinned out pine forest with tiny patches of snow along the way , a few people out walking their dogs from the neighborhoods. Further along after bending from south to easterly the trail became more interesting , the forest thickened , the trail became more of a one track and a bit rockier. Not sure I was on the true pipeline trail when coming across the old Elden homesite , grave and spring,info kiosks were present. Further along I was entertained by a Lindsey Stirling imitator perched on a rock ,a ways off trail , playing Celtic music on her violin

Added some extra mileage with a wrong turn , made obvious by fences and no trespassing signs. Completed the hike on the Fatmans Loop to the parking lot where the trail became more crowded with families and runners.

Elden Spring

Dry

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Navy31 Army13

Sep 29 2018

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Elden - Oldham - Sunset Loop, AZ

Hiking		Sep 29 2018
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	16.22 Miles	4,925 AEG

Hiking	16.22 Miles	8 Hrs 51 Mns		2.05 mph
	4,925 ft AEG	56 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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The_Eagle

Correctamundo jockeyed the highlights like a groovy beat. It seemed prudent to snub the Christmas Tree Trail in favor of an out-n-back on #4. Yikes, less desired. Rethink the rhyme if it's on your dime.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Terrestrial Gartersnake

Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
Massachusetts' & Canadians need not apply. Likely prime next week if Hurricane Rosa doesn't wreak havoc on colorfest.

	Dry Lake Hills Tank	26-50% full	26-50% full
	plenty to filter but I wouldn't swim in it

_____________________

- joe

Sep 29 2018

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Elden - Oldham - Sunset Loop, AZ

Hiking		Sep 29 2018
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

Hiking	16.22 Miles	4,925 AEG

Hiking	16.22 Miles	8 Hrs 51 Mns		2.05 mph
	4,925 ft AEG	56 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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joebartels

Trying to peep some leaves, we did a variation of a peep hike we'd done previously.

Up Elden Lookout Trail is a steep one to the saddle, with 2200' of gain over 2.5 miles. I still like going up this one better, than going down on the end the hike. The aspens from the saddle to the tower, were mostly at peak. The winds were blowing pretty hard up there.

Going clockwise we hit Sunset to Upper Oldham, then down. Sunset Trail gives you great views of the aspens North and West of the peak. If the storm has not screwed things up, they should be peaking this weekend. Oldham is relatively smooth going down trough a thick mixed conifer/deciduous forest.

Up on Brookbank and then back on Sunset. Hiking through the red and golden aspens on the Sunset trail, north of the tower, were the highlight of the high this hike.

Going down Elden was a rocky slog.

Perfect weather, albeit a bit windy.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Arizona Mountain Kingsnake

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Aug 19 2017

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Dry Lake Hills Loop, AZ

Hiking		Aug 19 2017
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	16.86 Miles	2,658 AEG

Hiking	16.86 Miles	8 Hrs 48 Mns		2.42 mph
	2,658 ft AEG	1 Hour 50 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

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Little Bear Trail #112

Little Elden Trail #69

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The_Eagle

Tortoise_Hiker

This typically easy for me hike was among my most difficult, in the end it was among the most rewarding.

2.9 mi on Rocky Ridge Trail #153
Appropriately named compared to other tails in the area. I'd imagine some mountain bikers enjoy the course as the rocks have a firm hold making it more fun than irritating.

left 0.25 mi on Oldham Trail #1

left 3.5 mi on Brookbank Trail #2
Immediately climbs up into the Dry Lake Hills. The only good ascent picking up 700 ft in 1.25 mi. Lots of courteous mountain bikers passed by announcing their presence and the number remaining in their group.

right 0.35 mi on Sunset Trail #23 - Flagstaff
Pines thinned for this short 200 ft descent. Passed several runners throughout the day. Two chicks at the top of this trail got our attention minutes after passing. We realized how impressive their pace was considering they just topped out a 200 ft ascent.

left 3.55 mi for the entire Little Bear Trail #112
Dense pines returned. Then they thin before what looks like a monster descent. Views of NE Flagstaff are scenic, especially now with fields of yellow wildflowers.

I deemed this trail the "find" of the day 1.55 mi in, the next 3 miles slapped back hard. The monster descent joke was on us. This trail drops 1,118 feet in the subtle fashion. There was no quick drop. The grade is steady throughout. Most will enjoy, the dragged out switchbacks were just wearing on me.

Anyone that has hiked with me knows I can whine like no other. This slow down grade just wasn't pumping blood thus amplifying every ache along with lack of sleep. B & D absorbed more of my nonsense than any human should fall victim.

left 4.9 mi on Little Elden Trail #69
Bruce thought this would be a 500 ft ascent to Schultz Tank. It turned out to be a ridiculously subtle 350 ft. In all fairness these trails are designed for mountain bikers and ascending period was better than slow descending.

I mentioned earlier our friendly mountain bikers would give way to afternoon riders. Less announced their approach, none notified group number remaining and their speed was blazing at times. No issues, we're friendly aware hikers. Just pointing out morning nets better results in my experiences when hiking popular mountain bike areas.

continue 4.2 mi / -920 ft for the entire Schultz Creek Trail #152
This is a cool trail weaving next to the dry creek and nearby road. Pines provide shade throughout.

Synopsis
Bruce knew I needed an easy course. As much as it dragged out and amplified various pains the net result was monumental. After the hike my left fist which had been clenching for months is now sometimes at ease. I can move my fingers outward for the first time. Albeit ever so slow, this new hope is a lot to take in. Huge thanks to B & D for putting up with the world's biggest baby. They monitor me, the footing, among other tasks helping me sit, stand and the constant struggle with my pack.

One improvement on hydration was a success. I have an idea that should put pack stress to rest and we believe a little change in nutrition will make it easier too.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Throwing a Wendy

Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Substantial in areas with an excellent variety. Extreme fields of yellow looking down at NE Flagstaff.

Schultz Creek

Dry

	Schultz Tank	76-100% full	76-100% full
	near full

_____________________

- joe

Aug 19 2017

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Dry Lake Hills Loop, AZ

Hiking		Aug 19 2017
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

Hiking	17.21 Miles	2,652 AEG

Hiking	17.21 Miles	8 Hrs 48 Mns	2.38 mph
	2,652 ft AEG	1 Hour 35 Mns Break

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Little Bear Trail #112

Little Elden Trail #69

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joebartels

Tortoise_Hiker

Up to the High country to enjoy the Temps.
53 degrees to start, mid 70's most of the day, hitting the low 80's in the exposed sections

Along the Rocky Ridge #153 trail there has been a lot of thinning going on. This trail roller coasters up to the Lower Oldham Trail, that we were on for just a stones throw.

Brookbank #2 climbs to the NW, affording good views of Mt Elden. Once you get up around peak 8747, the views open up to "The Peaks". On the Sunset #23 Trail for a snippet of time, we made our way over to the Little Bear #112.

This was my first time on Little Bear #112 and it had some big pluses and minuses. It goes through the old burn area, so you loose the trees. For me at the top, this was actually a plus. The views are huge as the trail follows on the side of the mountain. There of signs of reforestation, with scads of cone protected, 18" tall pine saplings planted everywhere. This trail drops almost 900', taking more than 3.5 miles, through exhausting switchbacks. I say exhausting, because the JBM was in full force once again.

The Little Elden Trail #69 / AZT, is a pleasant trail making its way up to Schultz Tank and the Sunset TH. We passed Thelma and Louise on Horseback.

The Schultz Creek #152 Trail is a gentle downward grade, in the pines, taking us back to the truck. We saw 5+ elk on the way down.

I couldn't count the number of mountain bikers we saw on this hike. They were out in full Fource...

The phrase that pays, two weeks in a row.
"What I meant to say was, Thanks"

Did we have a good time,
There's no Talon.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Nodding Thistle

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Red Tachinid Fly

Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Substantial in pockets. there was a cornucopia of color.

	Schultz Tank	76-100% full	76-100% full
	Appeared close to full.

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

1 archive

Jul 12 2017

tdwood

Guides 3
Routes 40
Photos 47
Triplogs 60

56 male

Joined Jul 04 2016
Phoenix, AZ

Rocky Ridge-Oldham 1 CNF Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Jul 12 2017
		tdwood • Triplogs 60

Hiking	5.34 Miles	473 AEG

Hiking	5.34 Miles	2 Hrs 18 Mns	2.46 mph
	473 ft AEG	8 Mns Break

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Arizona Trail

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No complaints here. Trail is in great shape. Junction with Oldham 1 wasn't clearly marked from what I could tell; it's possible I picked up a social trail instead of official route.

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Apr 01 2017

MountainMatt

Guides 3
Routes 202
Photos 3,513
Triplogs 530

male

Joined Jan 24 2016
Arizona

Elder Canyon

Elder Canyon

Flagstaff, AZ

Hike & Climb		Apr 01 2017
		MountainMatt • Triplogs 530

Hike & Climb	1.89 Miles	354 AEG

Hike & Climb	1.89 Miles	54 Mns		2.22 mph
	354 ft AEG		20 LBS Pack

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Just got into town and needed to stretch my legs after the drive so I went to an old high school favorite.
Wether it be after school, during lunch or the occasional ditch day The Mount Elden boulders is where we would all congregate and chill

I distinctly remember a time when my buddy and I scrambled up to the base of "Devils Chair" and passed by this drainage on the way, after noticing it we went back with my dog and a few others and ended up going straight down the drainage from its head until our sketchy slickrock descent came to an abrupt halt at the 100ft dryfall aka the main rappel.

With all that in mind I was hoping to possibly catch the drainage with some flow since the top of Elden still had a healthy amount of fresh snow but it unfortunately was just a trickle.

Certainly fun to reminisce and hit up the old stomping grounds!

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Elden Spring

	Elden Spring	Gallon per minute	Gallon per minute
	Healthy flow in the spring box gently flowing down into the creek bed for 25 yards or so.

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1 archive

Sep 24 2016

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Mount Elden - Dry Lake Hills Loop, AZ

Hiking		Sep 24 2016
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	19.47 Miles	5,338 AEG

Hiking	19.47 Miles	9 Hrs 57 Mns		2.26 mph
	5,338 ft AEG	1 Hour 20 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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The_Eagle

Based on a couple subtle observations it felt like Autumn might be a week early. We rolled the dice and lucked out.

Elden Lookout Trail #4
It wasn't cold enough to warrant long sleeves, simply perfect weather. The nearby dog food plant really stunk up the place for our first hour. My feathered naysayer companion held firm until we were surrounded in a lightbox of yellow atop Elden. On the same token he was kind enough to patiently wait while I took a crash course in insta media relations.

Sunset Trail #23
We religiously take a wrong turn off the summit and this year was par for course. Should we happen to get it right in the future an honorary fudge is in order. The views over to Humphreys never get old. Did I mention the weather? Phenomenal Autumn breeze, sweet yet slightly tangy. Away from Lookout #4 we only encountered a few hikers, such a shame. It got chilly enough to put on long sleeves for a half hour before Brookbank.

Brookbank Trail #2
We've hiked the lower portion of this trail many times. We changed the loop and got to explore the upper. Wow, what a great stretch of forest.

Flats & Gnarly Descent
Near the flats of Dry Lake Hills Bruce took a page out of a previous Tibber-Gecko hike. After working across the flats we lunched on the edge of a descent with nice distant views. The descent was semi ferocious. Albeit a trail it appeared blocked off when we bottomed out with Rocky Ridge #153

Rocky Ridge Trail #153
Neither bad nor exceptional... I barely recall our ~2 miles.

Oldham Trail #1
I've always enjoyed this one. We even have our break spots down to a science.

Lasso's Rock
On 2 previous loops we've returned on the Heart and Christmas Tree trails. We mutually agreed the only thing cool about the Christmas Tree trail is the name. In addition we'd never hiked the upper most half mile of Sunset #23. Considering it was a sea of yellow aspen the decision to change the loop to a lasso loop was easy.

Unfortunately we missed the fading sun by ten to fifteen minutes. Half of the stretch was still in full glory and it was great to mark off the trail as complete.

Elden Lookout Trail #4
The descent was shaded all the way down. We finished right at 6pm when Bruce told Debbie we'd finish. This was my first time descending and it reminded me Camelback... not a fan. Exactly like Camelback I love the ascent!

Synopsis
Perfect weather ruled.

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Autumn - Color Foliage

Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
the top of Elden is brilliant aspen yellow

_____________________

- joe

Sep 24 2016

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Mount Elden - Dry Lake Hills Loop, AZ

Hiking		Sep 24 2016
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

Hiking	20.28 Miles	5,487 AEG

Hiking	20.28 Miles	9 Hrs 55 Mns		2.36 mph
	5,487 ft AEG	1 Hour 20 Mns Break	15 LBS Pack

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joebartels

This is one of our go to hikes now for color.
This seems to be the correct week for this one based on our previous 2 trips here.

We hit the Elden Lookout Trail #4 at about 8am and started the more than 2400' climb to the Lookout. Once you hit the saddle where the Sunset Trail ends, the Aspens were all aglow. There are nice tunnels of Aspens leading you up to the Lookout. This is the first time the Lookout was open while I was up there and I took legal advantage of going up into the tower. The gentleman manning the tower said he would pack it up Tuesday the 27th for the season.

A short road walk on the Lookout Road and we rejoined the Sunset Trail #23. Golden views back to Elden Mountain to the SE and other Aspen stands to the West are.... Nice... This is an enjoyable trail that takes you through Sunset Park, stands of Aspen and then lower to old growth conifer and some grassy areas.

We had never done the the upper portion of the Brookbank Trail #2 before. It will be in the rotation, as it was quite enjoyable. Mostly tall Ponderosa and smooth trail.

Once out to the Little Gnarly Trail, we headed westish across another new section for us, Dry Lake Hills. We took this to it's drop to the Rocky Ridge Trail #153.

The Rocky Ridge Trail #153, is a pleasant roller coaster through mixed conifer and deciduous.

The 1600' climb back to the top, starts in earnest on the Oldham Trail #1 and then Upper Oldham Trail. A steady climb at first and then gets steeper by the switchbacks approaching Oldham Park.

It was nice to be at the top again on the Sunset Trail, albeit a tad cold. We changed plans on our return to the truck to attempt get a good sun setting on the Aspen section of the Sunset trail. We missed prime light by 20 minutes or so. But, were able to catch a bit of golden light on the Eastern end.

All in all a nice new version of this loop.

Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
On the upper portions of the Elden Lookout Trail, above the Sunset Trail the Aspens were almost completely prime yellow. The Sunset Trail also was popping yellow!

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Oct 03 2015

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 840
Photos 22,055
Triplogs 1,993

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Elden Super Loop, AZ

Hiking		Oct 03 2015
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	18.66 Miles	4,842 AEG

Hiking	18.66 Miles	8 Hrs 53 Mns	2.91 mph
	4,842 ft AEG	2 Hrs 28 Mns Break

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	Dave1	joebartels
	The_Eagle

I'd never hiked up Elden before so I thought that this would be a great opportunity to grab a new peak while enjoying the perfect autumn weather in Flagstaff. The airport temperature was 29 as we passed through Munds Park, but I don't think the car thermometer ever dropped below 44.

The aspens are yellow but have some green remaining, and a lot of leaves already fallen. It looks a little dull actually.

We tested the new live updating water reports via Route Scout at Schultz Tank, took lunch near the Brookbank junction and cruised on the way down.

Had to fight the crowds as today featured a running race, but that only lasted for the first two hours. I think I saw a doctor from Tucson. The guy was fast though and I never saw him again.

Dave was having none of the extra Fatmans Loop so we skipped that and saw 6 deer instead. Good hike. Good peeps.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dry Lake Hills Tank Oldham Park Schultz Tank

	Dry Lake Hills Tank	26-50% full	26-50% full
	There was a duck swimming in it. Can't be too bad!

	Schultz Tank	51-75% full	51-75% full
	Cleaner than normal. I'd filter from here.

_____________________

I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

1 archive

Oct 03 2015

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Elden Super Loop, AZ

Hiking		Oct 03 2015
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

Hiking	18.63 Miles	4,828 AEG

Hiking	18.63 Miles	8 Hrs 52 Mns		2.55 mph
	4,828 ft AEG	1 Hour 33 Mns Break	16 LBS Pack

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Heart Trail #103

Fatmans Loop Trail #25

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	chumley	Dave1
	joebartels

Perfect weather for this one.

We hit the normal light flow of hikers while leaving the TH, but once we hit the intersection with Fat Mat's Loop, traffic got real heavy. Little did we know we'd timed our trip to Mount Elden, with Arrivipa Running groups "Sky Race" that features a 39K and 55K Race.

As we were hiking up the Mt Elden Trail, we were passed by HikeArizona's own Frick Naley, who was running the 39K race. :app:

The besterest of the yellow Aspens we saw were on the short climb from the Sunset Trail intersection to the Fire Tower.

A road walk from the tower to regain the Sunset trail and we made our way over to Schultz tank. The water here looked pretty darn good.

Up Little Gnarly, past the Dry Lakes Hill Tank, we made our way downhill to hit the Oldham Trail. This one has a steady climb back up to the Sunset Trail.

From here it was mainly downhill back to the truck.

This is a great sampler hike for what the City of Flagstaff has to offer in Hiking and outdoor activities!

A great day in the cool weather of Flagstaff, finished off with Pizza at NiMarco's. :DANCE:

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark Humor Reference Mark

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dry Lake Hills Tank Schultz Tank

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Autumn - Color Foliage

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate

	Dry Lake Hills Tank	51-75% full	51-75% full
	Nice clear water....complete with a duck

	Schultz Tank	51-75% full	51-75% full
	There are whitecaps on the tank

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Oct 03 2015

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Elden Super Loop, AZ

Hiking		Oct 03 2015
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	18.63 Miles	4,828 AEG

Hiking	18.63 Miles	8 Hrs 52 Mns	2.55 mph
	4,828 ft AEG	1 Hour 33 Mns Break

Linked

8 linked trail guides

Heart Trail #103

Partners

partners

	chumley	Dave1
	The_Eagle

Bruce and I did "the" Elden Super Loop three years ago and really enjoyed it. Today we did a "sorta super" loop with CHUMS and Dave. Left out was the filet portion of Fatmans Loop Trail #25. Which any Elden Super Loop fanatic knows as the icing on this cake.

Check out my 2012 triplog for individual trail segment reviews.

Heading up Elden we found ourselves constantly passed by an Aravaipa Running event. For a good mile our attention was devoted to keeping an eye on approaching runners. They were all friendly and Bruce needed the mini breaks on the steep incline so it all worked out.

This hike was very nice simply due to the weather and company.

Carried 4 quarts, consumed about 1.7

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
Timing is prime. It's just that we have seen it more spectacular in the past. We didn't receive a hard freeze that I know of so it's more likely dependant on the moisture pattern this year. The leaves have the pitted burnt look for reference.

	Schultz Tank	51-75% full	51-75% full
	Looks better than normal

_____________________

- joe

May 26 2015

ads99

Guides 1
Routes 11
Photos 49
Triplogs 15

81 male

Joined Oct 28 2014
Tucson, AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		May 26 2015
		ads99 • Triplogs 15

Hiking	9.40 Miles	2,113 AEG

Hiking	9.40 Miles
	2,113 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

I did the Lower Oldham from Buffalo Park, up to the where it becomes "Upper Oldham" and starts to get much steeper. Lower Oldham is a nicely wooded trail with some interesting rock formations, but no vista views. The first section up to the Fatman Trl intersect is poorly marked. I made three wrong turns which I was able to quickly correct as I checked my GPS each time.

_____________________

Apr 12 2015

BiFrost

Guides 4
Routes 491
Photos 10,890
Triplogs 1,257

55 male

Joined Nov 20 2012
Phoenix, AZ

Flagstaff - AZT #33

Flagstaff - AZT #33

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Apr 12 2015
		BiFrost • Triplogs 1,257

Hiking	18.03 Miles	2,144 AEG

Hiking	18.03 Miles	7 Hrs	2.86 mph
	2,144 ft AEG	42 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Sandys Canyon Trail #137

Flagstaff North Urban Trail