Behind the Peaks

This drive is a real gem, and is accessible for all kinds of vehicles! If you are on the Peaks and find Lockett Meadow / Inner Basin or Snowbowl too busy- for instance during fall colors, try Behind the Peaks instead! In the spring you will find alpine meadows and wildflowers aplenty, and in fall you will see lots of fall color and aspen. This area is slightly wetter than other parts of the Peaks district, owing to high elevation up to 9,000 feet and a bit of microclimate. There are several nice campsites dispersed along the main road and many campsites on side roads. You’ll have better views of the San Francisco Peaks from this route than anywhere else in the Flagstaff area- without the crowds. This route also provides access for four major hiking trails (Bear Jaw, Abineau, Alto Spring, Arizona Trail), and is your ticket to access the normally-closed seasonal hunting roads up the north slope of the peaks. This area is, like most of Flagstaff, great for mountain biking as well.