Flagstaff Observatory Mesa Trail : Prettiest Urban Hike I’ve Ever Done!

Hiking Flagstaff Arizona Lowell Observatory

A Flagstaff, Arizona hidden hiking gem! Find out more about why locals and visitors LOVE this trail!

Included in this article : info and Video of Observatory Mesa Trail.

Table of Contents

Which Hiker Do I Write For

I tailor my hiking review’s 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 rating number listed below, please see my Hiker Resource Page to see how I come to this rating.

Basic Trail Information for Observatory Mesa Trail

Trail Name: Observatory Mesa Trail
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Length: 6.4 miles
Difficulty: Rated at 99 it’s considered moderate due to it’s length
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 774
Type of Trail: out and back
Who I Recommend this to : all hikers, new and older hikers may want to take it slow
What season did I go : summer
Gear Recommendations: trekking poles for preserving your knees
Special Requirements: parking can be a little crowded so get here early and bring water

My Experience on the Observatory Mesa Trail Flagstaff

I moved to Arizona in 2019 and I’m LOVING this state.

Arizona is not just deserts, heat and the Grand Canyon, like I thought it was going to be. This state is very geographically diverse. There are deserts, yes, yet also forests, mountains, rivers, and lakes.

For a hiker, Arizona is an outdoor wonderland!

I began to fall in love with Arizona’s outdoors when I began my thru-hike of the Arizona trail. I had to leave the trail due to Covid-19 yet found my way back to the AZT as well as to other trails and areas of this amazing state!

Read More About Flagstaff Hikes : Down Into the Mouth of the Cave : Full Time RV Traveler Braves the Dark

Urban Hiking at It’s Best in Flagstaff

In June 2020 I stayed in Flagstaff for a bit and found this peaceful urban hike.

Where the Observatory Mesa Trail starts it skirts a quaint, peaceful neighborhood dotted with baseball fields and a creek. At first, it was a bit odd walking in a public location and being able to see into people’s backyards – it’s hard to not stare into backyards when I see pretty gardens!

Eventually I became oblivious to individual homes and took in the trail itself.

Soon you’re leaving the houses behind, turning and heading up into a forested area. Ironically, this is where I see many more people. There are hikers, moms walking with strollers and dogs walking their humans.

The trail meanders up then down and up and down again, they are gradual but I definitely feel my legs putting in more effort. I love this type of hike since I can rest certain muscles on the downward slopes.

It’s June so it’s a bit warm and there are still wild flowers scattered about the landscape.

I’m enjoying this trail so much that I almost decided to lengthen it by hiking some of the offshoots on this trail yet I didn’t bring lunch and I knew my older feet may not like me doing that.

About 5.5 miles, almost completing my trek, I come across some people playing frisbee disk golf. I want to watch, I love watching sports, but it would seem odd considering I don’t know them.

As always I end at my car, take my shoes off, put flip-flops on and head out for a great sandwich (see where below) and sometimes a nap.

What To Do In the Area / After the Hike

Grab some yummy eats at a local favorite : The Toasted Owl
Visit the Lowell Observatory – Home of the discovery of Pluto!

Helpful Resources for this Trail

Heading to Observatory Mesa Trail? Check out these helpful links:

Observatory Mesa Trail in AllTrails
Leave No Trace Info
National Park Service : 7 Ways to Safely Watch Wildlife

FAQ for Observatory Mesa Trail Flagstaff

What is parking like for Observatory Mesa Trail Flagstaff?

Parking is limited, and it’s one of the main things people mention about this area.
The main formal public parking is at the Thorpe Park ball field parking lot on N Thorpe Rd.
There is also supplementary parking at the Joe C. Montoya Community & Senior Center (245 N Thorpe Rd).
Some people also use unofficial/unauthorized parking spots near Forest Road 515 / Westridge Rd, but the city specifically notes these are not formal trailhead parking areas and can cause issues (including blocking access)

Are dogs allowed?

Yes – on leash. AND only if you pick up your dog’s poop and dispose of it in the trash. (That second part was added by me. )

Is there drinking water available on Observatory Mesa Trail?

There is no drinking water available, bring your own water.

Are there any views and are they worth it?

Yes! There expansive views and wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep an eye out for elk, mule deer and a lot of birds. Though you’re hiking among the Ponderosa Pines there are opportunities to get glimpses of the famous San Francisco peaks!