BEDH_Flagstaff

13 Buffalo Park

Located on Switzer Mesa, this popular, easy walk is part of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System. The scattered pine forest and open meadows give this place a special feeling. The spaciousness is enhanced by the great views of the San Francisco Peaks, the Dry Lake Hills, and Elden Mountain.

Location: In Flagstaff.

Distance: 2-mile loop.

Approximate hiking time: 1 hour.

Elevation change: None.

Best seasons: Spring through fall.

Water: Water is available at the trailhead in the summer.

Other trail users: Mountain bikes.

Canine compatibility: Dogs must be on leashes in Buffalo Park.

Permits and restrictions: None.

Maps: USGS Flagstaff West. Though Buffalo Park is shown on the topographic map of this area, the Buffalo Park Trail is not.

Trail contacts: City of Flagstaff Parks and Recreation, 211 West Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, (928) 779-7690, http://flagstaff.az.gov/.

Finding the trailhead: From the junction of U.S. Highway 180 and Business 40 (Route 66), drive north on US 180 (Humphreys Street) to Columbus. Turn right (east), go one block, then turn left (north) on Beaver Street. Continue to Forest Street, then turn right (east). Continue on Forest Street for 0.8 mile, then turn left (west) at the sign for Buffalo Park and the U.S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Center. Follow the road for 0.2 mile to its end at the Buffalo Park Trailhead.

The Hike

Buffalo Park was originally developed by the city of Flagstaff to hold a small herd of buffalo. The high fences, roads, and entrance station were built so that people could drive through the park and view the buffalo. In the late 1960s the buffalo were moved to a state buffalo range, and the facilities were abandoned. Since then, the park has become popular with hikers, walkers, mountain bikers, and runners. In the late 1980s, the park narrowly escaped having a major road built through it, but that proposal was soundly rejected by a citizens’ initiative—proving that the people of Flagstaff greatly value and appreciate the remarkable views and serenity of this elevated mesa within the city.

The U.S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Center is located just south of the trailhead. Data from unmanned spacecraft is analyzed here and used to create maps and photos of other planets. In the 1960s, moon-bound astronauts trained here and amid the volcanic hills and craters around Flagstaff.

To begin, walk through the entrance gate, then continue north. Pass the McMillan Mesa Trail, then turn right (east) at the next fork, which is the outer loop trail. Stay on this trail as it does a loop more or less around the perimeter of the park. At 0.8 mile, you will cross the Pipeline Access Trail, which runs north through the park and leads to the Oldham Trail (Hike 12). Taking this right (north) turn leads you onto the national forest trail system on the Dry Lake Hills and Elden Mountain. Or, you can turn left (south) for a shortcut back to the trailhead. Otherwise, follow the trail straight (west) as it loops through the park back to the trailhead.