Buffalo Park: The Best Views of Arizona’s Highest Mountain Range
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Beautiful Flagstaff, a 4 season outdoor adventureland in Northern Arizona, is located just 7 miles from the magnificent San Francisco peaks. At 12,633 feet, Humphreys Peak, the summit, is the highest in the state. The gorgeous mountains can be seen from several locations throughout the city, the best being Buffalo Park, a beautiful mountain recreational area located in the heart of the city just minutes from downtown.
This is the first park I visited after relocating to the city. I moved here from Florida so I was especially fascinated by the breathtaking mountain scenery after a year living in a flat suburb of Tampa. This park really gave me a great overall impression of the area. Over my time living here, I spent more and more time hiking, biking, and even snowshoeing during the winter season. There are so many great hikes everywhere in this region, but this one is so close to the downtown and easy to get to for a quick weekday stroll or bike ride.
A Year-Round Recreational Oasis
The town of Flagstaff is vastly different from the Arizona you are picturing. Snow capped mountains and beautiful ponderosa pine forests replace palms and cacti. The high elevation (7000 feet) means cool summer temperatures when you need an escape from the brutally hot Phoenix summers, and lots of opportunities for winter sports after a big snowstorm.
Interestingly, I learned that it is one of the snowiest cities in the US, with an average snowfall of 100+ inches per year. Coming from Florida, it was fun to experience a true winter again. I am originally from the Midwest (Chicago) so I am no stranger to the snow. The difference here is that it’s fun to play in the snow and I picked up snowshoeing and cross country skiing as pasttimes since relocating.
Buffalo throughout the seasons…
The 2 mile loop: Lots of beauty packed into a short trail
This park is the most easily accessible place to enjoy the big mountain views. The main amenity here is a 2 mile loop on top of an ancient lava flow called McMillan Mesa. Back in the early 60’s, the park operated as a wildlife park, but was later turned into the beautiful recreational area which stands today.
Not taking into account the high altitude (which you should prepare for before exercise), this trail is relatively easy with only one hill. The trail is very wide, so it can accommodate large crowds (it is one of the most popular trails in the city, so it can get crowded at times). Getting that daily exercise in is so much easier when you get to enjoy big views like this!
Along the way, you will find a variety of fitness stations if you feel like testing your aerobic and strength capacity. These are so hard but I like attempting to complete them every now and then.
Go here for the top mountain views in the city
The beautiful mountain views here can’t be topped anywhere else in the city. What a great amenity that locals like myself get to enjoy all year for free. Although you can see the mountains while driving around town, it just isn’t the same as walking around taking in the views in a more natural setting. You will get to see the San Francisco peaks, Mount Elden, and the Dry Lake Hills.
Along the way, the scenery varies from wide open grasslands to beautiful wooded land, all the time with gorgeous views of the mountains comprising the backdrop. The trail here is much flatter and the elevation lower than Snowbowl Rd hikes (the town’s ski resort), so a great choice for beginners. I recommend first time visitors not used to the altitude attempt an easier trail like this one before moving on to the more scenic 8000+ foot treks in the metro.
The place to be during the summer
Summertime is a great time to get out there, get in some fresh air and take in wonderful views, while also getting in a moderate hiking or biking workout. The temps are so perfect this time of year, usually not topping the low 80’s. Of course this means Phoenix locals flood the area every weekend.
The main loop is just 2 miles so great for an easy short stroll just to get your workout in. Of course, we sometimes loop around more than once to get in a harder workout. The choice is up to you – with views like this, you may want to go on a bit longer.
I prefer biking and walking during the summer season, although the trail can be used any season. As one downside, there are no aspens here so you won’t see any fall colors. The Snowbowl trails shine during the autumn season. I recommend taking a drive up here if your visit falls during October.
As a side note, monsoons are super common during the summer season. They can be dangerous with intense flooding and lighting. You need to prepared at any time as the skies can change fast. I didn’t really know much about the climate before relocating, but I now know to be prepared. On a positive note, the dark storm clouds create an attractive moody ambiance. As a fan of gloomy weather, sometimes I stay out a bit longer than I should!
A Winter Wonderland escape
Following a fresh snowstorm, I usually get my snowshoes out and enjoy the snow before it all melts. Unfortunately, even if we get 30 inches, it melts fast in town due to the strong sunshine and lack of shade trees. The snow does hang around Snowbowl much longer. If you are into snowshoeing, you can check out some of my top picks in town.
The mountains and pines look incredible when topped with fresh snow. We see locals out cross country skiing all the time. There are not any official groomed trails so we prefer to head to the Nordic Center as relative newbies. It’s a true winter wonderland, especially for those coming from warmer climates who otherwise have no chance of seeing gorgeous snow. I am not surprised that so many southern Arizona residents flee here to ski and play in the snow. As a former resident of Tampa, I admit that the endless sun, warm temps, and unchanging scenery can get a bit monotone.
After a light dusting of snow…
After a 30+ inch, 3 day blizzard!
The wonderful FUTS
This park is part of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS), a network of 50+ miles of community trails spread around the city. Another great park which I recommend is Ft. Tuthill. This is a low-key gem that doesn’t get visited as much by the tourists. I love biking and running here, as well as snowshoeing after a big storm. There are more views of ponderosa pines here than mountains, but the setting is so pretty and tranquil for any type of exercise.
Location
This park is conveniently located just a short drive from downtown, making it the perfect stop before or after lunch. A few downtown cafes I recommend include: Beaver Street Brewery, Mix, and Lumberyard Brewing.
Address: 2400 N Gemini Rd Flagstaff, AZ.
Parking is free.
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
Accessibility: The main park loop can be used with wheelchairs and strollers.
