• Wildland-Urban Interface hiking
    Posted by at June 28th
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    FORT VALLEY TRAIL SYSTEM
    Flagstaff
     
    Located with in Fort Valley Restoration Project treatment area, this collection of serpentine trails winds among Ponderosa pines and Gambel oaks in Flagstaff’s Wildland-Urban Interface. Here, sensitive woodlands fringed with human living spaces melt into bear-and-cougar territory.  Years of fire suppression here (to protect nearby homes and business) has compromised native species and also created forests with way too many trees.  In short, this means unhealthy, tinderbox conditions.  There’s an informative sign near the trailhead that explains what’s being done to restore the forest to its historical healthy conditions.  Take notes—there’s also info on the sign about how you can help!
    A work-in-progress, the trail system is mapped out at the trailhead kiosk.  Trail signage is somewhat lacking/confusing but does the job if you’re at all familiar with the area.  The maze of paths are very popular with mountain bikers and they connect with the Arizona Trail, Schultz Creek Trail and the Dry Lake Hills trails.  Not–too-tough and sprinkled with views of the San Francisco Peaks, this loopy-knotted hike is a pleasant, shady, though unspectacular day trip. 
    LENGTH: 6.7 miles of interconnecting trails—with more in the works.
    RATING: easy-moderate
    ELEVATION: 7,230’ – 7,870’
    DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:  149 miles 
    GETTING THERE:
    In Flagstaff, go north on US180 (Fort Valley Road) to FR164B located about 0.1 mile past milepost 220.  Turn right and continue roughly 400 feet and veer right to stay on FR164B. The trailhead is just a few yards beyond the turn off.  Roads are paved/good dirt and passable by sedan. 
     
    INFO: Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff Ranger District, 928-526-0866
    http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110304&ttype=recarea&recid=55076&actid=24&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=FSE_003741&pname=Flagstaff+RD+-+Fort+Valley+Trail+System
     
    MORE PHOTOS:
    http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2878328216047.94440.1795269672&type=1&l=b2f666722b

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    Post Author: Arizona Hiking


    Bio: Serial blogger, manic hiker and “mom” to a dozen adopted dogs, Mare Czinar has been exploring Arizona trails for more than 20 years. After being led astray (or just plain confused) by outdated hiking books and online resources (hence the tagline: We got lost, so you don’t have to), Czinar sought to create a fully vetted, frequently updated online hike travelogue with current driving and hiking directions to spare fellow hikers the mental and physical wear-and-tear of aimless wandering. In addition, blog entries are amended when road closures or wildfires restrict trail access. When not working, blogging, writing about the great outdoors or picking up dog poo, Czinar attempts to “stay found” while checking out new trails.


    Website: http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com/