Gunsight rocks near the highest point.
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Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS)

4.6
·548 reviews·Flagstaff, United States

Extensive urban trail system offering diverse terrain, scenic views of Flagstaff, and volcanic rock formations. Perfect for hiking, biking, and runnin...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Gunsight rocks near the highest point.

Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS)

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Extensive urban trail system offering diverse terrain, scenic views of Flagstaff, and volcanic rock formations. Perfect for hiking, biking, and running.

4.6
(548 reviews)

"A wonderful way to spend an hour with gorgeous scenery and perfect hiking weather."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Rocky sections and varied terrain call for good hiking shoes.

💧 Hydrate Adequately

Higher elevation means you need more water than usual.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fat Man's Loop

Fat Man's Loop

Near Buffalo Park

A popular, moderate hike with unique volcanic rock formations and city views. Great for a quick outdoor escape.

Buffalo Park Trails

Buffalo Park Trails

Central Flagstaff

Offers expansive meadows and scenic overlooks of the city and surrounding San Francisco Peaks. Accessible and well-maintained.

Lone Tree Trail

Lone Tree Trail

Northern Flagstaff

A picturesque route, perfect for biking or walking, with beautiful desert flora and mountain vistas.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Trails: FUTS Essentials

The Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) offers miles of scenic paths. Consider bringing a trail app for navigation, especially on rocky sections. Wear sturdy shoes for varied terrain and pack extra water, as the higher elevation can be dehydrating. Reddit

Best Times to Explore FUTS

To avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Summer can be hot, so early starts are recommended. Check local conditions, especially after rain or snow, as some trails can become muddy. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring & Fall
Why
Ideal weather, beautiful scenery
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We love getting out of the heat and seeing some fall nature vibes 😍 #flagstaffarizona #fallleaves #aspenlooptrail #arizonacheck #thingstodoinarizona #hikingtrailsarizona
@candidlycourt
4.8K likes • 105.2K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Rocky sections and varied terrain call for good hiking shoes. Reddit

💧 Hydrate Adequately

Higher elevation means you need more water than usual. Reddit

LEAF ALERT 💛⚠️✨️🟨🌝 The aspens are in full ✨️let it go✨️mode 📍Aspen Loop Trail in Flagstaff, AZ 💛Dog and kid friendly 💛2.7 miles round-trip 💛trailhead next to a scenic gondola if that's your thing 💛large enough Grove to throw up a hammock and chill 💛Temps around 65° F right now! I missed it last year and I'm so glad I was able to make the day trip to see the trees this year 🫶🏼😌 #fallinarizona #...
@haley.wanders
3.4K likes • 58.5K views
FUTS, or the Flagstaff Urban Trail System, is pretty FUN. Within 24 hours we rode 17 miles. @lectricebikes #ebikes #Flagstaff #Arizona
clarkdalechihuahuaclub
12 likes • 207 views

📱 Use a Trail App

Helpful for navigating rocky or less-marked sections. Reddit

🚴 E-bike Friendly

Many trails are great for e-bikes, covering more ground! TikTok

What a beautiful day for a bike ride! Lone tree to a segment of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS), then NAU’s campus. Be safe out there and enjoy this great weather! #flagstaff #BikeMonth
flagstaffbikingorg
83 likes • 1.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Rocky sections and varied terrain call for good hiking shoes. Reddit

💧 Hydrate Adequately

Higher elevation means you need more water than usual. Reddit

📱 Use a Trail App

Helpful for navigating rocky or less-marked sections. Reddit

🚴 E-bike Friendly

Many trails are great for e-bikes, covering more ground! TikTok

🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths

Leashed dogs are welcome on most FUTS trails. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(548 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) for its accessibility, scenic beauty, and variety of trails suitable for different activities. Many appreciate the well-marked paths and the opportunity to explore Flagstaff's natural surroundings. Some note that certain rocky sections can be tricky to navigate without a map or app.

"Great hike! Not many fat men on the trail and there were a couple of tricky spots, but overall it’s a wonderful way to spend an hour. the scenery is gorgeous and on a cool day in December, it was perfect hiking weather."

Simon Clewlow

"Lovely, clearly marked trail with lots of gorgeous views. You may want to use a trail app for the rocky section. The scramble is not very difficult. There's just not much that makes the trail easily visible as you navigate through and over large rock formations."

Eadie Lamb

"This was a great " get back into hiking" trail. Plenty of shade, and a gradual incline to the top. Wear good shoes as there are a lot of large/medium rocks"

K-Leigh Dane

What People Like

Scenic city and mountain views
Variety of trail types
Well-maintained paths

What People Dislike

Rocky sections can be tricky

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

FUTS is accessible from numerous trailheads throughout Flagstaff. Popular access points include Buffalo Park, Bushmaster Park, and various neighborhood entrances. Many are easily reachable by car with dedicated parking lots. Instagram

Some trailheads may be accessible via local bus routes, but direct access can be limited. It's best to check the Flagstaff public transit schedule for routes near your desired trailhead. Instagram

Yes, many trails connect to or are accessible from downtown. The urban nature of FUTS makes it convenient for cyclists to reach from various parts of the city. Instagram

Most FUTS trailheads offer free parking. However, it's always a good idea to check signage at specific locations, as some areas might have restrictions or associated park fees. Reddit

Utilize online maps or FUTS trail maps available through the city of Flagstaff's website. Many apps also show trail access points. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) is a public park system and does not require tickets or admission fees for access. Enjoy the trails freely! TikTok

FUTS trails are generally open from dawn to dusk. However, specific park hours may vary, so it's advisable to check signage at individual trailheads. Instagram

There are no fees to hike, bike, or run on the Flagstaff Urban Trail System. It's a free public amenity for residents and visitors. TikTok

Reservations are not necessary for general use of the FUTS. The trails are open to all on a first-come, first-served basis. Reddit

For general recreational use like hiking and biking, no special permits are required. Special events or commercial activities may require permits from the city. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The terrain varies greatly, from paved paths and packed dirt trails to rocky, uneven surfaces, especially on routes like Fat Man's Loop. Reddit Expect some inclines and descents. Reddit

Many FUTS trails are well-marked with signage. However, on more rugged sections or at trail junctions, using a navigation app or map is recommended to stay on course. Reddit

For beginners, trails around Buffalo Park offer flatter, more open terrain. Paved sections are also ideal for those new to hiking or biking. Instagram

Restrooms are typically available at larger trailheads and parks, such as Buffalo Park and Bushmaster Park. Smaller access points may not have facilities. Instagram

Paved sections of FUTS are generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. However, many natural surface trails can be challenging due to rocks and uneven ground. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Scenic overlooks, especially those offering views of the city and the San Francisco Peaks, are prime photo spots. The unique volcanic rock formations on trails like Fat Man's Loop also make for striking images. Reddit

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photos. Midday can be harsh, but offers good opportunities to capture the textures of the rock formations. Instagram

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for expansive city views. Don't forget a sturdy tripod if you plan for low-light shots. Instagram

Keep an eye out for unique plant life, wildlife (though less common), and the dramatic contrast between the urban landscape and the natural environment. The volcanic rocks themselves offer great photographic subjects. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to city regulations. It's essential to check current FAA and local Flagstaff ordinances regarding drone operation in public parks and urban areas before flying. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) offers fantastic opportunities for families. Trails around Buffalo Park are generally flat and open, perfect for younger children to explore and run around. Instagram Paved sections are also ideal for strollers, making it accessible for even the littlest adventurers. For slightly older kids, the moderate challenge of Fat Man's Loop can be an exciting adventure, with its unique rock formations to discover. Reddit

Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as the elevation can tire out little ones quickly. Reddit Keep an eye on them, especially on rockier trails, and consider using a trail app to ensure you stay on the intended path. The urban nature of FUTS means you're never too far from amenities, making it a convenient choice for a family outing. TikTok

🚴 Cyclists and E-bike Enthusiasts

FUTS is a cyclist's dream, with a vast network of trails catering to various skill levels. Many sections are smooth and well-maintained, perfect for road bikes or hybrids, while others offer more challenging singletrack for mountain bikers. Instagram The advent of e-bikes has made exploring even more of the extensive FUTS network accessible, allowing riders to cover more ground and tackle inclines with ease. TikTok Remember to be courteous to other trail users and follow any posted signage regarding bike usage. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Hikers Seeking Views

For those who love a good view, FUTS delivers. Trails like Fat Man's Loop and those around Buffalo Park offer stunning panoramas of Flagstaff and the surrounding San Francisco Peaks. Reddit The varied terrain means you can find anything from a gentle stroll with city vistas to a more challenging climb rewarded with breathtaking scenery. Reddit Consider going clockwise on Fat Man's Loop for a more challenging ascent with rewarding views on the way up. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trails: FUTS Maps & Apps

The Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) is an extensive network, and while many sections are intuitive, having a reliable navigation tool is highly recommended. The city of Flagstaff often provides official FUTS maps online, detailing the various trails, their lengths, and connections. For real-time tracking and more detailed topographical information, consider using popular hiking apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS. These apps can be invaluable, especially on more rugged or less clearly marked segments, such as the rocky scramble on Fat Man's Loop. Reddit

Many users on Reddit and social media recommend downloading offline maps before heading out, as cell service can be spotty in certain areas. This ensures you can always find your way back, even without a signal. Reddit The integration of e-bikes on many FUTS trails also means that covering longer distances is feasible, making a good map or app even more crucial for planning your route and ensuring you don't miss key viewpoints or connections. TikTok

Trail Etiquette and Safety on FUTS

To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone on the Flagstaff Urban Trail System, adhering to trail etiquette is key. This includes yielding to uphill hikers and bikers, keeping dogs on a leash, and packing out all trash. Instagram Be mindful of other users, especially on narrower paths, and communicate your presence when approaching from behind. Remember that FUTS trails are shared by hikers, runners, cyclists, and sometimes even equestrians.

Safety on FUTS involves being prepared for the environment. The higher elevation of Flagstaff means you should drink more water than you typically would, even on shorter hikes. Reddit Wear appropriate footwear, as many trails feature rocky or uneven terrain. Reddit It's also wise to be aware of the weather, which can change rapidly in Northern Arizona. Carrying a basic first-aid kit and letting someone know your hiking plans can add an extra layer of security. TikTok

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