big man tips

CRYSTAL POINT TRAIL First glimpses of Sedona on the way up to Crystal Point Cut into a gentle ridgeline where the red rock marvels of Sedona melt into Flagstaff�s tall pines and mountainous terrain, Crystal Point Trail provides a taste of both worlds. Franciscan Bells decorate the trail The trail has been adopted by the Munds Park Trail Stewards (MUTS), an organization that maintains recreational routes around the community.   Thanks to volunteer workers who perform regular maintenance, the trail is neatly brushed, signed and switchback-mitigated.   The non-motorized path makes an easy climb through pine-oak woodlands, meadows and edges bolstered by lichen-encrusted boulders.   Even in dry years, high-country wildflowers like brilliant blue Franciscan Bells add pops of color in sunny spots along the way. The trail�s appeal is rooted in its birds-eye glimpses of Sedona that begin to appear through the trees about a half-mile into the hike.   Summit ammo boxes hold tra...

MUD TANK TRAIL, BRAD'S TRAIL & FROG TANK LOOP Munds Park Trail System Mud Tank Just off Interstate 17 a few miles south of Flagstaff, a mix of Coconino National Forest roads and footpaths have been adopted by the Munds Park Trail Stewards-- a non-profit organization that maintains and builds recreational routes around the mountain community. The Munds Park Trail System offers a varied menu of both ATV and hiker options enhanced with a plethora of eye candy and points of interest. Typical scene on the Mud Tank Trail The Iron Springs Trailhead serves as the system�s nerve center with a map kiosk showing an overview of the entire matrix as well as providing a launch point for the Mud Tank Trail, Brad�s Trail and Frog Tank Loop. A good way to get warmed up before exploring the system�s longer routes is to step out on the Mud Tank Trail.   This effortless walk among Ponderosa pines is open to hikers, bikers and equestrians and culminates at a stock pond. The watering hole is a quiet...