Oldham Trail,
Coconino National Forest
The trailhead for the Oldham Trail is located at Buffalo Park, an urban park at the base of Mount Elden. A gradual ascent along the southern side of Mount Elden leads to the summit — enjoy the panoramic views from this extinct volcano of the surrounding San Francisco Volcanic Range, Painted Desert and Sunset Crater. As the summit approaches, the Oldham Trail connects with the Sunset Trail which leads north towards Schultz Pass.
Elevation
The Oldham Trail has a maximum elevation of 7,545 ft., a minimum elevation of 7,057 ft. and an elevation range of 488 ft.
Metrics
| [ A to B ] or [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Length 2 | Min Ele 3 | Max Ele 4 | Range 5 |
| 2.7 mi | 7,057 ft | 7,545 ft | 488 ft |
| [ A to B ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time 6 | Floors 7 | Gain 8 | Loss 9 |
| 1.4 hrs | 42.8 | 513 ft | 110 ft |
| [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Floors | Gain | Loss |
| 1.2 hrs | 9.2 | 110 ft | 513 ft |
Calories
The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.
Topo Maps
Download the PDF Oldham Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.
Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend
- Northwest Topo Map: Wing Mountain, AZ
- North Topo Map: Humphreys Peak, AZ
- Northeast Topo Map: Sunset Crater West, AZ
- West Topo Map: Bellemont, AZ
- Topo Map: Flagstaff West, AZ
- East Topo Map: Flagstaff East, AZ
- Southwest Topo Map: Dutton Hill, AZ
- South Topo Map: Mountainaire, AZ
- Southeast Topo Map: Lower Lake Mary, AZ
Difficulty
The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the Oldham Trail compared to two other trails. The x-axis is cumulative elevation gain and the y-axis is maximum elevation. The length of the trail is reflected in the size of the bubble.
FAQ
Is this trail known by any other names?
Yes, this trail is also known as Oldham Trail #1.
What is the length of the Oldham Trail?
The length of the trail is 2.7 miles (4.3 km) or 5,905 steps.
How long does it take to hike the Oldham Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 1.4 hours in one direction and in 1.2 hours in the opposite direction.
Warnings
Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
(cdc.gov)
- The Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) may be present in this area. The Brown dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Footnotes
- Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
- Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
- Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
- Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
- Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
- Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
- Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
- Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
- Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.