Fort Tuthill Trail (Flagstaff Urban Trails):
Arizona
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Description:
Internationally renowned for outdoor recreation activities and as the launching point for visits to Grand Canyon National Park, Flagstaff also boasts one of the best community trail systems (known as Flagstaff Urban Trails System) in the state. An integral part of the system is the Fort Tuthill to University Heights Trail. One of many beautiful recreational trails in the area, this crushed stone rail-trail doubles as a commuter route for people who live on the south side of Flagstaff.
The quintessential western mountain town, Flagstaff offers a wide variety of activities including hiking, skiing, camping, rock climbing and rafting. It is also home to the University of Northern Arizona and blends a youthful vibe with the spirit of the Old West.
The trail begins about 3 miles south of town at Ft. Tuthill Park, a large park and campground and site of the Coconino County Fairgrounds. From here, the trail flows north through a high pinyon pine forest. The magnificent, snowcapped Humphreys Peak-at 12,633 feet Arizona's highest peak-looms in the distance.
After the first mile the setting changes from forest to a quiet residential area, Many locals hop on the trail here to commute downtown. Once past the neighborhood the corridor becomes wild again. After passing through the neighborhood, you reach Beulah Blvd. The trail follows this busy road as it crosses underneath I-40. When it reaches a bike and pedestrian bridge just beyond the interstate, the trail leaves the road and crosses a small creek.
Once you cross the creek you enter a busy commercial area called University Heights. A large shopping center that you will see on the left includes a number of restaurants and shops. The trail officially ends at the intersection of South Beulah Boulevard and West McConnell Drive. To continue to downtown Flagstaff, follow a connecting trail that leads off to the right and is part of the Flagstaff Urban Trails System.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the southern trailhead, take the Fairgrounds Road exit from I-17 and go west (right or left, depending on the direction you came from). Take an immediate right onto Highway 89A. After just under 0.2 mile turn left into Ft. Tuthill Park, and park in the lot. The trailhead is in the wooded area near the track.
To reach the northern trailhead, McConnell Drive trailhead, take the South Milton Road North exit from the I-17 and I-40 interchange. Take an immediate left onto McConnell Drive. Go 0.2 mile, cross South Beulah Boulevard, and reach the shopping area parking lot, where you will find the trail in the northeast corner.
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Fort Tuthill
By twirlymaker on September 01, 2009
Fort Tuthill Trail rates one star for Tri-Cycles.
Started this Trail uphill from the North end, parking in the Shopping Center. After crossing University Drive the trail has some steep grades where one couple turned around rather than come back up the hill. I was able to slowly get down the hill, on my tri-cruiser, with out sliding off the trail, I would not do it again. The gravel is loose. Two more slopes as you go south. After crossing Nf- 532 the trail is back on the RR Grade to its end at N35.14300 W111.69191, with Parking.
On returning A lady rider stopped and pushed me up one Hill that the rear wheel could not get enough traction. Then she showed me the overgrown RR Grade that avoided the remaining two Hills, Thank You! The Trail Map on traillink does not follow 0.36 mile of the RR Grade. I still had a problem getting my Trike over the Boulders at the exit. A busy trail this Monday 9-11:30 am. Noel Keller 1 Sep 09
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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: University Heights (Flagstaff) to Fort Tuthill (Flagstaff)
Counties: Coconino
Trail Length: 3 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone
Trail Activities: Bike, Mountain Biking, Walking
TrailLink ID: 6015207

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