Mount Elden Loop via Lookout Road and Schultz Creek Trail

While the trail research doesn't specify exact parking lots, the Mount Elden area near Flagstaff, Arizona, has various access points. For this loop, you'll typically find parking near the trailheads that connect to Lookout Road or Schultz Creek Trail. It's always a good idea to check local forest service maps or apps like komoot for the most current trailhead parking information before you go.

This loop is generally considered difficult and best suited for intermediate to advanced hikers. It's a full-day adventure with significant length and elevation changes, though the gain is often gradual. Some sections, like parts of the Elden Lookout Trail, can be steep and strenuous. If you're new to hiking, consider shorter, less challenging trails in the Flagstaff area first.

The primary hiking season for this trail is from May to October. During July and August, it's highly recommended to start your hike early in the morning to avoid the common afternoon thunderstorms. Fall offers vibrant aspen groves, especially in areas recovering from past wildfires, making it a particularly scenic time to visit.

Generally, there are no permits required or entrance fees to hike on most trails within the Coconino National Forest, including the Mount Elden Loop. However, some specific recreational sites or developed areas might require a Red Rock Pass or other fees. Always check the official Coconino National Forest website for the most up-to-date information on regulations and any potential fees.

Yes, many trails in the Mount Elden area, including sections of this loop, are dog-friendly. However, it's crucial to keep your dog on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users. Remember to pack extra water for your furry companion, especially on this long and challenging route.

The terrain is incredibly diverse. You'll encounter everything from smooth fire roads (Lookout Road) and flowy singletrack (Schultz Creek Trail) to steeper sections with switchbacks and rocky paths. Expect to traverse ridgelines, including a section known as the "catwalk," and gentle descents through pine forests. Some paths can be rougher and eroded, particularly where horse travel is common.

This loop offers ever-changing scenery and expansive vistas. You'll pass by Elden Mountain, Little Elden Mountain, and T.V. Hill, with views of the Dry Lake Hills. From higher elevations, particularly near the summit of Mount Elden, you're rewarded with stunning panoramic views that can include eastern Flagstaff, the majestic San Francisco Peaks, Sunset Crater, the distant Painted Desert, Oak Creek Canyon, Mormon Lake, and Bill Williams Mountain.

The loop can be hiked in either direction, offering different experiences. Hiking counterclockwise often means tackling the less exciting, but gradually ascending, Lookout Road section first, saving the more engaging singletrack for later. Hiking clockwise would put you on the more technical sections earlier. Your choice depends on whether you prefer to get the fire road out of the way or save it for a quicker finish.

Yes, this extensive loop utilizes several official trails within the Mount Elden trail system. The route passes through significant sections of the Schultz Creek Trail, Brookbank Trail, Sunset Trail, Rocky Ridge Trail, and Oldham Trail, among others. This interconnectedness allows for varied terrain and diverse scenery throughout your hike.

Given its length and difficulty, you should be well-prepared. Essential items include plenty of water (there's no reliable water source on the trail), high-energy snacks, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), layers of clothing for changing weather, a first-aid kit, and a reliable map or GPS device. Poor signage in some areas makes offline maps highly recommended for navigation.

Hikers should be aware of potential trail closures due to environmental protection or wildfires, so always check current conditions before heading out. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so an early start is advisable. Navigation can be tricky in some areas due to poor signage, making a GPS or offline map essential. Also, be mindful that many parts of the trail are multi-use and shared with mountain bikers and horseback riders.