Beautiful ponderosa pine at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona

Fort Tuthill is a beautiful 413 acre Northern Arizona park located in Coconino County just outside of Flagstaff. This local gem offers plenty of amenities including tennis, basketball & volleyball courts, an amphitheater, picnic shelters, an adventure course, and several miles of hiking and biking trails. All of these wonderful activities can be enjoyed in the beautiful setting of a ponderosa pine forest.

A four season wonderland!

Fort Tuthill Park bike path in Flagstaff, Arizona
A beautiful 2.5 mile long section of the Flagstaff Urban trail system at Fort Tuthill. The perfect distance for a moderate run or bike ride.

The picturesque high altitude setting of Flagstaff is much different than the low desert. The gorgeous cool summer temperatures (high 70’s-low 80’s) and snowy winters combined with beautiful forest scenery lead to a perfect year-round recreational spot for both residents and tourists seeking a cool summer escape, as well as a snowy winter playground.

Visiting Fort Tuthill Park is a fun and free activity to add into any Flagstaff/Northern Arizona vacation itinerary. Here you’ll enjoy excellent views of the San Francisco peaks and ponderosa pines on the trails. In addition, there are plenty of events to look forward to throughout the year. The best part of visiting Fort Tuthill, and Flagstaff in general, is that the available activities change along with the seasons. So you can bring your bike during the summer season and change over to skis or snowshoes during the winter!

You will never get bored with new exciting activities to anticipate all year long. Summer is especially enjoyable thanks to the beautiful, cool, dry temps that Flagstaff experiences. Phoenix residents will love the ability to enjoy their favorite recreational activities without having to set the alarm super early or wait until sunset.

Biking the FUTS at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona

During the summer months, the park is alive with all sorts of events including a spectacular free 4th of July concert courtesy of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, a rodeo, and the popular annual Coconino County Fair. Summer weather is perfect for biking, jogging, tennis, volleyball, and picnics. The Extreme Adventure Course features an obstacle course with ziplines, swings, and bridges set high up in the pines.

4th of July show at Ft Tuthill by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra

Trails for every season

The highlight of Fort Tuthill is the 7 miles of year-round multi-use trails. These trails are great for hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Listed below is a brief overview of the 3 main trails.

Flagstaff Urban Trail System at Fort Tuthill County Park

Soldier’s Trail – This moderately challenging 5 mile trail is great for biking. It features a few small hills, however, should be okay for most experienced cyclists. Also, it’s a good long distance running option for those seeking a challenge. To access Soldier’s Trail, you will start on the Flagstaff Urban Trail system. After venturing out a 1/2 mile or so, you will come across the start of Soldier’s Trail.

Bridge Trail – The shortest option is the mile long Bridge Trail, an enjoyable nature trail with some great views along the way. This trail connects to the Soldier’s Trail in the Southwest section of the park. This trail is better suited for walking rather than biking and equestrian use due to the rocky terrain.

Highlands Trail – The Highlands trail is a 3.8 mile option which travels from Ft. Tuthill to the Kachina wetlands. A portion of the trail covers the top of a mesa where you will take in great views of the ponderosa forest. This is one of the best trails for spotting wildlife. This trail is suited for hikers and more advanced mountain bikers due to steep hills and rocky sections to navigate through.

Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) – Flagstaff is home to an extensive network of city wide trails known as the FUTS. Trailheads for this system of 50+ miles of trails are located throughout the city. Varying lengths and difficulty levels available. The trails are wide and well-maintained, which means they are perfect for walking, jogging, skiing, or biking.

Great views along the FUTS at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona
Beautiful trees on the FUTS at Fort Tuthill Park in Flagstaff, Arizona
A stormy summer afternoon on the Flagstaff Urban Trail at Fort Tuthill Park
Gorgeous trees lining the FUTS at Fort Tuthill County park in Flagstaff, Arizona
Summer storm making its way at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona

The wonderful Flagstaff Urban Trail System

At Fort Tuthill, you will find a nice relatively flat section of the FUTS which travels 5 miles into the Flagstaff downtown area. The trail is mostly flat, quiet, and very scenic. As you bike, run, or snowshoe along the trail, you will take in peaceful views of the surrounding ponderosa pine forest and look ahead to great mountain views. Because this trail is so flat, it’s the best option at Ft. Tuthill for a leisurely biking outing. Long distance running is another option as you have 5 miles (10 round-trip) of uninterrupted trail. It’s easy to stay motivated with beautiful views and a mostly shaded setting. There are a few small inclines and hills, but nothing too drastic.

Gorgeous views along the FUTS at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona
Views of the mountains from the FUTS at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona

Winter fun!

Winter fun along the FUTS in Flagstaff, Arizona

During the snowy winter months, you will be able to enjoy the park in a completely different setting. Grab your sled, snowshoes, or cross country skis and head out on the trails to enjoy your own private winter wonderland. Flagstaff is one of the snowiest US cities with an average of more than 100+ inches per year, thus giving you more than enough opportunities to enjoy your favorite winter sports. Check out more ideas for winter fun in Northern Arizona!

Snowshoeing at Ft. Tuthill Park in Flagstaff, Arizona

The best year-round fitness destination

Fort Tuthill is a fantastic year-round recreational paradise with endless opportunities for fun no matter what time of the year you visit. Be sure to spend at least one day at Fort Tuthill on your next visit to Flagstaff or surrounding areas. No matter what season you visit, you are bound to enjoy the ample opportunities for recreation in this beautiful natural setting.

Have you ever visited Fort Tuthill? What are some of your favorite places to hike in Flagstaff?