Arizona Trail (Equestrian Bypass) #87C

This segment of the state-spanning Arizona Trail was designed to give the equestrian user an alternate route around Flagstaff to avoid the busy city traffic and also to provide a safe way to cross Interstate 40.

The trail follows the rim of Walnut canyon so have your camera ready, as the views are spectacular. There will be a variety of photo opportunities including scenic canyon shots to fabulous views of the San Francisco Peaks. There is also an abundance of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for elk, deer, antelope, squirrels, fox, coyote and many varieties of birds.

Length: 9 miles

Rating: Moderate

Use: Moderate

Season: April through November

Hiking time: 2 hours

Notes: No motorized vehicles. Near Fisher Point you'll be sharing the trail with horseback riders from a local stable. The trail is not installed as of this writing.

Elevation: 7,000' to 6,700'

USGS Map(s): Flagstaff East, Winona

Location: 3.8 miles southeast of Flagstaff, southeast of Continental Country Club.

GPS: N35° 10' 53.6154", W-111° 31' 57.036"

Access: From Flagstaff, take Country Club Drive to Oakmont Drive and turn left. Oakmont Drive will turn into Forest Road 303, follow FR 303 for 3.8 miles to the trailhead parking which is located on the right.

From the trailhead, you can go north or south. The northern route continues for 3.5 miles to Interstate 40. The southern route follows the rim of Walnut Canyon to Fisher Point and then across Walnut Canyon into the Mormon Lake District of the Coconino National Forest. This portion of the Arizona Trail goes to Marshall Lake.

Note: The Equestrian Bypass of the Arizona Trail is now completed, signed, and open to the public all the way from Fisher Point to Sandy Seep Trail. While finishing up the last of the signs near Sandy Seep Trail, a bike rider stopped and told us that he had just ridden his bike from Fisher Point, so that whole section is now in use.

For more information contact:
Peaks Ranger Station, 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, (928) 526-0866