| when | July 20, 2024 | ||
| Trip Report : August 6, 2011 | |||
| where? | Flagstaff | ||
| the hike |
We will start on the Az Trail (Passage 33) that pass though Buffalo Park.
Pipeline Trail begins just north of Buffalo Park, Flagstaff’s urban forest
preserve, and follows a gas pipeline right-of-way along the base of Mt. Elden.
The park had a bison, so the railroad could let people see the wild west.
This broad, open trail offers an easy hike across fairly open terrain with
opportunities to get a close look at the lower limits of some of the old Mt.
Elden lava flows. One of the lava flows we can walk though as an arch. It also
offers easy access to some of the many small rocky canyons that carve Mt.
Elden’s lower slopes. Ponderosa pines are the predominant vegetation along
the trail, mixed with Gambel oaks that color the slopes a burnt gold in the fall
and cliffrose that contribute a pleasant fragrance in the spring.
Much of the Pipeline Trail passes through the Mt. Elden Environmental Study Area (ESA). This is an area set aside by the Forest Service in the mid-1970s as an outdoor study resource for schools and environmental groups. Gray foxes and coyotes can be seen along the trail as well as an occasional raccoon. Common birds encountered here are Steller’s jays, juncos and a variety of hawks that hunt the rocky slopes. Open areas annually tinted bright yellow with a midsummer wash of sunflowers serve as a colorful stage. We will pass though the old Elden homestead, which has a spring so the railroad could have water. That is why Flagstaff became a stop on the rail line. Also why the mountain is named Elden. Have lunch at the top where this trail joins the Mt Elden trail. Return the way we came. This is the monsoon season, so be prepared for a late afternoon rain. The trail has (had?) a mix of sun and shade. One note the shade and sun comes in batches. One mile of sun then 1 mile of shade. Buffalo Park: has restrooms You can pet & take pictures with the Buffalo. |
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| distance | 8 - 10 miles | ||
| EC | +-300' elevation change | ||
| elevations | 7100' (Trailhead) to 7400' (Mt Elden trail junction) | ||
| time | 5-6 hours | ||
| rating | "B" Rate yourself as a hiker. | ||
| starting at |
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| on trail | 100% — Pipeline #42 & Az Trail | ||
| dogs? | no | ||
| cost | Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
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| weather | Flagstaff | ||
| leader | Email the leader to confirm. | ||
| meet | 8:30 AM in the Buffalo Park parking lot. | ||
| drive |
Because of construction, I am moving the meeting in Flagstaff to Buffalo Park. To get to Buffalo Park: @ 8;30 AM Take I-17 into Flagstaff and stay on that road as it goes under the railroad. At Humphrey street turn left. (First light after railroad) Go to light on 180 and turn left. Take next right turn on to Forest Ave. Stay on Forest as it turns north Then left onto Gemini Rd and take it to the end. You will pass by a lot of Science Centers. |
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