Passage #33 - Flagstaff
Location: Fisher Point to Schultz Pass
Length: 17.3 miles
Southern Trailhead: Fisher Point - FR 302
- GPS Coordinates: 35.15093° N, 111.59998° W
Northern Trailhead: Schultz Pass - Sunset Trailhead
- GPS Coordinates: 35.28684° N, 111.62627° W
Trail Route Description: The southern end of this passage begins
at the bottom of Walnut Canyon near Fisher Point. The route starts up Skunk
Canyon, follows several drainages, climbs over several small ridges, goes
through a fence and descends down into the Rio de Flag drainage.
It there encounters an asphalt road that is an extension of Babbitt Drive.
Follow this road uphill for 0.60 miles to Butler Avenue (Taco Bell). Turn right
and go 0.15 miles to Ponderosa Parkway (McDonalds). Turn left on Ponderosa Parkway and
go 0.20 miles to Route 66. Turn left on Route 66 (4 motels) and go 0.37 miles
to Switzer Canyon Drive (Starbucks, Subway, Dog Haus, Albertsons, and Frys).
Water is available from gallon dispensers at each of the grocery stores. Go
right on Switzer, and after 0.56 miles turn right on Turquoise Drive and go 0.69
miles to Forest Avenue. The northeast corner of this intersection is identified
as the Urban Trail System. Follow this trail uphill to the northeast for
0.66 miles to the entrance to Buffalo Park (porta potties). Head north 0.53
miles where there are multiple trail signs including the Arizona Trail.
Total distance over this route is 3.76 miles.
This section of the trail is also identified as the Lower Oldham Trail. It
climbs up along the side of Mount Elden and joins the Rocky Ridge Trail.
It passes a trailhead and works its way west over to the Schultz Creek
Trailhead. The route now follows the Schultz Creek Trail up and around to
Schultz Pass and then to the Sunset Trailhead.
If approaching Flagstaff from the north, enter Buffalo Park and follow the
main “road” south to the park entrance. Go about 100 feet past the porta
potties on the right and take the trail downhill to the right. This leads
to the intersection of Forest Avenue and Turquoise. Go 0.69 miles to Switzer
Canyon Road. Turn left on Route 66 and go 0.37 miles to Enterprise Road.
Follow Enterprise for 0.20 miles. Go right on Butler for 0.15 mile to Babbitt
Drive. Go left on Babbitt for 0.60 miles where the asphalt ends and the trail
soon enters the woods.
Difficulty: Moderate
Season(s): Spring, Summer and Fall
(current weather forecast)
Water: Water may be found seasonally in Walnut Creek, year round at numerous businesses along the route in Flagstaff, and at the Buffalo Park Trailhead.
Notes/Warnings:
- All the water found in creeks and springs on this passage should be purified prior to use.
Resources:
- USGS Topographic Maps: Flagstaff East, Flagstaff West and Humphreys Peak.
- Coconino National Forest - Visitors Guide.
- Coconino National Forest - Recreational Opportunity Guide.
- Coconino National Forest map.
- BLM Information Center maps.
For more information, contact:
- The Passage Steward
- City of Flagstaff, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 779-7632.
- Coconino National Forest, Peaks Ranger District, 5075 N. Hwy 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 526-0866.
- BLM Information Center (602) 417-9300.
Current Trail Information: