I realized when I was hiking in Yosemite that my trail runners had hiked on portions of the Appalachian Trail while I was visiting Shenandoah National Park and the Pacific Crest Trail. I mused, could I have them hike the “Triple Crown” by hiking a portion of the Continental Divide Trail? I doubted I could make that happen, but maybe another scenic trail? They also hiked some of the John Muir Trail… Well, over the Fourth of July weekend, my wife and I spent it in Flagstaff with a friend from college and her husband. We hiked the Picture Canyon Trail, which also included a portion of the Arizona Scenic Trail.
We decided to hike the nearby Picture Canyon Trail to kick off our time in Flagstaff. This trail is relatively flat and has several points of interest along it. From the trailhead, we opted to follow the loop counterclockwise. Down in a small, narrow canyon, water flowed over the volcanic rocks. After about 0.6 miles, we connected with the Arizona Scenic Trail. Achievement unlocked for my shoes! 🙂 We crossed over the Rio De Flag Bridge, then left the AZT to view the Waterbird Petroglyph site.
After viewing them, we began to loop back around. Unfortunately, the air was also starting to turn, as the winds had shifted and the smoke from the Pocket Fire was now starting to arrive. When the trail we were on crossed the AZT again, the ladies stayed on the Tom Moody Trail for a shorter route back to the trailhead, while the guys hopped back on the AZT. After about 0.6 miles, we came to the junction with the Don Weaver Trail. This trail took us past the remains of an indigenous dwelling known as the Pithouse and an overlook. We soon found ourselves back at the car. This easy loop was 4.3 miles long and took us 1:49.
After lunch, we headed into downtown Flagstaff, where I stopped into Evolved Supply Co. While Darwin was not in, I enjoyed chatting with some of the staff. Unfortunately, the pot I wanted to buy was sold out (I placed an order online).
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails: San Diego, available now!
In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and both the Arizona-Winter and Arizona-Summer).
I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.