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May 26 2014
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 Triplogs 4

35 male
 Joined Apr 29 2014
 Flagstaff, AZ
Elden Lookout Trail #4Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar May 26 2014
Pmalone6Triplogs 4
Hiking7.00 Miles 2,400 AEG
Hiking7.00 Miles   4 Hrs   10 Mns   1.91 mph
2,400 ft AEG      30 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
This was the first day that smoke from the Slide Fire wasn't hovering over town and I didn't want to waste the opportunity. I parked at the trailhead and took a right onto Fat Mans Loop which was a gradual and smooth trail that wound through the forest. There was plenty of tree cover making this a pleasant hike. Before long, I reached a stone overhang with steps underneath it that lead further up the mountain. The trail meanders a bit before making a hard left turn taking you to the base of the Mt. Elden Lookout Trail. This is when the hike gets turned up a few notches. The trail became steeper and rockier but provided fantastic views when facing away from the mountain. Eventually the path led through some aspen trees and the watchtower could be seen looming overhead. The homestretch of the path is well shaded making the end hike very rewarding. The trail empties out onto the ranger station and the service road can be seen snaking over the mountain ridges. The San Francisco peaks still stand much taller than where you are but the views all around are incredible. On this day there was no wind which was pleasant except for the swarming insects that took their place. Going down was considerably easier but did some work on my knees from the steepness. An excellent hike that I recommend everyone try when they get a chance but be sure to take your time and bring plenty of fluids. Going up took about 2.5 hours and back down about 1.5 hours with breaks spread out.
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May 22 2014
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 Triplogs 4

35 male
 Joined Apr 29 2014
 Flagstaff, AZ
Old Caves Crater TrailFlagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar May 22 2014
Pmalone6Triplogs 4
Hiking2.40 Miles 500 AEG
Hiking2.40 Miles   1 Hour   15 Mns   2.40 mph
500 ft AEG      15 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Very smooth and accessible trail just East of Flag on the 89. Very close to town but still quiet enough on the trek up to feel like you're in your own world. Huge, very old Ponderosas line the trail before coming to the switchbacks which are still relatively easy. There's some really nice views of the surrounding area on the way up before coming to a T where the right leads to caves and the left to the summit. I went left and came to a clearing at the very top facing the East slope of Mt. Elden with Humphreys just off to the right - really spectacular views! I chatted with other hikers at the top for 15-20 minutes before heading back down. All in all an easy hike about an hour round trip. I didn't bring water or need it but would have enjoyed having a bottle on the way up.
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May 13 2014
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 Triplogs 4

35 male
 Joined Apr 29 2014
 Flagstaff, AZ
Red Mountain Trail #159Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar May 13 2014
Pmalone6Triplogs 4
Hiking3.15 Miles 578 AEG
Hiking3.15 Miles   1 Hour      3.15 mph
578 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
A small dirt road off of 180 takes you to a parking circle at the trailhead. The path itself is flat, wide, smooth and easy to trek with a very slight incline at times. The path is lined with large shrubs and small trees before opening up just before the mountain itself. The path is covered in fine dirt almost like sand at times before reaching a small leaning ladder to bring you into the heart of the volcano. The views are magnificent and you can't help but feel like a kid in a candy shop climbing all over the smooth lava formations forcing you to take your sweet time taking it all in. More adventurous types can scale the face itself at points but it's very smooth and steep and can be quite dangerous. The walk back itself gives incredible views of surrounding mountains mainly Humphreys. Overall, a quick and easy but incredible trip, highly recommended!
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May 03 2014
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 Triplogs 4

35 male
 Joined Apr 29 2014
 Flagstaff, AZ
Weatherford Canyon LoopFlagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Hiking avatar May 03 2014
Pmalone6Triplogs 4
Hiking6.20 Miles 993 AEG
Hiking6.20 Miles   3 Hrs   30 Mns   1.77 mph
993 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Surprisingly rocky trail that made this a little challenging without proper shoes. Beautiful scenery even before things have come into bloom and pretty wild walking through the scorched portion of the forest. The aspens lining the second portion must look incredible in season. The forest opens up a little into meadows before reaching the Kachina trail junction. I decided to stick to the Weatherford and the trail descends into thick tall pines before sloping into a mini meadow in a valley with a great view. Lastly I went passed the sign for the Saddle another 4 miles off before turning sharply left around the ridge and the opening to an incredible view looking towards Mt. Elden. I wasn't able to go too much further as this was my first hike and decided to turn around. Overall a 3 mile hike each way with 1.5 hours up and 1 hour back with generous breaks.
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average hiking speed 2.03 mph

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.

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