Flagstaff

Mountain Biking

With more than 30 mi of challenging trails a short ride from town, it was inevitable that one of Flagstaff's best-kept secrets would leak out. The mountain biking on Mount Elden is on par with that of more-celebrated trails in Colorado and Utah.

Coconino National Forest. The Coconino National Forest has some of the best mountain biking trails in the region. 928/526-0866. www.fs.usda.gov/coconino.

Lower Oldham Trail. Originating on the north end of Buffalo Park in Flagstaff, the Lower Oldham Trail is steep in some sections, but rewarding. The terrain rolls, climbing about 800 feet in 3 mi, and the trail is difficult in spots but easy enough to test your tolerance of the elevation. Many fun trails spur off this one; it's best to stop in at the local bike shop to get trail maps and discuss rides with staff who know the area. Trailhead: Cedar St., Flagstaff, AZ, 86001.

Schultz Creek Trail. The very popular Schultz Creek Trail is fun and suitable for strong beginners, although seasoned experts will be thrilled as well. Most opt to start at the top of the 600-foot-high hill and swoop down the smooth, twisting path through groves of wildflowers and stands of ponderosa pines and aspens, ending at the trailhead 4 giddy mi later. Trailhead: Schultz Pass Rd., near intersection with U.S. 180, Flagstaff, AZ.

Sunset Trail. Near the summit of Mount Elden, Sunset Trail has amazing views off the ridge rendered barren by a 1977 fire. The trail narrows into the aptly nicknamed Catwalk, with precipitous drops a few feet on either side. Fear, either from the 9,000-foot elevation or the sheer exposure, is not an option. You need to be at least a moderately experienced mountain biker to attempt this trail. When combined with Elden Lookout Road and Schultz Creek Trail, the usual loop, the trail totals 15 mi and climbs almost 2,000 feet. You can avoid the slog up Mount Elden by parking one vehicle at the top of Elden Lookout Road, at the trailhead, and a friend's vehicle at the bottom. Trailhead: Elden Lookout Rd., 7 mi from intersection with Schultz Pass Rd., Flagstaff, AZ.

Absolute Bikes. You can rent mountain bikes, get good advice, and purchase trail maps at Absolute Bikes. 200 E. Rte. 66, Downtown, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001. 928/779-5969. www.absolutebikes.net.

Flagstaff Nordic Center. From mid-June through mid-October, the Flagstaff Nordic Center opens its cross-country trails—good for families and beginners, because they're scenic and not technically challenging. U.S. 180, 16 mi north of Flagstaff, North Flagstaff, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001. 928/220-0550. www.flagstaffnordiccenter.com.

Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS). A map of the Urban Trails System, available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center, details low and no-traffic bike routes around town. Flagstaff Visitor Center, 1 E. Route 66, Downtown, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001. 928/774-9541 or 800/842-7293. www.flagstaff.az.gov.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Hiking
• Mountain Biking
• Rock Climbing

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