Popular Flagstaff trailhead to close for construction

FLAGSTAFF — A popular trailhead leading to two of the most popular trails in Flagstaff will be closed for the next two months for public safety and to make room for workers and equipment while construction occurs.

The trailhead for Elden Lookout trail and Fatmans Loop trail will be closed beginning Monday, April 8 through May as contractors reconstruct the trailhead and repave and expand the parking area to accommodate up to 50 vehicles as well as other visitor facilities.

The trails are still open for recreation and can be accessed from the Flagstaff Ranger Station (5075 N. Highway 89) via a short access trail that begins near the parking lot on the east side of the ranger station.

The construction and closure are expected to be completed by June. This trailhead improvement is part of the larger Mt. Elden Dry Lake Hills Recreation Planning Project, which began in 2022 after substantial community involvement.

Coconino National Forest This is one of many ongoing recreation infrastructure projects on the Coconino National Forest that uses infrastructure funds provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to meet major goals to restore outdoor recreation facilities across the forest.

For details regarding the closure area, please see Forest Order 03-04-08-24-02.