Rio de Flag to AZT loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

This is a mellow, mostly flat loop along the Rio de Flag and then returning on the Arizona Trail. The terrain is easy but some navigation is required. There is excellent birding along the Rio de Flag! And views of the San Francisco Peaks in the distance to the north.

The loop is best done clockwise by heading south on the Rio de Flag trail from the I-40 overpass. Follow the well-traveled two-track along the "river" which is more of a creek. Water flows year-round in this section of the Rio de Flag because it is fed by the nearby wastewater plant with treated water. Despite this, it is a beautiful section of creek, and there are many birds to be seen along the lush grassy banks.

At about 1.5 miles out, leave the Rio de Flag and take the connector trail west over to the Arizona Trail. This intersection is not signed so keep an eye on your map. Once on the Arizona Trail, head north to complete the loop back to where you started. This section will be on a rolling singletrack through Ponderosa forest until you return to the I-40 overpass.