The Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) is a network of more than 50 miles of multi-use, non-motorized trails that run throughout Flagstaff, AZ. The FUTS was designed to provide recreational opportunities, promote alternative transportation, and connect different parts of the city to key natural areas, neighborhoods, and commercial districts. FUTS is also connected to the Arizona Trail, a long-distance trail that runs across the entire state from Mexico to Utah. It also connects to the Coconino National Forest and various other regional and local trails, offering access to Flagstaff’s surrounding natural beauty and outdoor recreation areas.This allows for longer hikes or bike rides that go beyond the city limits.Here's how the system was created and what makes it special:
Vision and Early Planning:
The idea for FUTS emerged in the 1980s as part of a broader urban planning effort to promote outdoor recreation and sustainable transportation in Flagstaff. With Flagstaff’s growing population and its strong outdoor culture, city planners envisioned a network of interconnected trails that would allow people to walk, hike, and bike throughout the city without relying on cars.
The plan aimed to take advantage of Flagstaff’s beautiful natural setting, including its forests, mesas, and proximity to landmarks like the San Francisco Peaks, and to create a system of trails that would link parks, schools, and neighborhoods.
Gradual Expansion:
FUTS started with a small number of trails and has gradually expanded over the last few decades. Early trails were primarily along existing roads or in parks, but the network has since grown to connect key parts of Flagstaff, including downtown, the Northern Arizona University (NAU) campus, and outlying neighborhoods.
The city continues to expand FUTS as part of its regional transportation plan, which promotes non-motorized travel and aims to reduce Flagstaff’s environmental impact by encouraging biking and walking.
Specifics of the FUTS Trail System:
Trail Types:
- Paved and Unpaved Trails: FUTS features both paved and unpaved (gravel or dirt) trails, providing flexibility for a variety of users. The trails are designed for pedestrians, bicyclists, joggers, and people with strollers or mobility devices. Some trails are also suitable for horseback riding.
- Multi-Use: The majority of FUTS trails are designated as multi-use, meaning they accommodate walkers, runners, and cyclists. The trails are wide, typically between 8 and 12 feet, to allow for safe, shared use.
- Urban and Nature Trails: The system offers both urban trails that run along streets and through neighborhoods, as well as more nature-focused trails that traverse open spaces, forested areas, and scenic landscapes like McMillan Mesa and the Rio de Flag.
Popular Trails:
- Mars Hill Trail: A scenic trail that climbs to Mars Hill and the Lowell Observatory, offering great views of Flagstaff.
- Rio de Flag Trail: Following the course of the Rio de Flag, this trail runs through the heart of the city and features stretches of riparian habitat, including wetlands and wildlife viewing.
- Buffalo Park Loop: One of the most well-known trails, this loop around Buffalo Park offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Peaks and open grassland scenery.
The people of Flagstaff play an important role in the ongoing development and care of FUTS. There are volunteer programs for trail maintenance, and local advocacy groups regularly participate in planning efforts to ensure FUTS meets the community's needs for recreation and transportation.
In summary, FUTS was created through careful planning and collaboration over decades, with the goal of connecting Flagstaff’s residents and visitors to both the city and its surrounding natural landscapes. It’s an essential part of Flagstaff’s identity, offering a way to explore the area’s beauty while promoting sustainable transportation.
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