SKUNK CANYON-ARIZONA TRAIL-FLAGSTAFF LOOP CIRCUIT
SKUNK CANYON-ARIZONA TRAIL-FLAGSTAFF
LOOP CIRCUIT
Flagstaff
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| Entrance to the Skunk Canyon slot |
This pleasant stroll links a
short, lesser known route with two of Flagstaff's most popular
trails.
Offering a backdoor into a
heavily used recreational corridor, Skunk Canyon Trail is a sleepy
little gem accessible off of Flagstaff's Lake Mary Road near Walnut
Canyon that shares dirt with the Flagstaff Loop and Arizona Trail.
Over its 2.7-mile course, the 2-track trail follows the contours of a
shallow gorge that morphs from a sun drenched, gaping meadow of
hip-deep grasses and wildflowers into a skinny path in a woodsy slot
canyon dripping in moss. Inside the slot "jewel" of the
trail, towering pines, shallow limestone caves and tangled brambles
complement its deeply shaded drainage.
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| Flagstaff Loop Trail |
After emerging from the dark
forest, the trail enters another meadow before plugging in to Passage
# 33 of the Arizona Trail. The AZT leg of the hike is a mile-long
walk on a closed road under a canopy of Ponderosa pines to the
junction with the Flagstaff Loop Trail. Sustainably constructed,
the FLT makes a non-motorized hoop around town using sections of
existing forest trails, abandoned roads and urban paths. When
complete, the 42-mile project will anchor an interlaced trail system
that will minimize negative environmental impacts and preserve green
space for outdoor enthusiasts. This portion of the hike follows a
single track on the slopes above Skunk Canyon and features glimpses
of the San Francisco Peaks and Mount Elden. Loamy soils and a
patchwork of sun and shade provide ideal habitats for flowering
plants like Richardson's geranium, wild lima bean, Western blue flax,
sunflowers and the mint-scented blooms of New Mexican vervain.
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| Stock tank along Skunk Canyon Trail |
Hike Directions:
From the trailhead, hike out
on the Skunk Canyon Trail--a dirt 2-track heading northeast. At the
half-mile point, veer right onto a wider dirt road heading into a
meadow. Ignore all unsigned spur paths. Do not be confused by the bikers you will probably see racing along a trail to the left---that's the Flagstaff Loop Trail and this trip's return route. Stay on the 2-track that passes by two stock tanks before narrowing into a single track that enters the slot canyon. At 2.7 miles you'll come to
an unsigned "T" junction at the Arizona Trail. Turn left
here and hike 1 mile to the signed Flagstaff Loop junction, turn
left and hike 1.3 miles back to the Skunk Canyon Trail and retrace your steps 1.3 miles to the parking area.
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| Richardson's geranium |
LENGTH: 6.3 miles
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 6,475' - 7,027'
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| Western blue flax |
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, go north on Interstate 17
to exit 339, Lake Mary Road (Forest Road 3)
located just south of the I-40/I-17 interchange in Flagstaff.
From the bottom of the off ramp (across from a Circle K), turn right
and go 2.1 miles south on Lake Mary Road to S J Diamond Road on the
left. Follow this good dirt road 0.2 mile to the end where there's a
small parking area and gate. Generic forest service and game &
fish signs are posted, but nothing indicating �Skunk Canyon�--no
worries though, you're in the right place.
INFO:
Flagstaff Loop Trail:
Arizona Trail Association
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