Mount Elden Lookout Trail
Hike to the summit of Mt. Elden for panoramic Flagstaff views from a historic fire lookout tower. A challenging climb with diverse ecosystems.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild temps, fewer crowds
Mount Elden Lookout Trail
Best Time
Mild temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to the summit of Mt. Elden for panoramic Flagstaff views from a historic fire lookout tower. A challenging climb with diverse ecosystems.
"The scenery at the top and while ascending is absolutely worth it though!"
💧 Bring Extra Water!
The trail is exposed and has significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Rocky and steep terrain requires good hiking boots for stability and ankle support.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Elden Lookout Tower
Summit
Reach the historic fire lookout tower for panoramic views of Flagstaff and the surrounding San Francisco Peaks.
Diverse Ecosystems
Along the trail
Experience a fascinating transition from oak and pine forests to alpine flora as you ascend.
Challenging Ascent
Entire trail
A strenuous but rewarding climb with switchbacks and rocky sections that offer a great workout.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Elevation and Sun
Trail Navigation and Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Extra Water!
The trail is exposed and has significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Rocky and steep terrain requires good hiking boots for stability and ankle support.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Some paths are undocumented. Use a GPS app or download offline maps to stay on track.
☀️ Sun Protection
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential, especially during summer mornings.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Extra Water!
The trail is exposed and has significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Rocky and steep terrain requires good hiking boots for stability and ankle support.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Some paths are undocumented. Use a GPS app or download offline maps to stay on track.
☀️ Sun Protection
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential, especially during summer mornings.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Option
Fat Man's Loop is a less crowded, dog-friendly alternative nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking summit views and the rewarding challenge of the Mount Elden Lookout Trail. The diverse ecosystems and the historic lookout tower are significant highlights. However, some find the trail difficult to follow at times and note the lack of amenities like restrooms.
"Mount Elden summit trail is a switchback/stair climber in places and is very warm on summer mornings as it is exposed to the east. Quick transition to alpine demonstrates amazing diversity in oaks, pines, fir...
Sunblock and extra water. Small steps up equal sure steps down. Proper footwear highly recommended. Enjoy! ✌️"
John Botamer
"Challenging hike with rocky, steep trail that can be hard to follow at times. The scenery at the top and while accending is absolutley worth it though! Plenty of wildlife such as a horned lizard greeted us on our way down in the afternoon. I would not reccomend this hike for solo hiking due to potentially dangerous terrain and elevation gain, but a great group hike. Took us 5 hours to complete out and back."
Hayden Rice
"Hard workout, if you like getting on a step mill forever 🤣, that is the amazing workout. Views are outstanding and. Such a rewarding experience"
Beth lewis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mount Elden Lookout Road Parking Lot is the primary access point. The road can get washboarded but is generally fine for most vehicles, including Foresters.
The road is typically open year-round, but conditions can vary, especially in winter. Check local conditions before driving up.
No, you can drive to the parking lot near the summit, but the final ascent to the lookout tower is via hiking trails.
Mount Elden Lookout Trail is located near Flagstaff, Arizona, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors. +1
Public transport options are limited. Driving to the trailhead is the most common and recommended method.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee for Mount Elden Lookout Trail. It is a public access area.
The trail is generally accessible from dawn to dusk. The lookout tower itself may have specific hours, but the trail is open.
No, advance booking is not required for Mount Elden Lookout Trail as it is a public hiking area.
No specific permits are required for day hiking on Mount Elden Lookout Trail.
While the trail is accessible, the lookout tower's access might be restricted outside of specific hours or during maintenance. It's best to check locally if you have specific tower access plans. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 5.3 to 6.4 miles round trip and can take 4-5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops.
Expect a significant elevation gain of around 1,900 to 2,400 feet, making it a challenging workout. 
Due to the steepness and rocky terrain, it's considered a challenging hike. Beginners might find it strenuous, but it's doable with preparation.
There are no restrooms available at the Elden Lookout Road Parking Lot. Plan accordingly.
You might encounter diverse wildlife, including horned lizards and various birds.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers stunning panoramic views of Flagstaff and the surrounding landscape. The lookout tower itself is also a great subject. +1
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour lighting, while midday provides clear, expansive views.
The summit lookout tower provides the most expansive views. Various points along the trail also offer scenic vistas.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Forest Service for current rules regarding drone operation in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is recommended for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The diverse plant life and potential for wildlife sightings can keep younger hikers engaged. 🏃♀️ Trail Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
+1 Runners often describe the climb as akin to a prolonged stair-stepper session, making it ideal for training. 📸 Photographers and View Seekers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas and be prepared for varying light conditions throughout the day. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails and Road
For those seeking a less crowded experience or a different challenge, Fat Man's Loop Trail is often mentioned as a good alternative. It's described as less crowded and challenging, making it a favorite for some hikers and their dogs.
When planning your visit, remember that the trail is exposed, especially during warmer months. The transition from lower elevations to the alpine environment showcases a remarkable diversity of plant life, from oaks to pines and firs, adding to the scenic beauty of the hike.
Preparing for the Climb: What to Pack and Expect
+1 This strenuous climb is often compared to a long session on a stair-stepper, offering a serious workout. Proper footwear is paramount. The trail is rocky and steep in sections, making sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support essential for safety and comfort.
For those training for more extensive hikes, like the Grand Canyon, Mount Elden offers a comparable challenge with its significant elevation gain and starting elevation of around 6,900 feet in Flagstaff.
The Mount Elden Lookout Tower Experience
Reaching the top provides a sense of accomplishment and a stunning reward for the challenging climb. Photographers will find ample opportunities at the summit, with wide-open vistas perfect for capturing the landscape.
While the trail is generally accessible, it's worth noting that the lookout tower itself might have specific access hours or be subject to closure for maintenance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit