Fatman's Loop Trail

Fatman's Loop is one of the most popular trails in the Flagstaff area. Conveniently located right off the main highway and close to town, it is an easy trail with easy access. The hike affords fantastic views of both Mount Elden and of the surrounding landscape without drastic elevation gain. For a more dramatic hike, nearby trails can be linked with this one to climb the mountain to the top.

Although you will nearly always see others on this trail, it is rare to find a traffic jam. You can still find solitude among the tall pine and juniper trees, especially if you explore any of the numerous side trails and boulder gardens.

The trail is a loop of moderate difficulty. While most of it is a shallow gradient, there are short steep parts, stairs, and switchbacks that may make you momentarily short of breath at over 7,000 feet elevation.