The best cycling routes around Mountain View Ranches

The area that Flagstaff sits on has been a crossroads and gathering point for centuries. Many Native people have, and continue, to call the area home. Evidence of their history and ties to the area can be found at the nearby Walnut Canyon and Wupatki National Monuments. Also, Flagstaff sits along the world-famous Route 66, giving it a rich roadside attraction element that only towns along Route 66 can have. Those biking along Route 66 or the Arizona Trail will cross paths here, and perhaps the road and dirt riders will share stories of their different journeys over a beer at one of the excellent breweries in town. Flagstaff is a full service town with everything and outdoor adventurer could need, including bike shops, cafes and restaurants, grocery stores, and many great lodging options. If your legs need a rest for a day or two make Flagstaff your home for a while, you won't regret it.

This archaeological site does not allow bikes, so you'll need to lock up before you do any official exploring within this protected area. This spot contains the ruins of a prehistoric Native American village of the Sinagua people.

The Continental Loop is an easy to follow, fairly flat trail loop just outside of Flagstaff, Arizona. The trail meanders through an open desert meadow the entire time. This is a great trail to do any time of year; it usually stays pretty beat down in the winter. That being said, there isn't a ton of shade so going around sunrise or sunset are the most enjoyable times to be out on this trail.

The most northern section of the Karen Cooper Trail passes through Cheshire Park, which backs up to a fair bit of Open Space. This is a popular spot for people walking their dogs or people looking for some quiet green space.

The Karen Cooper Trail is part of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System and passes right below the Anasazi Ridge neighborhood. There is a head-on view of Elden Mountain from the path. If heading north from here on the trail, be aware that there is a trail intersection coming up in just a couple hundred yards.

Flagstaff is a picturesque mountain town and due to its high elevation, it's a runner's paradise. Whether you’re a local or from out of town, you can easily find company for a run. Athletes from all around the world, including NAZ Elite runners, NCAA champions and World Champions—who all come to train here to prepare for their championship seasons. As the saying goes about training in the high altitudes, “there's gold in the hills!”

​The Schultz Trailhead in Flagstaff is a gateway to the Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills Trail System. These trails are open to mountain biking and horseback riding through ponderosa pine forests and seasonal wildflower fields. The trailhead connects to routes like the Schultz Creek Trail, known for its moderate elevation changes and natural beauty. There are no restrooms, and trail closures are checked for in winter when access roads are affected by snow.

Much of the Historic Route 66 has been paved over by more modern Highways and Interstates. However, here in Flagstaff this trail aims to preserve a bit of automotive history by allowing people to explore the historic route by foot or by bike.