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4 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Flagstaff, AZ

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Flagstaff, Arizona is a dog-friendly environment that makes for the perfect destination, year-round. The region combines a high altitude, with low humidity and a diverse terrain that provides mild weather conditions and crisp, clean air.

At 7,000 feet elevation, Flagstaff is located in one of the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forests on the planet. However, when hiking this area, you'll also find everything from piñon-juniper plateaus to high desert, green alpine forests, and barren tundra.

This makes it the prime area for adventure with your dog. So, the next time you want to search for “best dog friendly hikes near me” consider the four trails on this list to start:

Fatman’s Loop Trail (#25)

This is a fun hike that’s accessible for hikers for most ages and skill levels. The 2.4-mile loop delivers an incredible payoff for a fairly short hike. It culminates with expansive views of Flagstaff, the eastern suburbs, and the surrounding countryside.

For the most part, Fatman’s Loop is an easy walk. It’s rated as “moderate” with a few short, steep sections. It’s used primarily for hiking, running, and biking, and is open to the public from April until November.

Along the trail, you’ll travel through various rock formations that bear witness to Mt. Elden’s volcanic origins. One of these is a tight squeeze, hence the trail’s name.

Fatman’s Loop also supports a diverse community of plant species including white fir and ponderosa pine. You’ll also see shrubs and smaller trees like cliff rose, alligator juniper, and broadleaf yucca.

If you love wildlife, you may encounter cool wildlife on this trail like Abert’s squirrels, mule deer, pygmy nuthatches, and grey foxes along the way. Ravens and Steller Jays also pepper the trail.

Fatman’s Loop also provides access to the Elden Lookout Trail, which continues two miles and 2,000 feet to the Mt. Elden summit.

Abineau Trail (#127)

If your dog is relatively fit, you may want to choose a slightly longer jaunt like the Abineau trail. The 8.5-mile loop is a steep, 1,800 foot climb over two miles, up the slopes of the San Francisco Peaks (through the Abineau Canyon). This hike truly showcases the beauty of the Northern Arizona ecosystem and the Coconino National Forest.

Although the loop is heavily trafficked, it’s rated as “difficult” so make sure you bring plenty of water. It starts in ponderosa pines and ends in douglas fir, with aspens sprinkled all along the way.

You’ll also notice on this trail, as the elevation climbs, the bark on the aspens change from white, to light green, to khaki. During the fall, these groves of aspen paint the trail shades of crimson and gold.

In the spring and summertime, this is the hike to see a variety of wildflower species like lupine, rocky mountain iris, paint brush splash, penstemon, and trailside meadows.

On a clear day, even the Grand Canyon can be seen on the Abineau trail (which is 70 miles away).

Kachina Trail (#150)

One of the best dog-friendly hikes in Flagstaff is the Kachina trail. It’s a moderately challenging 10.2 mile trail (out and back), and is one of the most beloved hikes in the region. It won’t wear you out quickly, with only about 1,500 feet of elevation gain, but you’ll still want to take your time. The views are spectacular.

The forested areas are especially stunning in the fall, with autumnal yellow, orange, and golds shining all around. The Kachina trail skirts the south face of the San Francisco Peaks and runs almost entirely within the Kachina Peaks wilderness.

The trail covers 5 miles each way and runs through high forest, sloping meadows, and the mouth of the Weatherford Canyon. It affords brilliant and panoramic views of the city and even descends a high lava cliff.

The higher elevations are dominated by ancient limber pine and massive douglas fir. Waist-high meadows filled with bracken fern punctuate the slopes, before the trail dips into scattered ponderosa groves.

Key tip! Most hikers leave their car at the end of Freidlein Prairie Road (FR 522) so they can do the entire trail one way.

Elden Lookout Trail (#4)

If you and your dog are champions, then buckle up for this leg-burning hike. The Elden Lookout trail is a steep, 5.4 mile hike with about 2,400 feet elevation gain. Your efforts are rewarded with exceptional views of Flagstaff and volcanic rock formations along the way.

Plan for a few breaks until you hit the top to at least give your pet a rest. It’s important to stop and catch your breath. This isn’t the place you want to pass out. The trail starts as a shorter climb along Fatman’s Loop and then sharply leads up a staircase of petrified lava to the mountain’s summit.

The lower parts of the trail pass through a mixed pinyon-juniper woodland and ponderosa pine forest, which changes to mixed conifers as you climb. You may even encounter several types of cactus in this high, cooler environment.

Near the top of the climb, you and your pup will reach an area that was once devastated by a wildfire in 1977. This is what can happen when a single campfire goes awry. It’s a good lesson.

At the same time, you’ll get a first-hand look of how resilient nature is and how quickly it can recover, growing back better than before. Groves of aspen trees are popping up where pines once stood, showing signs that the forest will come back once again.

Additional Trails

If you’ve already ventured on the trails mentioned, consider these alternatives to the “dog friendly hikes near me” above:

  • Sandy’s Canyon Trail - A fairly easy, 3-mile hike that displays fascinating geological strata.
  • Humphrey’s Peak - A somewhat difficult hike, this 10.4-mile will take you to the highest point in Arizona.

Conclusion

The altitudes vary in Northern Arizona from over 12,000 feet (3,658 m) atop Flagstaff’s Humphrey’s Peak to about 4,500 feet (1,372 m) at Sedona and the Painted Desert and a little over 2,500 feet (771 m) in the Grand Canyon river gorge. Hiking is phenomenal in this state and who better to do it with than your best furry friend?

No matter the time of year, always dress for the occasion. Layering is your best bet in Flagstaff. Comfy shoes, long pants, shorts, a hat, sweater, and sunglasses should do the trick.

As you can see, all the trails on this list are numbered. That’s because they’re part of the Coconino National Forest trail system. This is an incredible place to experience with your dog.

The next time you’re searching for “easy dog friendly hikes near me”, Coconino National Forest offers flowers, wildlife, streams, boulders, ponds, and everything else your dog needs to have the adventure of a lifetime, right by your side.