Fatmans Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers

Fatmans Loop is one of the most popular trails in the Flagstaff area, for good reason. Conveniently located right off the main highway and close to town, it is a fun trail with easy access. The difficulty is moderate overall. Some short sections of stairs, rocky footing, and switchbacks might make you momentarily short of breath here at 7,000 feet elevation, but the exercise and the views make effort well worth it.

Fatmans Loop is an easy to follow trail that signposted and relatively well traveled. There are some steep and rocky sections, but they are short. The elevation gain is pretty consistent when hiking the loop counterclockwise. It's a steeper ascent if you take it clockwise instead.

Although you'll 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. For a more dramatic hike, you can extend it on Elden Lookout Trail, which climbs in a series of switchbacks to the mountaintop.