Elden Lookout Trail Is A Challenging Hike In Arizona That Will Make Your Stomach Drop
By Katie Lawrence|Published September 17, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Sometimes, a long, sweaty hike is just what your mind and body need to rejuvenate. If you can relate, Elden Lookout Trail is the perfect adventure to embark on. It’s 6.3 miles of steady uphill climbing, but the views from the top are worth every ounce of effort.
At 6.3 miles, Elden Lookout Trail is a Flagstaff-area hike that promises to challenge even the most experienced of hikers. It leads up to Elden Mountain, which towers over 9,000 feet high and features an overlook point with some of the most breathtaking views in Arizona.
The trail starts off relatively flat, so take the time to get your bearings before the steady uphill climb begins. Right from the start, the scenery is incredible, with a heavily forested landscape that only gets more enchanting with every step you take.
A total elevation gain of just over 2,300 feet means you're in for a steep and difficult trek. Every drop of sweat and muscle twinge is undeniably worth it, though, and you'll see why upon the summit.
Prepare to be awestruck when you finally arrive at the peak. Sprawling panoramas of Flagstaff and the lush Coconino National Forest terrain open up before your eyes, just begging you to stay a while and take in the views.
Whatever you do, try to time it so as to reach the top at sunrise or sunset. The sky erupts in a striking display of pastel hues, and you'll enjoy a front row seat.
As the seasons change, so too does the scenery along the trail. During fall, the trees put on a brilliant spectacle with the most striking amber foliage you've ever seen.
There's nothing quite like northern Arizona in the wintertime. A thick layer of snow blankets the landscape, transporting hikers into a whimsical wonderland. Make sure to bring plenty of gear—hitting the trail in the colder months can be treacherous without proper planning.
