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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
671 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
16.9 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5-7h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Sandy Steps, Heart, and Upper Oldham Trail

Measurement:

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Table of contents

The Sandy Steps, Heart, and Upper Oldham hike makes use of several different trails to create a hike that stretches from East Flagstaff past Elden Mountain, ending past Buffalo Park in the city. This route is rated as moderate and offers varied scenery from the city to the mountains. Dogs are welcome on leash, but families may find this hike a bit long and strenuous. It’s suitable for intermediate hikers and better.

Route Description for Sandy Steps, Heart, and Upper Oldham Trail

The Sandy Steps, Heart, and Upper Oldham hike makes use of a few different routes to cover a lot of ground in the mountains immediately north of Flagstaff. This route begins near Elden Mountain, climbing up and over past the Dry Lake Hills, dropping down through Buffalo Park to end in East Flagstaff.

This is a long point-to-point hike, so we recommend arranging a car shuttle to complete the entire route. It would be a bit ambitious to try to hike this route as an out and back, so plan ahead.

From the trailhead, take the Arizona Trail–Sandy Seep towards Elden Mountain. You’ll climb up to the ridge between Elden Mountain and Little Elden Mountain, traversing across this ridge until you reach Upper Oldham, where you’ll take a right and descend to the base of T V Hill. Hug the base of the hill heading south and then follow Easy Oldham Trail into Buffalo Park.

Hike directly through the park, cross W Forest Ave, and take Arizona Trail–Flagstaff to the route that will lead you to the endpoint.

Getting to the Sandy Steps, Heart, and Upper Oldham Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for Sandy Steps, Heart, and Upper Oldham Trail is off US 89.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    April-November

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    One Way

Sandy Steps, Heart, and Upper Oldham Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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