This hike has become an annual ritual for me because it’s a loop (my favorite type of hike) and long enough to justify the drive to Flagstaff.

And insanity must love company because eleven other hikers showed up to join in the fun.

Jim, John, Christina, Rudy, Gabrielle, Bill, Ken, Gary, Chuck, Carol, Roy, and Sana pause before heading out.

Rudy presses forward on the Rocky Ridge Trail. [photo by Bill]

This spot marks the junction of the Rocky Ridge and Easy Olden trails. [photo by Bill]

Everyone enjoys our first rest stop. [photo by Gary]

The Rocky Ridge Trail isn’t always this flat, but the undulations are gentle.

Ferns create a riot of green. [photo by Bill]

Not the Sonoran Deset.

This is where the Brookbank Trail starts uphill.

The Brookbank Trail was all uphill but it provided excellent views.

This easy-going section comes after the Brookbank Trail levels out.

Towering pines reach toward the sky. [photo by Bill]

Roy takes a load off his feet. [photo by Bill]

The descent on the Sunset Trail was gently downhill. [photo by Bill]

Now for the good part! Food! [photo by Bill]

After the hike we stopped at Buster's Restaurant and Bar, which is just across University Avenue from the Target in Flagstaff. It’s very good but sometimes hard to get into on weekends. Fortunately, we beat the dinner rush.

All done until next year!

Hike Statistics
Total Distance:	14.68	miles
Starting Time:	9:16	AM
Moving Time:	6:12	hrs:min
Stopped Time:	0:24	hrs:min
Duration:	6:36	hrs:min
Finishing Time:	3:53	PM
Avg. Speed Moving:	2.4	mph
Avg. Speed Overall:	2.2	mph
Starting Elevation:	6,846	ft
Minimum Elevation:	6,844	ft
Maximum Elevation:	8,664	ft
Total Ascent:	1,915	ft
Calories:	895
Starting Temperature:	71	°
Finishing Temperature:	75	°