Schultz Creek Trail No. 152

Area Status: Open

Schultz Creek Trail is part of the Mount Elden Dry Lake Hills Trail System, Schultz Tank Trail System, and the Schultz Creek Loops Trail System.

Schultz Creek Trail parallels one of several intermittent drainages that carry water from the higher reaches of the San Francisco Peaks. Generally the stream only has water in it a few months of every year, either during the spring snow melt or after a summer monsoon. However, even when there is no water here, which is most of the time, walking beside the water-smoothed stones and ledges worn by ephemeral waterfalls can still give one the pleasant feeling of being near a brook even if you have to imagine the babble

This trail has one of the most moderate gradients on any in the San Francisco Peaks/Mt. Elden area. Still, it has enough ups and downs to be extremely popular with mountain bikers. So, if you come for a hike or a horseback ride, keep your ears and eyes open and be ready to share the trail with other users.

If you hike this trail during a quiet time, Abert's squirrels and Steller's jays are animals you might see here. During late spring and early summer this is a good place to hear the musical trill of the hermit thrush. Schultz Creek Trail serves as a connecting trail between Rocky Ridge Trail and the Sunset Trail.

Schultz Creek Trail Statistics:

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.27 miles
Trailhead Elevation: 8108 feet
Elevation Gain/Loss: 916 feet
Use: All non-motorized

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Some portions of this trail are closed due to the Pipeline Fire Closure Order.
Usage:	Medium-Heavy
Best Season:	April thru November
Closest Towns:	Flagstaff, AZ
Operated By:	Flagstaff Ranger District - 928-526-0866

General Information

Directions:

Location: 3 miles north of Flagstaff off US 180

GPS (Map): 35°14'37.6"N 111°39'41.4"W

USGS Maps: Humphreys Peak, Flagstaff West

Access: Drive north from Flagstaff 2 miles on US 180 to FR 420 (Schultz Pass Road). Turn east and follow FR 420 about a mile to a gate and cattle guard. Turn right down over the hill toward Schultz Creek and park. The trailhead is at the north end of the parking area.

Click on map thumbnail for larger view.

General Notes:

Hiking time: 2 hours

Notes:

Please remember that you share the trail with other users and that trail courtesy and safety is your responsibility. Hikers and mountain bikers should yield the trail to equestrians. Mountain bikers should yield the trail to hikers.
This trail limited to non-motorized users.