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Schultz Pass Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.4 (75)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Flagstaff and Northern AZ
  4. …Flagstaff
  5. Mount Elden
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“A fun loop that climbs gradually through pine forest and sweeps down along Schultz Creek. ”

Almonzo Wilder
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Map Key

12.4

Miles

20.0

KM

95%

Singletrack

8,099' 2,469 m

High

7,156' 2,181 m

Low

988' 301 m

Up

997' 304 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This is a good ride for after work or for when you don't have time or the legs for an Mt. Elden climb or other local epic. The climbing still offers a good workout in the forest and the descent offers a lot of fun if you can keep your momentum up. Generally smooth trails and relaxed grade make this a good outing for advanced beginners.

Need to Know

Schultz Creek Trail is one of the busiest trails in the area. Be aware of dogs, hikers and riders coming up.

The northern end of Schultz Creek Trail thaws slowly from winter snow, so mud and ice can remain through April.

Description

This loop uses the Moto and Arizona trails for the ascent, and comes down via Schultz Creek. The ride can be done in either direction, but the more relaxed grade and less rocky Moto/AZ Trails make it a bit easier to do this route clockwise.

From the parking area at the bottom of Schultz Pass Road, head up the valley on the Schultz Creek Trail. Braided trails diverge and re-connect here, and the general idea is to stick to the valley bottom. At a signed intersection at 0.6 miles turn left, crossing Schultz Pass Road, and then contour west following signs for the Moto Trail. This area is the lower section of the Fort Valley trail system, which can be confusing to navigate. Numerous trail signs with accompanying maps can help you keep your bearings. At 1.7 miles from the start of the ride you should hit a signed intersection with the Moto trail - turn right/uphill.

The Moto Trail ascends gradually through open pines with views of the Peaks. Follow it as far as the signed intersection with the Arizona Trail (mile 3.2). Turn right on the AZ Trail, which contours east and occasionally loses elevation as it dips with the terrain. At a signed intersection, follow the "Equestrian Bypass" (the "Flagstaff Urban Route" will take you down to Schultz Creek and can be used to shorten the ride). Continue on the AZ Trail until a signed intersection with the Secret Trail (mile 6.8). Turn right on the Secret Trail which will cross Schultz Pass Road and dump you in the Sunset Trail Parking Area.

From here, numerous options can be used to extend the ride (e.g., heading up into the Dry Lake Hills or over to Mt. Elden), but this route follows the signed Schultz Creek Trail downhill and back to your car. The trail dips and rolls along Schultz Creek (which might be running) through aspen and Douglas fir. Take advantage of the berms and keep an eye out for opportunities to get a little air. This trail flows nicely and has some playful features to exploit.

Schultz Creek is extremely popular with hikers, bikers and dog walkers, so be ready for encounters unless you are riding off-hours.

Contacts

Local Club: Flagstaff Biking Organization

Dec 19, 2023: 2023 Trail Program wrap up

Land Manager: USFS - Coconino National Forest Office

Shared By:

Almonzo Wilder with improvements by Artec Durham
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 75 votes

#1

in Mount Elden

#134

Overall
  4.4 from 75 votes
5 Star
53%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
3%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Mount Elden

#11

in Arizona

#134

Overall
86 Views Last Month
40,877 Since Dec 12, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
1%
3%
90%
3%
3%
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Photos

Schultz Creek
Dec 16, 2019 near Flagstaff, AZ
Follow the leader down Moto
Aug 12, 2020 near Flagstaff, AZ
San Fransisco Peaks in the background.
Sep 19, 2023 near Flagstaff, AZ
View from the Sunset Parking Lot. Schultz Creek Trail heads out from here.
May 17, 2013 near Flagstaff, AZ
Fun rolling singletrack at the upper end of the Schultz Creek Trail.
May 16, 2013 near Flagstaff, AZ
High centered on Moto... how'd he do that?
Aug 12, 2020 near Flagstaff, AZ

4 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 59 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 21, 2024
Chad Kim
11.5mi
Aug 23, 2024
Ashelee Weeks
Jun 22, 2024
Jessica Flores
Jun 6, 2024
Cj Procyk
Apr 20, 2024
Lance Parry
rode in reverse down moto
Nov 17, 2023
Mulliet Bulliet
Sep 25, 2023
J H
Jun 7, 2023
Powell Browne
Left from town w/my dad, easy pace, lots of checking the map. 21mi — 3h 00m

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