Observatory Mesa to Wing Mtn Loop-Flagstaff Gravel

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Flagstaff, AZ, US

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Route Overview

We Ride 4

Nonprofit addressing child obesity and healthy lifestyles by getting more kids riding bikes

30 mi.

1,684 ft.

Fabulous alpine forest gravel route through Observatory Mesa and around Wing Mtn with views of Humphreys Peak

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Route Details

We think this route showcases the best attributes of Flagstaff gravel riding. You can start this route right from the main downtown area. There are lots of options to make this route longer or shorter, but we kept this at a moderate distance so gravel riders of all levels can enjoy it. Our only caution is that you will want to allow extra time for frequent stops to take in the scenery and appreciate just how beautiful this area is. Except for a few hikers in the first couple miles coming out of Thorpe Park, we didn't see anyone else on this route and only a couple cars. Once we got out of the Observatory Mesa area onto BLM land, we saw a few camp trailers setup off the road, but they were all set back quite a ways. So for the most part, this route was very quiet and we felt like we had it all to ourselves.

The mapped route starts from Thorpe Park which is just on the NW edge of the main downtown area in Flagstaff. There is plenty of parking and restrooms there. When you exit the parking area via the North driveway, you will see the Mars Hill Trail just across North Thorpe Rd to your left. The first 3 miles or so of this route are uphill so be ready to climb right away. The first 1/2 mile averages 6%. At approximately 0.6 miles, you will come to a T-intersection. Turn left here to stay on the Mars Hill Trail. This is where the harder climbing begins. @slice[For the next 1/10th of a mile](d,943.9,1117) the grade picks up to 13% until you top out at the bench on the left side of the trail. Once you top out there, you get a nice gentle recovery through alpine forest.

At mile 1.6 you will come to a gate and the intersection with @photo[Forest Service Rd 515 as well as the Tunnel Springs Trail](17376879). Turn right here onto Forest Service Rd 515 which is the road that comes in at about 2 O'clock. This is an unmaintained gravel road but due to a combination of the content of the soil and terrain, this road for the most part is hard packed with a few sections of loose gravel.

At @point[mile 4.3](d,6961.3), turn right onto A-1 Mountain Rd. This is the end of @photo[Observatory Mesa](17376864) and the beginning of your ride through Coconino National Forest. By now you will be on a well maintained @photo[hard packed gravel road](17376862). Keep an eye out to your right as you will catch frequent glimpses of @photo[Humphreys Peak](17376860), the highest peak in the state of AZ.

At @point[mile 5.7](d,9238.12) turn left onto an unnamed road which you will stay on for approximately 1 mile until you reach the intersection with @point[Forest Service Rd 518](d,10818.2). Turn right here and stay on this road for approximately 5 miles until you reach the @photo[intersection for the Wing Mtn loop](17376871). This is also the highest point on the route at just under 7,800 ft.

You will be on the loop for approximately 7 miles on rolling terrain. For the most part the surface on this road is hard packed with a few section of loose, chunky gravel. But there is noting very technical so enjoy the amazing scenery and diversity of ecosystems. Almost immediately after starting on the loop around Wing Mtn, there is a @slice[steep decent for about 1 mile](d,19284.1,20794.1).There is a short section of 7 % but nothing super technical so its appropriate for all riding levels.

When you complete the loop, simply follow the same route back to Thorpe Park and enjoy how different the area looks from the opposite direction.

Be careful when you get back to the bench just past mile 29 where you return to the @slice[steep 13% grade to the decent on the Mars Hill Trail](d,47253.3,47453.6). This might be intimidating for less experienced riders who might want to walk this short section.

**Observatory Mesa** - Observatory Mesa is a forested plateau located just west of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, offering expansive views and a tranquil natural setting. It is owned by the City of Flagstaff and was permanently protected in 2012 through a voter-approved bond measure aimed at preserving open space. The area spans over 2,200 acres and features ponderosa pine woodlands, diverse wildlife, and a network of non-motorized trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Its proximity to Lowell Observatory—hence the name—also ties the mesa to the region’s rich astronomical history. Observatory Mesa now serves as both a recreational area and an important conservation zone, preserving Flagstaff’s natural character for future generations.

**Coconino National Forest** - Coconino National Forest is a vast and diverse public land in northern Arizona, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Covering nearly 1.8 million acres, it stretches from the red rock formations of Sedona to the alpine peaks near Flagstaff, including the San Francisco Peaks—the highest mountains in Arizona. Established in 1908, the forest was created to protect water resources, wildlife habitat, and timber, while providing public access for recreation. Today, it is renowned for its striking landscapes, ranging from high desert to dense pine forests, and offers countless opportunities for hiking, camping, mountain biking, and exploring scenic byways. As a cornerstone of Arizona’s natural heritage, Coconino National Forest plays a vital role in conservation, outdoor recreation, and cultural preservation.

**Lowell Observatory** - Lowell Observatory, located on a hillside overlooking downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the United States. Founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell, the observatory was established to study Mars and other celestial phenomena. It is perhaps best known as the site where Pluto was discovered in 1930 by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh. Today, Lowell Observatory is a privately owned, nonprofit research institution dedicated to astronomical discovery, education, and public engagement. The observatory continues to conduct cutting-edge research while welcoming visitors to explore historic telescopes, interactive exhibits, and guided night sky viewing. As a key part of Flagstaff’s scientific and cultural identity, Lowell Observatory blends a rich legacy of exploration with an active role in modern space science.

**Flagstaff Arizona** - Flagstaff, Arizona, was officially established in 1882 as a railroad and lumber town. However, the area saw its first Anglo settlers in the early 1870s, and it got its name in 1876 when a group of settlers raised an American flag on a pine tree to celebrate the U.S. Centennial—hence the name “Flagstaff.” It is a vibrant mountain town nestled at the base of the San Francisco Peaks in northern Arizona. Situated at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, it offers a unique blend of high desert and alpine environments, with four distinct seasons and a strong connection to the outdoors. Flagstaff has grown into a hub for education, science, and tourism, home to Northern Arizona University and several renowned research institutions, including Lowell Observatory and the U.S. Geological Survey. The city is known for its historic downtown, thriving arts scene, and proximity to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, Coconino National Forest, and numerous national monuments. As the world’s first International Dark Sky City, Flagstaff is also a leader in night sky preservation. With its blend of culture, science, and outdoor adventure, Flagstaff serves as a gateway to the Colorado Plateau and a beloved destination in the American Southwest.

**Humphreys Peak** - Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona, standing at 12,637 feet (3,852 meters). Located within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness in the Coconino National Forest, just north of Flagstaff, it is part of the San Francisco Peaks, a volcanic mountain range formed by the remnants of an ancient stratovolcano. The peak is a popular hiking destination, especially via the Humphreys Trail, which begins at the Arizona Snowbowl ski area and climbs through alpine forests and tundra to the summit. On clear days, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views that can stretch into neighboring states. Humphreys Peak holds cultural significance for several Indigenous tribes, including the Hopi and Navajo, who consider the mountain sacred.

Observatory Mesa to Wing Mtn Loop-Flagstaff Gravel

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Observatory Mesa to Wing Mtn Loop-Flagstaff Gravel

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