Elden Mountain and the Dry Lake Hills

Elden Mountain is the 9,299-foot mountain rising dramatically above east Flagstaff, between the city and the San Francisco Peaks. The Dry Lake Hills are somewhat lower—the highest point is 8,819 feet. These mountains lie to the west of Elden Mountain, almost directly north of west Flagstaff. They are connected to Elden Mountain by an unnamed, 8,400-foot pass. Schultz Pass, to the north, separates the Dry Lake Hills from the San Francisco Peaks. The USDA Forest Service has developed an extensive network of trails on the Dry Lake Hills and Elden Mountain. Open to all nonmotorized uses, these trails are popular with hikers and mountain bikers alike. Flagstaff is lucky to have such a fine trail system right next to town. The trails interconnect, offering a variety of loop hikes. You can also reach this trail network from Flagstaff via the Urban Trail System.

Camping

There are two public campgrounds within the Coconino National Forest in this area: Bonito Campground near Sunset Crater National Monument, off U.S. Highway 89 on Forest Road 545, and Little Elden Springs Horse Camp, located west of US 89 on Forest Road 556. There are several private campgrounds in the Flagstaff area—see the Flagstaff section for details. Dispersed camping is allowed in the Coconino National Forest unless specifically posted otherwise. Be extremely careful with fire, especially during the summer and fall dry seasons. Campfires are prohibited during periods of high fire danger.

Access and Services

The Dry Lake Hills and the north side of Elden Mountain are reached from Flagstaff via U.S. Highway 180 and Schultz Pass Road, which is paved for the first 0.8 mile and maintained dirt afterward. The east side of Elden Mountain is reached from US 89 north of Flagstaff. Flagstaff has all services available.