LOWER OLDHAM-ROCKY RIDGE-EASY OLDHAM LOOP
Coconino National Forest
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| Boulders on Lower Oldham trail May 19, 2012 |
Loop trails are the big thing in Flagstaff’s Elden
Mountain-Dry Lakes Hills area.
Every trail connects with another making for myriad hiking options,
especially on the west side which was spared from the 2010 Shultz Fire. Oldham trail #1 is an easy-to-access
route leading to some of the most scenic and heavily traveled loops—most
notably, the Brookbank and Sunset trails.
Pine, fir and oak trees shade much of the area and several experimental
forests and aspen regeneration projects add interest for kids and forest-loving
adults alike. With so many
choices, selecting an Elden-area loop hike is a tough decision but, this day, we
decided to connect with the Lower Oldham, Rocky Ridge and Easy Oldham trails.
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| Rocky Ridge trail |
Here’s what we did:
Begin at Buffalo Park and hike 0.5 mile straight thru to the Lower
Oldham trailhead—which is also a portion of the Arizona Trail (AZT). Hike 0.4 mile to the first junction,
veer right (northeast) and hike another 0.4 mile to the second junction at
Pipeline/Fatmans trail. Continue
hiking northeast (follow the AZT signs) for another mile to the third junction
where a sign for Rocky Ridge Access indicates that the AZT turns west (left) here. This will be the return part
of the loop, so continue 0.8 mile north (stay straight) to the big Lower Oldham
trailhead on FR557 (Elden Summit Road).
From here, cross the road, pick up Rocky Ridge trail and follow it 0.8
mile to the turnoff for Rocky Ridge Access/AZT---this will be a 3-way
junction. Your path is located
slightly downhill near a giant boulder.
Heading east, hike 0.3 mile back to Lower Oldham, turn right (south) and
retrace your steps back to Buffalo Park.
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| Mount Elden seen from Lower Oldham trail |
LENGTH: 7.1-mile loop
RATING: easy-moderate
ELEVATION:
7110’ – 7580’
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 146 miles one way
DOGS: dogs must be on leash in Buffalo Park
KID FRIENDLY?: yes
BEST SEASON: late April - November
GETTING THERE:
From Flagstaff, travel north on Fort Valley Road (US180) to
Forest Ave. Turn left and continue
to the stop light at Gemini Drive.
Turn left and follow the signs to the park.
INFO & MAP: Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National
Forest, 928-526-0866
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