Hiking the San Francisco Peaks: Flagstaff’s Aspen Nature Loop
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Since moving to Flagstaff, my top place to hike has been the trails up at Snowbowl. I absolutely love this area and you can find me here pretty much any weekend I am not traveling elsewhere. My favorite trail here is The Aspen Nature Loop, a very scenic 1.8 mile loop hike which is loaded with pines and aspens thanks to the high altitude. This trail is a cool escape in the summer, a leaf peeping hotspot in fall, and a winter playground after a big storm.
Snowbowl is located just 7 miles outside of Flagstaff and I highly recommend a trip if you are looking for the best hiking near the city. Even the drive up is incredible enough to justify the hike. Although this ski resort is a very popular winter destination for those coming from hot areas in the Southwest, many do not know that it is also a fabulous summertime, spring, and fall destination.
This wonderful 4 season area offers many activities to enjoy as the seasons change. If you are looking to hike the shortest and easiest trail, this is the one that I would recommend for first time visitors. You will get to enjoy some of the best mountain views in town via moderate effort.
The best short & scenic hike at Snowbowl
Out of the 3 trails available at this ski resort, which sits on the western slope of the San Francisco Peaks, the Aspen loop is the easiest and least time consuming. However, this trail sits at 8000+ feet, so if you are not acclimated, the hike will feel harder. The visitor center will be able to give you some good tips on how to prepare for high altitude. You can also read through some safety tips from the CDC before your visit. The first week I moved to this area, I could barely do anything. It took me a while to get used to the thinner air.
Other trail options include the 5 mile long Kachina trail (another beauty in the fall) and the very intense 4.5 mile hike to Humphreys Peak, which involves a challenging climb up to 12,633 feet (making it the tallest point in Arizona).
A gorgeous trek through aspen & pines
This trail is an ideal option for those getting used to the region’s high elevation, as the route is mostly flat and should only take an hour or so. Be sure to eat electrolyte snacks and drink plenty of water as per the high altitude adjustment tips. I also recommend getting acclimated to the high elevation in town for a few days before attempting to hike any of the high elevated trails.
Beautiful aspen, spruce, and pine trees line this trail so there is a nice mix of different plant life. I really love walking through the groves of aspen trees. It’s such a great nature experience and I really feel like I am totally disconnecting from technology here.
Another great aspect of this hike is that you can hike even on the hottest of summer days due to the 8000+ foot location. At this high up, the temps are usually at least 15-20 degrees. What a difference this makes on a hot summer day! The sun in this area is pretty intense and this dark forest stays pretty cool.
4 season fun!
This trail also happens to be a great leaf peeping choice due to the abundance of aspen groves. I recommend hiking both during the summer and fall to witness the beautiful change in color over the seasons. As a resident, I have enjoyed seeing this trail go from lush green aspens and pines, to golden aspens, to snowy pines and snow capped mountains.
A surprisingly peaceful trek
The hike is peaceful and surprisingly not overcrowded, even on summer weekends. I have never seen more than a handful of hikers at a time. Most tourists tend to head over to the chairlift rides which is a nice alternative for non hikers. Most of the time, I hear nothing but the sound of trees rustling in the wind. Some fall weekends are a bit busier, but most tourists tend to congregate near the front of the trail taking pictures.
Views of volcanic fields, open meadows, mountains, and even the Grand Canyon on a clear day, make this one of the most photo worthy trails in town. It’s so easy to take great pictures as we see nothing but nature in every direction. During the summer months, you will see many gorgeous wildflowers. If you hike early in the morning, you may catch a glimpse of wildlife. Unfortunately, no matter how many times we hike this trail, we have never seen anything.
A great daytrip from Phoenix
Whether you hike summer, spring, or fall, this truly is one of the most gorgeous and relaxing hikes in the Flagstaff area. If you are traveling from Phoenix, I promise you will be impressed by the beauty of this trail. It’s so different from the rest of the state. You will get to enjoy some cooler temps and scenery not found anywhere in the Sonoran desert. While I love the exotic cacti in southern Arizona, this region of the state has its’ own unique appeal.
Directions/Parking
Address: The loop is located at Arizona Snowbowl: 9300 N Snowbowl Road. There is no fee to park. From the parking lot, you will be able to see the trailhead. Both the Humphrey’s Peak and Aspen Loop start at the same location. Be sure to follow the directions for this loop. The trail is well-marked and should be very easy to follow! Leashed pets allowed.
Trail details
- Distance: 1.8 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 278 ft
- Dogs allowed: Yes, leashed
Helpful Tips for a great hike
- Bring plenty of water and a snack or 2.
- Eat a good lunch after your hike. Delhi Palace is the best Indian food I’ve ever tasted and my favorite restaurant in town. You can check out a few more of my favorite local restaurants for more details.
- Remember you are at high altitude. Take more breaks along the way as your body will be working much harder with less oxygen in the air.
- Check the weather. It’s not safe to hike in the area during a storm. Monsoons are frequent during the summer months. Also be aware that the weather changes very quickly in high elevation areas.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes and workout clothes. Wear layers during the cooler months.
- Hike early in the morning for fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and more opportunities to see wildlife.
- Give yourself plenty of time to complete the hike. Don’t arrive too close to sunset.
- Cover yourself with plenty of sunscreen and/or wear a hat. You are more likely to burnt at high altitude. Sunglasses are also a must so you do not have to squint the entire time.
