by Denise Paduano

Created on: September 11, 2009

Flagstaff is Northern Arizona's center for outdoor activities. Situated at 7,000 feet above sea level Flagstaff is one of the highest cities in the country.

Abineau-Bear Jaw Loop : Kachina Peaks Wilderness

Length - 6.7 mile loop

Rating - difficult

Elevation gain - 1900 feet

Known for its ever changing views and ecosystems the Abineau-Bear Jaw Loop is one of the most popular hikes in the Flagstaff area. The trail can be experienced multiple ways although most hikers prefer to tackler the tougher part first by starting with the Abineau trail. At the two mile point (10,400 feet) the trail crosses Humphrey's Peak and offers breathtaking views of the volcanic fields of Northern Arizona. The trail is a little treacherous in spots, so proceed with care.

Humphrey's Peak : Coconino National Forest

Length - 9 miles round trip

Rating - difficult

Elevation gain - 3350 feet

Considered by many to be one of the best and most challenging hikes in the state, don't be surprised if the trail is a little crowded. That's because the trail ascends the rocky slopes of Arizona's only strato volcano which towers over the town of Flagstaff and the surrounding Coconino Plateau. As you gain elevation the plant live dies out and when you reach the 12,633 foot summit there's a shelter made of lava rocks that makes a good place to escape the chill and enjoy the experience of Arizona's only tundra environment.

Kachina Trail : Kachina Peaks Wilderness

Length - 13 miles round trip

Rating -: moderate

Elevation gain - 800 feet

On the Kachina trail, the songs of countless birds float from a tangle of aspens and pines and each step releases the earthy scent of dirt and moss from the ground. Resembling a primordial rainforest the trail twists and turns through forests and prairies in the shadow of Arizona's highest peaks. There's also a lava cave tucked into a woodsy glen along the way where elevations fluctuate between 8,600 an 9,400 feet.

Lava River Cave : Coconino National Forest

Length - 1.5 miles round trip

Rating - moderate

Elevation change - 100 feet

It's dark, cold and creepy but it's also fun. Tucked into an unasumming clearing in a forest of ponderosa pines, the entrance to Lava River Cave doesn't look at all impressive until the rush of rigid air that continually seeps from the caves depths hints at the adventures that await below. The cave is actually a 700,000 year old solidified river of lava. The climb down to the cave floor involves some minor rock scrambling. You'll need to use your hands for balance and look for areas of condensation which can be slippery. Once on the cave floor the ceiling becomes cathedral like in some spots and in others you'll need to crouch down to get through the tunnels. The cave dead ends in a lair like stone cave where you should be mindful of sleeping bats.

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