Contribute  Loading... Geography
| Buffalo Park Loop   | 
| Location: Arizona, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 35.23216°N / 111.65131°W Trail Type: Cross Country County: Coconino Technical Difficulty: Easy Aerobic Difficulty: Easy Layout: Loop Length: 2.0 Mi / 3.2 Km
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| Page By: Woodzy Created/Edited: Apr 5, 2009 / Apr 14, 2009 Object ID: 269830 Hits: 1123 Loading... Page Score: 88.53% - 7 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Overview  Shadows Glancing the Meadow
Buffalo Park is a city recreation area just north of Flagstaff, Arizona. Its 225 acres sits atop a small (as in profile, not in area) mesa and provides the user with plenty of opportunity for hiking, running, and mountain biking. However, with all of that land, there are only two trails (really only one). There is a large two mile loop that travels around the park through beautiful wide open meadows with the stands of ponderosa pine. The other one isn't much of a trail, but its a cut off that bisects the loop. Both trails are part of the the Flagstaff's "Urban Trail System". The views of the San Franciso Peaks are jaw dropping (although you cannot see Humphreys Peak). This is a pristine area with great scenary that makes for a nice riding, even if the distance is short. Laying at 7,100ft, Buffalo Park receives a fair amount of snow in the winter months. Many choose to snowshoe in this area during this time.
Buffalo Park is probably one of the most used walking/running trails in the Flagstaff area because of it's close proximity to the city and because of the minimal elevation gain. Most use it for this purpose, however, some use it for mountain biking as well. This area can get really crowded too, especially when there is good weather and on weekends. Also, different Coconino National Forest trails begin (or end) in this area too, one being a trail leading to the summit of Mt. Elden.
Trail DescriptionTechnically speaking, The Buffalo Park Loop is very easy. It's a wide open dirt trail that can accommodate even the least experienced rider. However, due to the altitude, this ride may be a little harder for some who are not in shape. For the most part, this trail is fairly flat and only gains around 20 or so feet in it's entirety with a few dips here and there.
When at the entrance, you can choose to go either left or right (there isn't really a right choice, they are both about the same). The trail traverses through large open meadows with amazing views of the San Franciso Peaks along with Mt. Elden.
Cut Off Trail |
Part of the Trail |
Mt. Elden and the Trial |
Trail Activities |
Getting There
From Flagstaff- If your heading West on the I-40, take the North Country Club Drive Exit and head north. Then take a left onto Route 66. Then take a right onto East Lockett Road. Follow this for awhile and then take a right onto North Gemini Drive. You will see signs for Buffalo Park and then there will be a parking area.When to Bike
Because of its altitude, it is best to bike it in Spring, Summer and Fall. There may still be snow left in spring, but it just depends on the amount of snowfall. Too some snow isn't an obstacle for mountain biking, but for most, it is.External LinksBuffalo Park
Coconino National Forest
Click Link for Current Flagstaff Weather MiscIf you have any additional photos or information, please add it to this page or contact me about it. Thanks!
Agassiz and Fremont Peaks |
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