Flagstaff Adventures: Buffalo Park
(Published on - 11/21/2024 6:51:13 PM)
Buffalo Park in Flagstaff, AZ, was created on land that was once part of a privately owned buffalo ranch in the 1960s. The park is located on McMillan Mesa, a high, flat-topped volcanic plateau offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, including the San Francisco Peaks.
Origin and History:
- Buffalo Ranch Era: In the 1960s, the area where Buffalo Park now stands was used as a ranch for American bison, or buffalo, which were a tourist attraction. Visitors would come to see the buffalo in a natural, open setting. However, the ranch struggled to remain viable as a commercial venture.
- Transition to a Public Park: Eventually, the buffalo were removed, and in the late 1960s, the city of Flagstaff acquired the land and transformed it into a public park. The city's vision was to create a space where people could enjoy the natural beauty of Flagstaff's high desert and ponderosa pine forest, along with recreational opportunities.
- Development as a Park: Over the years, the city has maintained the park as a natural area with minimal development, emphasizing outdoor recreation such as walking, jogging, and bird watching. The park's trails are unpaved, maintaining the rugged and natural feel of the mesa.
Features of Buffalo Park:
The Loop Trail: A popular 2-mile loop trail circles the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Mount Elden and the San Francisco Peaks. The trail is flat and accessible, making it popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists.- Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, birds of prey, and smaller mammals. The open space and natural vegetation provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
- McMillan Mesa: Buffalo Park is part of the larger McMillan Mesa, a geological feature formed by volcanic activity. The flat terrain is the result of ancient lava flows that shaped the landscape of northern Arizona. The mesa provides excellent vantage points for viewing the surrounding mountains and the expansive pine forests.
- Open Space: One of the defining features of Buffalo Park is its wide-open space, which offers visitors the chance to experience the vastness of the Northern Arizona landscape. This openness, combined with the big skies and mountain views, makes it a popular spot for photography and quiet reflection.
Today’s Buffalo Park:
Today, Buffalo Park is a treasured outdoor space for locals and visitors alike, offering a serene place to connect with nature while being close to the city. It’s part of Flagstaff’s extensive urban trail system (FUTS), making it easily accessible for hikers, runners, and cyclists from different parts of the city.
Buffalo Park is just one of many beautiful trails and hiking areas around Flagstaff. When you are ready to buy or sell in Northern Arizona, come by our office, or give us a call! We have an agent onsite Monday through Saturday.
