Elden Mountain
Difficulty: Easy.
Description: Views from the top are outstanding. If the gate is open, you can drive to the lookout tower. Rangers on duty may allow you to climb the tower for a great 360-degree view. If the weather is clear, you can see Oak Creek Canyon, Mormon Lake, Humphreys Peak, Sunset Crater National Monument and the Painted Desert. A network of hiking trails surrounds the mountain. This is a popular road for mountain bikers, so drive carefully. Contact the Peaks Ranger Station in Flagstaff for more information. Bumpy gravel road with washboard stretches. After a flat section, the road climbs over 2,100 feet to an elevation of 9,299 ft. Passenger cars can get to the top but they may find the trip a little rough.
Time & Distance: From the start to the point where the road splits at the top is 6.3 miles. Add another 1/2 to 3/4 mile for each of the spur roads. It takes about 30 minutes to drive to the top.
Trail Conditions: Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff Ranger District. Call (928) 526-0866.
Remember: trail conditions, fire restrictions, weather, and land ownership change constantly so everyone must take responsibility for themselves, both for their safety and complying with all laws. Please understand that means YOU.
Directions to the Trail: Take Hwy 180 northwest about 2 miles out of Flagstaff in the direction of Grand Canyon National Park. Turn right at a sign for Schultz Pass Road. After the paved road turns east, go straight on Elden Lookout Road when the road forks.
View Elden Mountain in a larger map for even more DETAILS!
Get yourself and your rig ready for the trip: Make sure both you and your vehicle are prepared for your next adventure.
Before you venture out on your offroading trip you need to make sure you are prepared for emergencies. Even if nothing happens to you or your vehicle, you might come across someone who needs help. Short of having your full-on bug-out-bag with you, you should at least have some basic emergency items. It might seem obvious to some, but you should get yourself a tool box with appropriate tools and leather gloves, good first aid kit, fire extinguisher, set of jumper cables, emergency blankets (stored in heavy plastic bag – both are useful), flashlight, tow strap and some extra water. I would also suggest a recovery strap, a military folding shovel, heavy duty garbage bags, and a hand crank self powered weather radio. These items are not expensive, but they just might save your day.
Another thing you should definitely do before you leave is to save the number to Arizona 4×4 Off Road Recovery in case you find yourself in need of recovery in the middle of nowhere. Their number is (602) 697-8306.
If you’re ready for a next adventure and want to plan it right, check out some of these trail guides – Arizona has so many awesome destinations to explore!
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