MTB Project Logo

A fun loop that climbs gradually through pine forest and sweeps down along Schultz Creek.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

11.5

Miles

18.6

KM

95%

Singletrack

8,099' 2,469 m

High

7,199' 2,194 m

Low

926' 282 m

Up

931' 284 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This is a good ride for after work or for when you don't have time or the legs for an Mt. Elden climb or other local epic. The climbing still offers a good workout in the forest and the descent offers a lot of fun if you can keep your momentum up. Generally smooth trails and relaxed grade make this a good outing for advanced beginners.

Need to Know

Schultz Creek Trail is one of the busiest trails in the area. Be aware of dogs, hikers and riders coming up.

The northern end of Schultz Creek Trail thaws slowly from winter snow, so mud and ice can remain through April.

Description

This loop uses the Moto and Arizona trails for the ascent, and comes down via Schultz Creek. The ride can be done in either direction, but the more relaxed grade and less rocky Moto/AZ Trails make it a bit easier to do this route clockwise.

From the parking area at the bottom of Schultz Pass Road, head up the valley on the Schultz Creek Trail. Braided trails diverge and re-connect here, and the general idea is to stick to the valley bottom. At a signed intersection at 0.6 miles turn left, crossing Schultz Pass Road, and then contour west following signs for the Moto Trail. This area is the lower section of the Fort Valley trail system, which can be confusing to navigate. Numerous trail signs with accompanying maps can help you keep your bearings. At 1.7 miles from the start of the ride you should hit a signed intersection with the Moto trail - turn right/uphill.

The Moto Trail ascends gradually through open pines with views of the Peaks. Follow it as far as the signed intersection with the Arizona Trail (mile 3.2). Turn right on the AZ Trail, which contours east and occasionally loses elevation as it dips with the terrain. At a signed intersection, follow the "Equestrian Bypass" (the "Flagstaff Urban Route" will take you down to Schultz Creek and can be used to shorten the ride). Continue on the AZ Trail until a signed intersection with the Secret Trail (mile 6.8). Turn right on the Secret Trail which will cross Schultz Pass Road and dump you in the Sunset Trail Parking Area.

From here, numerous options can be used to extend the ride (e.g., heading up into the Dry Lake Hills or over to Mt. Elden), but this route follows the signed Schultz Creek Trail downhill and back to your car. The trail dips and rolls along Schultz Creek (which might be running) through aspen and Douglas fir. Take advantage of the berms and keep an eye out for opportunities to get a little air. This trail flows nicely and has some playful features to exploit.

Schultz Creek is extremely popular with hikers, bikers and dog walkers, so be ready for encounters unless you are riding off-hours.

Contacts

Shared By:

Almonzo Wilder

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 74 votes

#1

in Mount Elden

#128

Overall
  4.4 from 74 votes
5 Star
54%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
3%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Mount Elden

#9

in Arizona

#128

Overall
86 Views Last Month
40,877 Since Dec 12, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

1%
3%
90%
3%
3%
0%

Photos

Schultz Creek
Dec 16, 2019 near Flagstaff, AZ
Follow the leader down Moto
Aug 12, 2020 near Flagstaff, AZ
San Fransisco Peaks in the background.
Sep 19, 2023 near Flagstaff, AZ
View from the Sunset Parking Lot. Schultz Creek Trail heads out from here.
May 17, 2013 near Flagstaff, AZ
Fun rolling singletrack at the upper end of the Schultz Creek Trail.
May 16, 2013 near Flagstaff, AZ
High centered on Moto... how'd he do that?
Aug 12, 2020 near Flagstaff, AZ
loading

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.