Grab a warm jacket and a camera! Let’s hike the gorgeous Aspen Nature Loop Trail in Northern Arizona this Fall!
Table of Contents
Which Hiker Do I Write For
I tailor my hiking reviews to over 50 hikers. This is not to say the hike will be easy or short, older hikers are very capable, I’ve seen 70 year old hikers that can out hike most people. But what I am putting out there is special considerations for our older bodies.
You might notice I have a trail difficulty rating number listed below, please see my Hiker Resource Page to see how I come to this rating.
Basic Trail Information for Aspen Nature Loop
- Trail Name: Aspen Nature Loop
- Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
- Length: 1.8 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Duration: 30 min to 1 hour
- Elevation Gain: 275 feet
- Type of Trail: loop
- Who I Recommend this to: all hikers of any level
- What season did I go: Autumn
- Gear Recommendations: warm clothes, sturdy shoes
- Special Requirements: none. If you come during peak fall leaf color change come early, parking fills fast
- Must see feature: Aspen trees changing color, Humphrey’s Peak in the background
- Restrooms and water: there are portable toilets here yet no drinking water
Location of Aspen Nature Loop
My Experience on the Aspen Nature Loop Flagstaff
At the time of this posting I was living and traveling full-time in my RV. Flagstaff was one of my favorite places to stay since it is beautiful there, conveniences I need are close to camp, and I have always loved Flagstaff.
It’s mid-October, time to move on out of the cold, and I’m ready for a beautiful Autumn hike! I need a trip into town for groceries, dump my gray and black RV tanks as well as pick up a package.
Prioritizing hikes and outdoor time is always something I do and on moving days are no exception. Before I get my chores done and drive further south for the day I get in a gorgeous fall hike at the famous Aspen Nature Loop in Flagstaff, Arizona.
I’m always a little worried that I won’t find parking for my RV since it’s 26 feet long so I like to get to trailheads early. Today I get there early, nobody else has arrived, so I make a yummy breakfast before hitting the trail.
The Aspen Nature Loops trail head has a ton of information for the local area including info about other trails in the area, be sure to stop and take a gander. But something else you’ll notice here are the amazing views of the mountains west of you as well as Mount Humphreys just above you! Today it’s covered in snow!!
Read and watch my other hikes in Arizona.
As you start the trail you begin to notice the Aspen grove just ahead and it’s beautiful!! The anticipation of being under the trees and their yellow quaking leaves fills me with joy!
The trail heads slightly down for less than a 1/4 mile into the grove. I’m a bit late to experience the trees in full yellow glory but that’s ok, they are still gorgeous and, frankly, I like being the only one there. This trail receives many visitors during peak fall color season so I’m happy to be enjoying this cool spot all to myself.
I meander about the loop enjoying the yellow leaf covered ground ahead of me. I also find the Arizona trail and remember how I started this long 800 mile trek 2 years previous but the pandemic took me off. Maybe someday I’ll finish it.
I follow the trail for the rest of the loop, about another mile, through pine and spruce trees. The crisp air fills my lungs and I’m grateful to be able to live the lifestyle I’ve created for myself.
Back at my RV I take a shower and head into town to pick up a package, eat lunch and tend to my tanks so I can set off to warmer temps and my next adventure!
Helpful Hiker Gear and Tools
Suggested gear for this hike that I found very helpful and made the hike a much more pleasant experience.
- Puffy jacket and warm clothes – It’s Autumn and it gets cold up there at that time of year
- Lunch – siting among the aspens to have lunch is a treat!
Online Resources for this Trail
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
- Alltrails info for Aspen Nature Loop
What To Do In the Area Before or After Your Hike
- Grab a quick breakfast at The Station Cafe on the way to the trail
- Don’t miss the Museum of Northern Arizona to learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the region
- Stroll historic downtown Flagstaff and have lunch at the incredible Toasted Owl (at 12 S. Mikes Pike)
FAQ for Aspen Nature Loop Hiking Trail
Yes, Aspen Nature Loop in Flagstaff is dog friendly. Leashed dogs are typically allowed on the trail, making it a great pet-friendly hike near Arizona Snowbowl.
The best time to visit Aspen Nature Loop in Flagstaff is late September through early October for peak fall colors. The trail is also beautiful from May through November, with wildflowers in summer and cool mountain temperatures.
Aspen Nature Loop is located north of Flagstaff, Arizona, near Arizona Snowbowl in Coconino National Forest. The trailhead is accessed from Snowbowl Road near the Snowbowl parking area.
Aspen Nature Loop is commonly listed as open 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but hours and access can vary by season. Because it’s near Arizona Snowbowl, it’s smart to check current conditions before visiting, especially in winter.
There is usually no drinking water available on Aspen Nature Loop in Flagstaff, so hikers should bring their own water. Even though the hike is short, the high elevation can make you feel dehydrated faster.
Watch my YouTube Video about the Aspen Nature Loop
Watch my experience as a solo RV nomad in Flagstaff, Arizona and hike the Aspen Nature Loop.
Can’t see the video? Click this link : https://youtu.be/1toycOsEe4A
Thank You for Stopping By!
Hi, I’m Allie, obsessed hiker, explorer of our world and reinventor of my life in my 50s.
Let’s wander, grow, and figure it out together.
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Find this post helpful? Please share with your friends and on social media. THX!
Hi Allie, It was great to meet you at Brownwood SP. We are flying back to CT. for Christmas through New Years, then heading across the Gulf states to Florida to meet up with friends in March.
Interesting facts about Brownwood is it was built by the CCC and used as an R&R. Center for our troops during WW-2. It is one of our favorite parks, it’s not always empty and we have made a number of friends there, like you.
Safe travels, it would great to meet up with you again. Dave & Linda
Hi Dave and Linda!
It was such a pleasure meeting you two! Sounds like your travels will be taking you to loved ones and adventures! I love it!
I do hope we meet again some day!
Thanks for stopping by,
Allie