Wayne McCormick
Broker/Owner
Realty Executives of Northern Arizona
Flagstaff, Arizona is an international popular destination as a training location for runner's in preparation for athletes competing in Olympic Games. Canadian triathlete Simon Whitfield, Gold Medal Winner at the 2000 Olympic in Sydney has used the Center for High Altitude Training at NAU in preparation for 2008 games. During Mr. Whitfield's stay in Flagstaff in February he noted a luxury many locals have known about for years... "Ten minutes out on the Urban Trail and you're in the middle of no-where in some Alpine Meadow", "that's good for your soul," Whitfield said.
Flagstaff is now getting attention nationally because of its running trails. Trail Runner Magazine named Flagstaff one of the "Top 7 Trail Towns" in the U.S. and Canada while Runner's World is featuring Flagstaff as a destination running spot in its "On the Road" feature. Both stories can be found in the magazines' September issues. In the Trail Runner article it states "you want to train in a town that will take your breath away - both with it's gorgeous views and lack of oxygen". "Trails leaving right from town plug into a lattice of loops on public lands, long and short, all in the shadow of the fantastically abrupt, snow-capped San Francisco Peaks", the article reads. The story mentions four trails in Flagstaff and another near Sedona.
The Tunnel Trail and the 'tunnel of color' in Weatherford Canyon can start from the same parking spot.
By Randy Wilson
It's going to be busy this Saturday up at Schultz Pass. The annual Soulstice Run uses Schultz Tank for overflow parking and the leaf-peepers will be out in force.
So here's a hint: Avoid the congestion and try the Kachina Trail from the Snowbowl side of the Peaks. But that means you would miss out on two of the highlights of any fall foliage season in Flagstaff: The Waterline Road (aka, the Tunnel Trail) and Weatherford Canyon (aka, the Tunnel of Color).
Fortunately, each can be accessed from a side road off Schultz Pass, avoiding the hassle of parking at Schultz Tank. In fact, we use the same parking spot for both trips.
The road is marked on maps as FR 146, and it is about 250 yards east of Schultz Tank on the left. The road heads uphill for about a quarter-mile before crossing a gas pipeline corridor. Then, in about 200 yards, a rock campfire circle will appear on the left, with parking for about four or five cars. Signs marking the Kachina Peaks Wilderness boundary are just behind the campfire ring (no bicycles allowed).
For Weatherford Canyon hikers, this is an alternative trailhead to Schultz Tank. The trail starts just beyond the wilderness signs, and it enters the bottom of Weatherford Canyon in less than a mile. The doghair aspens (dating back to the monster winter snows of 1967-68) were in full color this past Sunday afternoon, making for one of the most spectacular displays on the Peaks.
Hikers can follow the trail up the canyon for a mile to where it intersects with the Weatherford Trail. But for those mainly interested in color, I recommend stopping after about a half-mile, then turning around. The view coming downhill through the tunnel is even better than going up.
Back at the parking spot, cyclists can continue up FR 146 for another half-mile, where they will encounter the gate marking the start of the city's controlled access to the Waterline Road. The road, which is closed to private vehicles, rises gently for nearly 10 miles to the Inner Basin, with stunning groves of golden aspens this past week starting at about the 4- or 5-mile mark.
We usually go only as far as the rock tunnel at about the 2.5-mile mark -- the views of Doney Park are impressive and it is a walkable distance for those without bikes.
A bonus for those with a willing driver is the one-way downhill ride on the Schultz Creek Trail -- just have the driver who loses the coin toss meet the cyclists at the trailhead near Elden Lookout Road. This Saturday might prove congested, however, so better to wait until Sunday if the weather holds up.
As for the Tunnel Trail trip, cyclists can use the road despite the locked gate. But they should be aware that city crews use the road during weekdays to travel to the Inner Basin wellfields. That means no barreling downhill around blind curves -- unless you want to wind up on the front grill of a city maintenance vehicle (or over the side of a very steep cliff).
If you go...
Stay on Schultz Pass Road for 250 yards past Schultz Tank until reaching FR 146 on the left. Head up the road for a quarter-mile, crossing the natural gas corridor, then park about 200 yard farther in a small campfire site on the left. The trail to Weatherford Canyon starts at the back of the campfire site.
To reach the Tunnel Trail (also known as Waterline Road), continue up the road for another half-mile to a locked gate. No private vehicles are allowed, but hikers and cyclists are welcome. A rock tunnel is 2.5 miles beyond the gate, and large groves of aspens crowd the road in about 4 or 5 miles. The Inner Basin, which was in full color last weekend, is 10 miles from the gate.
Where: From Flagstaff, take U.S. 180 northwest about 30 miles. Turn west onto the dirt road at Mile Marker 247 and follow it 0.3 mile to the parking area at the trailhead.
When: Spring, summer and fall are best.
Admission: Free
Facilities: None
Length: Two-mile round trip
Difficulty: It’s a fairly easy hike, but scrambling around within the basin can be tough.
Elevation Change: About 150 feet.
Highlights: The central section of the mountain is a geologic wonderland, an earthly landscape of orange, black, ocher and gray tuff, eroded into strange shapes and unlikely hoodoos, somewhat reminiscent of Bryce Canyon in Utah.
Insider Tip: The large, well shaded area at the center of the inner basin is an ideal spot for a picnic lunch.
Where: From Flagstaff, drive about 16 miles northwest on U.S. 180. Between mile markers 232 and 233, about a mile north of the Flagstaff Nordic Center, turn west on Forest Road 193 and proceed about three miles to Forest Road 171. Bear right and proceed two miles to Forest Road 190. Bear right again and proceed about half a mile to the trailhead parking area.
When: Spring, summer and fall are the best times to hike
Facilities: Restroom
Admission: Free
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: Eight-mile round trip
Other uses: Equestrians permitted. Dogs on leashes OK.
Where: From Flagstaff, take U.S. 180 northwest about three miles to Schultz Pass Road. Turn north and proceed 5.2 miles to the signed turnoff to the Sunset Trail. The parking area is about 0.1 mile south of Schultz Pass Road. Only the first three-quarters of a mile of Schultz Pass Road is paved, but the remainder is easily passable with a high-clearance vehicle.
When: Summer, fall and spring are best
Admission: Free
Facilities: None
Length: 5.5-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous. Although the gradient of the trail is fairly mild, it’s easy to get winded at this elevation.
Elevation Change: 900 feet
Highlights: For desert dwellers, there’s nothing more glorious that a high-country stroll through ponderosa pine, spruce and aspen. Throw in views of the San Francisco Peaks and easy, post-trek access to the bistros of Flagstaff, and you’ve got an unbeatable summertime adventure.
Insider Tip: For a far more challenging hike, take the Sunset Trail at its junction with the Brookbank Trail and continue about 2.5 miles to the Elden Lookout Trail.
Hike tours the volcanic fields
Where: From Flagstaff, drive east on Interstate 40. Take exit 201 and go north on Country Club Drive about a half a mile to U.S. 89. Turn right and proceed about four miles to Silver Saddle Road. Turn east and go about half a mile to the parking area, which is on the north side of the road.
When: Year-round
Facilities: None
Admission: None
Difficulty: Fairly easy
Length: 2.4-mile round trip to overlook and back, about a 3-mile loop to summit and a return the back way.
Elk Ridge in Williams is a family-friendly ski, snowboard and tubing recreation area.
The rope tow was about to shut down late Friday afternoon and skiers and snowboarders of all ages scrambled to get in their last runs as the sinking sun sent beams of light across blue-white snow.
Welcome to Elk Ridge. A mere 30 miles west of Flagstaff on Interstate 40, this little gem of a mountain resort offers a full array of snowplay activities, rentals, lessons and a cozy day lodge.
The lodge is newly remodeled and includes a warming fireplace and the White Stag Cafe, which offers comfort food and views of the slopes out the windows.
Elk Ridge covers about 30 acres of skiable runs. All seven runs are groomed and visible from the lodge area.
Some runs have vertical drops of 600 feet, with a beginner's slope offering a gentle, 30-degree descent and a chance to practice skills.
Elk Ridge offers a wonderful alternative to crowded slopes and long lift lines, with a variety of terrain and friendly people.
The Elk Ridge season is December through April.
IF YOU GO
WHAT:
Elk Ridge Ski and Outdoor Recreation Area
Operating in cooperation with the National Forest Service, in the Kaibab National Forest
Season total for snow, 68 inches
WHERE:
Drive south from downtown Williams about 2.5 miles, continuing when it becomes Perkinsville Road.
Take a right on Ski Run Road (Forest Service Road 106), 1.5 miles up the hill to Elk Ridge. Sign on the right. Chains or 4WD may be required during heavy snows.
WHEN:
Open Friday through Monday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Half-day rates begin at 1:30 p.m.
White Stag Cafe, open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
FEES:
Tubing: Two new runs available.
All day, 13 and older, $10; All day, 4 to 12 years, $7; under 3 free with paid adult.
Skiing, snowboarding: Poma Lift and a rope tow.
$20 all-day lift ticket.
Family and group rates available.
Rental available for tubes, downhill and cross-country skis, poles, boots and boards.
For information about rental packages and lessons, visit www.elkridgeski.com.
If you go...
Park off Highway 180 at the northern, gated end of Hart Prairie Road (FR 151). If you go past the Chapel of the Holy Dove, you've gone too far.
(Clarification: Many maps dub the staging area across from the chapel as the Walker Lake rest area. This is because the parking lot does serve as a good place to unload snowmobiles and access Hart Prairie Road across the highway. But the actual Walker Lake is 2 miles to the east of Highway 180.)
Ski or snowshoe up Hart Prairie Road to the intersection with FR 418. Go left for 200 yards, then take a snowmobile trail on the left for about a half-mile to the outer base of the crater and the trail sign. Leave your skis here and walk up the final 200 yards.
At the rim, walk briefly downhill, then to the left. You'll come to a steep chute with a nice runout onto the lakebed.
Fitness coach Steve Ilg recommends a north-facing slope in a scenic meadow just north of the Cheshire subdivision. Here are his directions:
Park at the first Wing Mountain turnoff road (gate locked): FR222
Ski or snowshoe a half-mile to first cattleguard
Go left (southeast)... down a hill on FR 923OF. Upon entering a barbed wire gate (be sure to close it!), veer right instead of following the road.
Noodle west toward Wing Mountain following a drainage system for less than a quarter mile and you'll see the big, beautiful meadow before you. Sledding is optimal on the north-facing south slope, although the entire southwest hill system is great!
With the Arizona Snowbowl and Snowbowl Road closed to sledding, the Forest Service has created three formal snowplay areas along Highway 180.
By DAILY SUN STAFF
Cari Hennikson, 10, gripped the tote string tightly of the new sled she got for her birthday and looked down the snowy slope of Crowley Pit, calculating the best time to maneuver into the stream of rowdy snowplay enthusiasts.
Cari, with her younger brother, Kyle and her father, ‘Tor, were up from the Valley on a Sunday snow- play trip. They weren’t alone--the pit was full of Valley families, many of them hard pressed to find a good place to sled once they learned that the Arizona Snowbowl was closed to sledding and parking was banned along Snowbowl Road.
It seems like it would behoove Flagstaff, ... Bto set up a place to sled,” said Todd Swansiger. We just found this place driving around.”
Actually, the Coconino National Forest has created three formal snowplay areas north of Snowbowl off Highway 180. Following is a brief description of each:
Wing Mountain: This site is a mecca for sledders as well as cross- country skiers. Most of the Forest Service roads at WingMountain are off-limits to wheeled vehicles between Dec. 1 and April 1, and there are also informal trails along gas pipeline easements.
The access road (FR 2228) is 2.8 miles north of Snowbowl Road. Hart Prairie Road (FR 151) is on the right, and about 100yards farther on the left is FR 222B.
For some reason, the Forest Service does not want to post a sign saying “Wing Mountain.” Instead, the sign says ‘Parking Area” Take FR 222B about a mile to the kiosk with a map of the trails. About a quarter-mile farther, there is a sizable parking lot. Drivers of high-clearance vehicles can proceed even farther to the base of the sledding hills.
Crowley Pit: This area is smaller than Wing Mountain but often less crowded. It is also at a higher elevation, so the snow tends to last a day or two longer. The pit is 9.8 miles north of Snowbowl road on the left, or about a mile north of the Flagstaff Nordic Center. Again, the sign at the turnoff (milepost 233) says ‘Parking Area,” not Crowley Pit. The access road is 200 yards long and there is parking for about 25 to 30 vehicles.
Walker Lake: This also is known as the Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Area. It is 14 miles north of Snowbowl Road on the left opposite the Chapel of the Holy Dove. This area is primarily for cross-country skiers and snowmobilers who want to explore the flatlands of Kendrick Park as well as the foothills of Kendrick Peak.
There are other informal snowplay areas along Highway 180, but the Forest Service discourages their use because of the hazards of parking along busy Highway 180.
For more information, contact the Peaks Ranger District at 526-0866.
Tempe has Arizona State University, Mill Avenue and a man-made lake. Tucson has funky Fourth Avenue and a huge grassy mall on the University of Arizona campus.
But Flagstaff has them both beat, according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, which ranks the northern Arizona town as one of the nation’s five best college towns.
“Flagstaff’s ambience is cozy and cultural, with a symphony orchestra, museums and art galleries,” the magazine’s May issue says.
Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College wield a strong influence on the town, but college students aren’t they only ones attracted to Flagstaff. Baby boomers are also lured there because the campuses “generate so much energy that it’s infectious,” said Jack Welch, who retired to Flagstaff from St. Louis eight years ago.
Delaware native Ray Lynch, who fell in love with Flagstaff while passing through on a road trip, moved there, told the magazine that “very few people wish they were someplace else.”
Northern Arizona University's (NAU) program in Engineering received recognition from U.S. News & World Report recently ranking it 38th in the Nation. Out of approximately 110 other colleges offering Bachelor's and Master's Degrees for their Engineering Dept., NAU tied 38th place with nine other colleges and universities. Included in these were Miami University in Oxford Ohio, Boise State University and The Citadel in South Carolina.
With Arizona State University and University of Arizona offering doctoral programs in Engineering, they ranked 37th and 48th out of nearly 100 other universities in their class, according to Robert Morse, director of data research for this report.
Learn more about Northern Arizona University HERE.
Greater Flagstaff ranks high economically
According to Milken Institute, an independent public-policy think tank, Flagstaff ranks the region 21st among 179 small cities, despite failing job growth.
Continued steady production from local high-tech industries in the region has helped keep the metropolitan area on the list of best performing cities across the nation. The Flagstaff Metro Area includes most of northern Arizona and a small portion of Southern Utah. The study focuses on populations under 235,000. Milken has been ranking Flagstaff since 2004 and Flagstaff receives high ratings primarily due to growth at W.L. Gore & Associates a major employer in the area and the high wages paid to those that work at those jobs. The report ranked the northern Arizona region as fourth in the nation among small cities in terms of high tech production for a five year period.
W.L. Gore is a leader in developing and producing stents and other high-tech medical devices. It has added about 200 jobs in Flagstaff in the last three years. Other spin-off companies such as Machine Solutions have grown, along with Nestle Purina.
The report found Flagstaff businesses produce goods and services valued at 78% more per employee than the national average when reviewing production between 2001 & 2006. Local high-tech production between 2005 & 2006 earned Flagstaff the sixth position in the same study. Flat job growth for the area over the same period hurt Flagstaff's overall rating. The report found job growth between March 2005 & March 2006 was just 0.3%. The slow job growth pushed the ratings for Flagstaff to 136th on the list of 179 cities. The last time Milken published the study in 2005, the city was ranked 25th for new jobs.
The Greater Flagstaff Economic Council, reported it helped to attract a total of 132 new jobs to the city last year.
