Christmas Tree Trail

Route Description for Christmas Tree Trail

The Christmas Tree Trail is a pleasant moderate hike that’s easy to get to from Flagstaff. It runs along the eastern base of Elden Mountain, and it can be hiked on its own or used as part of a longer adventure thanks to the network of trails in this area. This route can be used by hikers and mountain bikers.

You’ll have to deal with a bit of road noise to begin with, but the further you go down the trail, the more you’ll be able to appreciate nature without those distractions. Some users report relying on GPS navigation on parts of the trail affected by washout, so consider downloading your route.

From the trailhead, take Elden Lookout Trail towards the mountain, then bear right onto Fatman's Loop Trail. At the 3-way junction, continue straight, then go right onto Christmas Tree Trail. Follow this path as it runs north, looking to your left for views of Elden Mountain. The route terminates in front of a hill, from where you’ll turn around and retrace your steps to the trailhead.