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TUNNEL SPRINGS TRAIL
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| BNSF trains pass by about every 15 minutes |
The multi-faceted hiking network of the Flagstaff Urban
Trails System (FUTS) is the perfect complement to the hundreds of miles of
wilderness and national forest trails surrounding the city.
FUTS (say, "foots") uses sidewalks, gravel roads
and dirt single tracks for a seamless web of hiking/biking routes that link
in-town strolls and meanders through suburban wetlands to more rigorous peripheral
trails. Although many of the system's offerings appeal to those looking for a
quick way to burn some energy without having to drive miles to a trailhead,
several routes located at the
urban-woodland interface mimic the feel of more remote
locations. Tunnel Springs Trail is
sort of a city-rural-wildland hybrid hike melding the convenience of easy
access just off busy Route 66 with a moderate climb through Ponderosa pine forests. Passing under and above
BNSF railroad tracks, the trail's companion cacophony of metal-on-metal
screeching and mournful freight car rumbling is the hike's signature
characteristic. The clamor of wailing rails fades as the trail ascends
Observatory Mesa along a smooth, gravel road.
Trail signs are few and unmarked crossroads can cause
confusion. Here's the plan. From the trailhead, follow the walkway between the
private homes down to a road paralleling the railroad tracks. Turn left here, pass through the tunnel
and veer left again. Pass a gate and go right to stay on the widest road
heading uphill. At the green tanks (Lowell Tanks), go left and continue to
another gate at the (unsigned) Mars Hill Trail junction. Return the way you
came or continue 1.6 miles to Thorpe Park.
LENGTH: 1.9 miles one-way
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 7014' - 7404'
GETTING THERE:
From Flagstaff, travel west on Route 66 to Railroad Springs
Blvd. (just before mile post 194,Chevron station on corner), turn right and go
0.4-mile to a "T" intersection with Adirondack Ave. The trail begins
on a path between two residences directly ahead. Park along the street.
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INFO:
City of Flagstaff
F.U.T.S. Map:
MORE PHOTOS:
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