Attraction of the Week: The Beautiful Trails at Northern Arizona’s Fort Tuthill County Park
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Fort Tuthill is a beautiful 413 acre Northern Arizona park located in Coconino County just outside of Flagstaff. I lived just minutes down the road in Kachina Village and used this beautiful local park throughout the seasons. This local gem offers plenty of amenities including: tennis, basketball & volleyball courts, an amphitheater, picnic shelters, an adventure course, and several miles of pine-lined hiking and biking trails.
All of these wonderful activities can be enjoyed in a beautiful forested setting. Flagstaff, a gorgeous small mountain town, is a beautiful 4 season destination located within the country’s largest ponderosa pine forest. Phoenix locals come up in droves to escape the heat and play in the snow, but fortunately most of the time they skip this park. I absolutely love biking and running here in the summer, as well as snowshoeing after a monster winter storm (I’ve lived through 2 blizzards).
A summer oasis
The picturesque high altitude setting of Flagstaff is much different than the low desert you will find in Phoenix and Tucson. For Phoenix locals, I imagine not having to set the alarm to hike or bike would be a nice treat. I have visited the city many times in the dead of summer and I am all too familiar with setting out on a trail by 5am to beat the heat. In Flagstaff, pines replace cacti and 70 and 80 degree temps replace never end dog days of brutal 100+ degrees.
This park is one of my favorite summer recreational spots because the tall trees provide a lot of shade. While the temps are cool, the sun can still be quite intense at this high of an altitude.
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.
Spending a few hours at this park is a fun and free way to get in some exercise and enjoy the city’s main amenity which is its’ scenic beauty. Most of the trails around this area are actually free, and i recommend checking out some of he best while you are vacationing here.
In addition, there are plenty of events to look forward to throughout the year including a rodeo and the popular annual Coconino County fair. My favorite event is the 4th of July concert which is free courtesy of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. This group is really talented. I really loved all their songs and I couldn’t get “Get your Kicks on Route 66” out of my head for months.
FUTS trail system
The FUTS (Flagstaff Urban Trail system) is an extensive network of 50+ miles of city wide trails. This mountain town is just so great for active types. I never have a problem finding a gorgeous place to train for a half marathon or 5k race. I actually did really well in the Las Vegas Rock N’Roll half thanks to my half marathon training mostly on the high altitude (7000 ft) trails of Ft Tuthill.
At this park, you will find a nice relatively flat section of the FUTS which travels 5 miles into the 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 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.
Trailheads for the FUTS 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. This park offers the best stretch in my opinion.
Other trails to check out
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 this trail, you will start on the FUTS. 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. I saw a fox here once which was pretty cool. This trail is suited for hikers and more advanced mountain bikers due to steep hills and rocky sections to navigate through.
Winter fun!
During the snowy winter months, you will be able to enjoy the park in a completely different setting. Personally, I love the winter and can’t wait to get out there after a storm. I love switching up my activities each season. 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. This park is amazing for snowshoeing after a big storm. You can check out more of my favorite destinations to head out to after a massive blizzard (which isn’t rare at all).
The best year-round fitness destination in the city
Fort Tuthill is a fantastic year-round recreational paradise with endless opportunities for fun no matter what time of the year you visit. The only time I would say to skip is during the peak of fall and this is only because there are so many amazing aspen trees located along the high altitude trails in the mountains. Check out Aspen Nature Loop and Inner Basin if you are interested in leaf peeping.
