FORESTED FOOTHILLS The Little Elden Trail is one of the best-loved trails in the Mount Elden-Dry Lakes Hills area of Flagstaff. The route, which is also part of the state-traversing Arizona Trail, passes through forest and sunny meadows before ending at scenic Schultz Tank.
Getting There: In Flagstaff, go north on U.S. 89 to Forest Road 556 (Elden Spring Road, just past milepost 429), turn left and continue 2.4 miles to the Little Elden trailhead on the right. The hike begins at the trailhead kiosk. Length: 5.6 miles out and back Rating: moderate Kid Friendly: NO Pet Friendly: YES Elevation: 7,320-8,000 feet Best Season: May-October
Photo credit Mare Czinar/PHOENIX