AZT Passage 33: A Surprisingly Scenic Trip Through Flagstaff

A sign along the Arizona Trail directing south-bound hikers to Passages 32 and 33. Passage 33, a resupply route, isn’t included in the total trail mileage.

Just above Schultz Pass Road, the Arizona Trail (AZT) splits in two. Hikers have a choice to either go through the city of Flagstaff or around the back of the Dry Lake Hills and Elden Mountain, more directly continuing south. Since this is a section hike, I can loop around and do both. Why not start with Flagstaff?

When I first moved to Arizona, driving a beat-up little car halfway across the country, it was passing through Flagstaff that reinforced for me that maybe what I was doing wasn’t a mistake. I passed a number of brown signs (always a good sign) as the interstate ran over forested hills, shadowed by mountains not too far in the distance. It was definitely still a city, but it didn’t feel like it took up so much space. For the most part, it stayed in this little pocket between patches of forest. The parts of it that strayed were hidden behind hills or just not visible from where I was. I still love this place, and I think Passage 33 does a fairly good job of showing that charm. Even if it is just a resupply detour. 

 

A stretch of trail along the Dry Lake Hills just after leaving Schultz Pass Road. 

Basic Info

  • Length: 15.5 miles
  • Expected Completion Time: 1 day (if thru-hiking and going 20-30 miles/day) 2-3 days (if day hiking 4-6 miles/day)
  • Location: Schultz Pass Road just north of Flagstaff to Fisher Point a few miles south of Interstate 40
  • Trail Type: Out and Back
  • Scenery: Petran Montane Conifer Forest (I recently found this really cool map of Southwestern biotic communities, but it’s the same kind of pine forest found in Passages 36 and 37), city of Flagstaff
  • Terrain: Moderate. There are a few slopes scattered throughout the passage, but they’re manageable and don’t last long. 
  • Navigation: The trail both starts and ends as a narrow dirt track, similar to earlier sections. As you pass through the city proper, you’ll briefly go along paved stretches.  It is marked by a variety of signs, some of which give detailed information, and does go through a city, so if you get off track it’s easy to get directions. Flagstaff also has an extensive trail system, you can find maps here

Just some nice grasses I found along Schultz Pass Road. The AZT actually runs through the valley in the background.

Getting There

The northern end of Passage 33 is off Schultz Pass road (also known as FR 420) in Flagstaff. Less than a mile after the turnoff from Fort Valley Road, the pavement ends and the road starts to move gradually uphill. Follow it for about miles until you reach the Weatherford trailhead, and then head south, following the signs for the Urban Route. The trail (though much lower) follows the road for the first few miles of this passage. There are also a few parking lots nearer the start of Schultz Pass, which also allow access to this passage.

The passage officially ends at Fisher Point, which is not accessible by car. You’ll need to park at the campground off Lake Mary Road and hike in using a connecting trail. This is about four miles, according to the ATA site, but it connects a little closer to where the trail heads south on Section 31. Depending on your plans, it might help to end there instead. (I did this, so when I work on 31 I won’t have to backtrack quite as much. Not sure how helpful that trick is to other approaches).

 

Direction

N-S or S-N are both options, and for this part maybe most of all, it really doesn’t matter except as part of a longer hike. The trail is relatively short and low difficulty, and can be accessed from a number of points along its length. 

 

We had a big snowstorm at the start of last week and I had to go see what things looked like on the trail. It’s hard to believe how close this is to Flagstaff proper.

Why Hike This Trail?

I think the most common reason is also the most obvious: to stock up on supplies during a longer trip. Flag is, to me, though, a lovely place that is worth seeing. And the trail itself has some great moments. 

 

Climate and Weather

As with all of the passages so far, you’ll be dealing with four seasons. I’m from the Midwest, so have found both summer and winter to be relatively mild (the low humidity definitely helps). The temperature definitely changes though, and we get a few big storms throughout the year. 

 

Gear Suggestions

This section doesn’t call for a lot of specialized clothing. As I mentioned above, Northern Arizona does have four seasons, but that’s probably all you’ll need to keep in mind. 

 

Camping

If you’re going to camp, it’ll probably be at the far ends of this section. Camping’s not allowed within Flagstaff city limits. There are a number of hotels, however. And the passage ends fairly close to the Canyon Vista Campground off Lake Mary Road. 

An alligator juniper, seen toward the northern end of this passage. The name comes from its distinctive scale-patterned bark.

Highlights

Since the AZT so rarely moves through populated areas, I thought I’d spend a little time looking into the city’s history. Obviously, there’s much more I couldn’t get to. The area around Flagstaff was a common resting place for people making their way west (usually to California). Due to its remote location, however, few stayed long term until first a small group of sheep ranchers set up in 1876, and the railroad came through town four years later. From there the town grew and changed to the one the trail passes through today. (If you want to learn more, the city’s website is a good place to start).

Flagstaff’s name actually comes from some of those first people who didn’t stay. To celebrate the US’s 100th year on July 4 1876, a group camping below the San Francisco Peaks removed the bark and branches from a pine and hung an American flag from its tip. They left shortly thereafter, but the flag-staff tree remained, and was used as a landmark by later travellers. 

Alligator Juniper

The only thing I’ll say about plants here is that as you move around the Dry Lake Hills after leaving Schultz Pass, you’ll start to see some alligator juniper. Found on rocky hillsides at 4500-8000 feet of elevation, this tree is known for having scale-patterned bark. It’s texture is actually quite different from other juniper varieties I’ve seen. While those have smoother bark that layers in long horizontal striping, this is rough and checkered into pale thick squares. It almost has the same consistency (in terms of feel, not appearance) as pinon bark.

Buffalo Park

The first bit of trail on this passage that actually begins to feel like a city is Buffalo Park. You emerge from the hillside stretch onto this open field crisscrossed by all sorts of trails. As you follow the trail along the edge of the park, you’ll pass a memorial for Dale Shewalter, the AZT’s founder, and a large statue of a buffalo at the park’s entrance. And, perhaps, most importantly, there is a drinking fountain and public restroom.

Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS)

Flagstaff has developed an extensive system of trails that go through and around the city. This being northern Arizona, many of these trails are unexpectedly scenic. If you have a little extra time, I’d recommend checking them out. Here’s their website.

There are plenty of places to buy water and supplies as you pass through the city of Flagstaff. This big rock is not one of them.

Water Sources

You can stop at various places and purchase water in Flagstaff. There is also a drinking fountain at Buffalo Park (water is only on in the summer).

 

Resupply Options

Resupply is the entire point of this section. You’ll pass a variety of stores, restaurants, and other businesses along the way. For anything gear related, I’d recommend Peace Surplus off Historic Rte 66.

Since I’m writing this in January of 2021, I should note that Flag is in Stage 2 of its Coronavirus Reentry Plan. Masks are required to enter most businesses and indoor dining, while up to individual locations, is mostly shut down. More details are available on the city’s website.

A view of the Dry Lake Hills from just north of Buffalo Park. It’s not pictured here, but to the right is Mount Elden.

Closing Thoughts 

A resupply route is probably not what you think of when you’re planning to hike the AZT. Despite running almost entirely through an urban area, this passage still feels like a trail. It makes for a nice day outdoors, especially if you happen to live in the area. It wouldn’t be the first thing I’d recommend to someone who’s only looking to do a small part of the trail, but it’s enjoyable all the same. (And so easy to access compared to the last few sections).

Thanks for taking the time to read this! Hopefully there’s less snow where you are. I’ll be back in two weeks with Passage 32: Elden Mountain.

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Comments 2

  • Jon Bauer : Mar 10th

    Hi Abigail, I’m enjoying your bolg and efforts. I’m getting ready to start hiking the AZT, spread out over various trips over a number of years. Some low-numbered passages starting April 2021, and maybe the Kaibob plateau in August.
    I’m wondering about your statement that Passage 33 miles aren’t counted in the total. I thought the 14.5 miles are part of the 804.1. Unless I did my math wrong somewhere. Do you have a source for that?
    best,
    Jon Bauer

    Reply

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