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ARIZONA NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL: WALNUT CANYON PASSAGE 31
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| Gate on Passage 31 of the Arizona Trail |
Shady and cool, Passage 31 of the Arizona National Scenic Trail is a satisfying respite from summer heat. The 17.9-mile segment of the 800+-mile, state traversing route
drops off the plateau lakes region of Anderson Mesa and heads into pine-oak woodlands in Coconino National Forest southeast of Flagstaff. Also known as the Walnut Canyon passage for its swing by the finger canyons and periphery of Walnut Canyon National Monument, this close-to-town segment of trail has several access points that make it perfect for day hikes, loop and car shuttle options. One trip to try goes from Marshall Lake to Sandy’s Canyon.
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| Greenery around Marshall Lake Tank |
At the Marshall Lake trailhead, hikers get a reality check on the effects of drought. While Marshall Lake is rarely more than a shallow, reed-choaked pond, this year, it’s bone dry. Still, its elongated, pine-wrapped footprint is a picturesque sight and favorite grazing territory for elk.
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| Mountain vistas are meager, trees are major |
The hike heads north from the large Arizona Trail sign along a well-defined and maintained singletrack.
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| Sign at Marshall Lake trailhead |
Thick tree coverage and riffled terrain obscure big vistas, so this hike is more about immersing in the details of forest life.
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| There are many ways to extend this Flagstaff hike |
It’s a great place to smell “yellow belly” pines--older Ponderosa pine trees that have developed yellow-brown bark scales and emit a syrupy fragrance that’s often described as butterscotch, vanilla or cardamon.
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| Marshall Lake was dry, July 2022 |
Each tree has a unique olfactory signature that blooms when warmed by the sun.
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| Winged buckwheat blooms July - September |
Go ahead and take a whiff, but be respectful. There’s no need to damage the bark to determine if the sap is sweet, savory or spicy.
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| Hike may be extended into Sandy's Canyon |
About 1.5 miles in, the green swale behind Marshall Mesa Tank appears below a set of easy switchbacks that lead into a shallow ravine. The wildlife water hole is contained by an earthen dam, but, like the lake, it was dry, but lingering moisture feeds a fringe of wildflowers and elderberry trees.
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| Limestone formations in Sandy's Canyon |
Several more minor downhill twists lead to the junction with the Sandy’s Canyon trail.
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| Yellow belly pines add olfactory notes to the hike |
Here, the Arizona Trail veers right into the canyon where bizarre limestone formations are the key attractions on this very popular forest destination. For those who parked a shuttle vehicle at the Sandy’s Canyon trailhead, veer left at the junction and hike 1.5 miles for a 5.6 mile one-way trek.
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| Horned lizards are easy to spot on the ArizonaTrail |
For a longer hike, Passage 31 continues north to Interstate 40 where it connects with the Elden Mountain Passage on the east side of Flagstaff. The trail also links up with the Flagstaff Urban Trails System and the Flagstaff Loop trail. Consult the Flagstaff city website for details on how to customize a hike circuit. Otherwise, just shit into reverse at the junction for an 8.2-mile out-and-back day hike.
LENGTH:
• 8.2 miles round trip, Marshall Lake trailhead to Sandy's Canyon junction and back.
• 17.9 miles one way for the entire segment.
• 5.6 miles one way for car shuttle.
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 6,885 – 7,185 feet as described here (6,500 – 7,185 feet for full passage)
GETTING THERE:
Marshall Lake trailhead:
From Flagstaff go 9 miles south on Lake Mary Road (County Road 3) to Forest Road 128 on the left, signed for Marshall Lake. Continue 2.2 miles on FR 128 (pass the observatory) to the Arizona Trail post at FR 128D, turn left and continue to the parking turnout at the large Arizona Trail sign.
Sandy’s Canyon trailhead:
From Flagstaff, go 4.5 miles south on Lake Mary Road to the Sandys Canyon Trailhead on the left. Follow Sandy’s Canyon trail 1.5 miles to the Arizona Trail junction on the right.
INFO & MAPS:
Arizona Trail Association
Flagstaff Urban Trails System
https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/1379/Flagstaff-Urban-Trails-System-FUTS
