Elden Springs - Little Bear - Heart

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Technical · Views

This loop brings you to some less-traveled corners of Flagstaff. It starts with fast pedaling around the base of Mount Elden, then the crux of the route is climbing up Little Bear to get over the mountain. This may seem daunting but is well worth the effort.

From the Sandy Seep trailhead, climb around the base of Mount Elden on the Elden Springs/Arizona Trail. This section is often flowy as it winds through several small hills. In dry weather, there may be sections of soft sand to navigate.

Note that for an easier version of the ride, you could just do an out-and-back to Shultz Tank on this section of trail. For the full experience, however, take the left turn on Little Bear Trail and keep going up.

The Little Bear climb is long and demanding, but well worth the effort. You'll have views across Schultz Pass to Fremont on the San Francisco Peaks. Higher up on the trail, old growth trees and meadows await.

New Heart Trail is a fun and engaging downhill. Expect your arms to be pumped by the bottom. Return on the Arizona Trail to the Sandy Seep parking lot.