Our travels brought us through Flagstaff and I wanted to stop and ride. I chose this trail mostly because it seemed as though it would be the easiest to find and parking was convenient. We parked at the visitors center which is in the old train depot downtown. It also serves as a working Amtrak station, which is very cool.

The trail heads east from here along Old Route 66. There are some relatively easy climbs but many grade crossings and all the challenges that typically come with sidepaths including right turning motorists.

That said, I really liked this trail for a couple of reasons. One, there were a lot of people on it even though it was a cold, gray morning. It's obvious that a lot of people in Flagstaff use their bikes for transportation and since this trail is along a major thoroughfare, that makes it a great resource.

Second, the trail itself is in good shape. It's mostly concrete and relatively smooth. There are signs where it intersects with the Arizona Trail and route finding was very easy. Come to think of it, there was a lot of connectivity here. I like that.

Finally, the sights along Old Route 66 are kind of cool. You'd miss a lot of it in a car but because you're going a little slower on a bike you see more.

At the end of the day, this is the type of path that I think is really important for cities to build, maintain and support. Are there prettier places to cycle? Absolutely. Is it the best recreation route? Probably not, although downtown Flagstaff is a lot of fun and it's worth reserving an hour or so to explore. Most importantly from my perspective, the Route 66 Trail is very good transportation corridor and for that reason I'm giving it five stars. Well done, Flagstaff.

We started on this trail off of Lake Mary Rd where the map directed us to start. We realized the trailhead did not start there but it was about a 1.5 miles away. That's fine but the path is almost impassable. We thought some of it was just washed out and would then open up but this terrain is up and down very hilly and rocky trail. I don't think even a mountain bike could manage this trail. We pushed our bikes for about a mile and then turned back. It was just to hard. I don't recommend this the way the map shows it.

Nice new trail over the RR Tracks, then narrow sidewalk over I-40. Connects to Historical Route 66 with Underpasses. Scenic views. Noel Keller 25 Jun 2011

Smoothest Concrete Trail, *****, narrow cut expansion joints, poured 2008,
Passes KOA Campground. Noisy US 89. Noel Keller 25 Jun 2011

Normal concrete surface along Lake Mary Rd, Asphalt has wide rough expansion cracks.
A Community Trail with many entries from residences on either side. No Trailhead, Parking on street. Noel Keller 22 Jun 2011

Not as smooth as the adjacent bike Lanes going through developing Flagstaff Mall. Noel Keller 25 Jun 2011

Trail surface of fine volcanic fine gravel is rough but suitable for 3 wheel cycles. Rode counterclockwise by fitness stations at regular intervals. Mostly shade less, with great view of the highest point in Arizona, (Hopi: Aaloosaktukwi) at 12,637 feet. The southwest section of the trail has a steep curved grade in and out of a ravine that does not provide enough traction for a 3 wheel cycle. Fish-tailed on way down and had to wheelchair on the way up. It can be by-passed, where the trail splits, N35.22092 W111.63465 by going east up to the Arizona Trail/ Service Road, then to the park entrance. Noel Keller 23 Jun 2011

The section on McMillan Mesa is mostly packed Volcanic fine gravel or Chet. Suitable for a 3- wheel cycle. Crosses the 2007 Matt Kelly Urban Trail Bridge. Mostly shade less, with wide open views in all directions. The trail through Buffalo Park is also a Service road bisecting the Buffalo Park Loop Trail.
Instead of the service road., one may use the east section of Buffalo Park Trail and stop to read a sign Honoring Dale Shewalter, a Flagstaff School Teacher, responsible for the early development of the Arizona Trail. Noel Keller 23 Jun 2011

Parking available at Wal-Mart’s for Woodlands Trail and many other Trails. A Bike/Sidewalk Trail with Concrete surface and street grade light crossings. Climbs to the North, opening to a scenic view approaching Historical Route 66. Noel Keller 21 Jun 2011