| when | July 17 - 19, 2026 Friday - Sunday | ||
| where | Flagstaff area | ||
| the hikes |
Day 1: Friday We know that smoke from the Pocket Fire is affecting Flagstaff downtown, but as of now, the Snowbowl area is clear and cool. Please come for one or more hikes to help the local economy and enjoy the high altitude aspens and ferns of Flagstaff. We can eat at the ski resort or one of several nice restaurants along the 180. If you are considering spending one or more nights for an early start, Basecamp at Snowbowl is a cute hotel with a restaurant and still has availability as of now : Basecamp at Snowbowl - Arizona Snowbowl. For anyone in town Friday night, we can do a short walk on the Flagstaff Urban Trail System or at Buffalo Park. 0 - 4 miles. Day 2: Bismark lake on Saturday We will hike north on the Arizona Trail from Aspen Corner to Bismark lake. This hike will take us through Aspen and Pine forests and across mountain meadows, with impressive views of the San Francisco Peaks and surroundings. We will be hiking mostly close to 9,000' and should enjoy a respite from the hot(!) temps we have been experiencing the past several months in the Valley. If we want to do a little bushwacking, we can go to Little Spring. Where C. Hart Merriam had his base camp in 1892/3. It was here that the naturalist developed his treatise on the relationship between elevation and climate/biozone change. This is where we got the climate zones we use from. After a break at the spring, we return to the POB, (the hike back to Bismarck Lake is STEEPLY uphill). As this is ‘monsoon’ season, please bring rain gear just in case! 6 - 10 miles. Day 3: Bear Jaw/ Abineau on Sunday This trip is scheduled during the monsoon. Weather may be cool to cold and in the mountains, storms are always possible, so be prepared and watch the weather report for Flagstaff. From the trailhead it’s 0.3 miles to the Abineau/Bear Jaw junction. We will stay to the left and take the Bear Jaw Trail and begin our ascent of Abineau Canyon through a mixed forest of ponderosa pine, aspen, and large Douglas fir. After a mile or so the trail becomes steeper and rockier as it continues climbing through Abineau Canyon. Ascending through heavy forest cover, as we make our way to a old road. About mid-way along this trail watch for interesting carvings, mostly names and dates (some going back to the late 1800s), on the larger aspen trunks in this area of long-abandoned sheep herder camps. After nearly two miles of steady climbing, the Bear Jaw tops out as it links up with Pipeline Road. From the junction we will continue hiking west on the road for two miles to the end. This is a scenic area with great views of the north side of Humphreys Peak and more avalanche chutes. We will stop in this area for a rest and lunch break. From the junction we will take Abineau junction down For those that do not want to do the full 7 mile hike and particularly the strenuous Abineau portion can just do the Bear Jaw as an in and out. Most of the aspens are on that trail. Required: Each day • Sturdy hiking boots • At least 3 liters of water • Rain poncho and a flannel shirt or light jacket • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses • Lunch or snacks Recommended: Each day • Hiking poles • Camera |
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| distance | 0 - 10 miles depending on the day | ||
| rating | "D - B" Rate yourself as a hiker. | ||
| dogs allowed | no | ||
| cost | The club allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. | ||
| weather | Flagstaff | ||
| leader | Email the leader to confirm. | ||
| meet in Phoenix |
TBD in the McDonald’s carefree off I -17 at 3140 W Carefree Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85086. | ||
| meet in Flagstaff |
TBD in downtown flagstaff at a TBD location. | ||
| drive |
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| Schedule of Events | Arizona Trailblazers Home Page |
| updated July 6, 2026 | © Copyright 2026, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |