Sunset Trail No. 23

Views of the San Francisco Peaks, the volcanic fields east of Flagstaff, Sunset Crater and even the Painted Desert are yours to enjoy along this high country trail. The route starts near Schultz Tank, a rare body of water here in these mountains Spanish explorers called sin agua (without water). It climbs gradually to a high ridge where you'll find good views of Arizona's tallest mountain before continuing on to the east edge of Mount Elden's summit plateau. From this high perspective you can look down on Sunset Crater and the Bonito Lava Flow that borders it.

As you hike, take time out to check for black bear tracks. A few of these shy animals live in this area, but usually all you see of them are their tracks. You have a much better chance of seeing elk and mule deer which are more plentiful and much less shy.

Along its highest reaches, the Sunset Trail traverses an area devastated by the fierce Radio Fire in 1977. At one point there was concern that the city of Flagstaff might even be consumed by this campfire gone wild. Here, among the burned out hulks of a once thriving forest you can see how nature recovers from such an all-consuming disaster. Pioneer plants such as aspen and Gambel oaks are already well established in the burned-over area.

Sunset Trail is part of the Mount Elden Dry Lake Hills Trail System and the Schultz Tank Trail System, connecting with trails to Schultz Creek, Brookbank, Little Bear, Oldham and Mt. Elden Lookout tower.