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McMILLAN MESA
Flagstaff Urban Trails System/Arizona Trail
I've decided to call this one a sandwich hike. Like the
great American lunch staple, the good stuff of this trek happens in the middle
while the scenic equivalent of white bread bolsters the fringes. The hike takes off near the main
entrance of Buffalo Park, swinging south onto a route that's now part of the
most urban passage of the Arizona Trail where there's a large sign with a
tribute to Flagstaff educator and trail founder, Dale Shewalter. Within a few yards, the trail crosses
over Cedar Avenue on Matt Kelly bridge--which is named for a young bike rider
who was killed by a drunk driver.
Past the bridge there's some serious ugly---a power plant
and quarry. Still, this is billed as an urban trail, so I guess I don't have a
complaint coming. Farther along, the wide, gravel route crosses McMillan Mesa--
the good stuff-- a grassy ridge sandwiched between downtown and the upper
eastside of Flagstaff. Sparsely
populated with junipers, pines and firs, the view to the southeast is
surprisingly lovely. To the
northeast, the busy city sprawls and carries on below. The trail is suitable
for strollers, wheelchairs and walkers, making this a popular choice for
multi-generational families. Also,
benches are placed at scenic spots along the way, including one that's perfect
for train-spotting the BNST railroad that parallels Route 66.
LENGTH: 1.5
miles one-way
RATING: easy, stroller-friendly, barrier-free
ELEVATION: 7,040'
DOGS: leashed dogs allowed
KID FRIENDLY?: yes
GETTING THERE:
Buffalo Park (North):
From Flagstaff, travel north on Fort Valley Road (US180) to
Forest Ave. Turn right and continue
to the stop light at Gemini Drive.
Turn left and follow the signs to the park.
Hemlock Way (south):
From Flagstaff, travel east on Route 66 to Switzer Canyon
Road. Turn north (left) and go 0.6
mile to Turquoise Drive, turn right, go 0.3 mile to Ponderosa Pkwy, turn right
and go 0.5 mile to Locust, turn left and go 0.1 mile to Apple, turn right and
go 0.1 mile to Hemlock, turn left and continue 0.1 mile to the trailhead.
INFO: City of Flagstaff
Arizona Trail Association
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