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Buffalo Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,307 Google reviews · Running trail in Flagstaff, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 2.2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Buffalo Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
215-acre park offers a 2-mile hiking loop trail, picnicking space, wildlife & scenic mountain views.
What runners say about Buffalo Park
“Open area, Flagstaff Mountains within view, great walking, hiking, biking pedal or electric, has bathroom, water refills, tables to eat, its beautiful for all or by yourself.”
“The views are fantastic and it’s a nice easy walk as long or as short as you’d like.”
“I hear it's a great place for a sunset or a sunrise and is extremely dog friendly as well.”
I run here regularly (typically once a week or so) and LOVE Buffalo Park! It can be a bit crowded in the mid-morning and late afternoon, but I’ve found pockets where it’s not too busy. The views of the San Francisco peaks are unmatched and sunsets/sunrises here are gorgeous.
My favorite place to hike. It’s very peaceful and easy for beginner hikers. There is plenty of parking and restrooms at the front of the entrance. I always recommend this place to everyone I know and make monthly trips from Phoenix just for Buffalo Park! Also a great place to get beautiful pictures during sunset.
Love this dog friendly park. The views are fantastic and it’s a nice easy walk as long or as short as you’d like. If you’re ever in Flagstaff I would suggest trying this one with the family. A bit of an update.
Really beautiful park if you want to go on a nice walk or stroll and enjoy beautiful scenery. The trails are clearly marked, including the really wide, dirt 2-mile loop. Very dog friendly and there are all sorts of exercise challenges around the loop. There was ample parking.
Trail conditions & character
“Open area, Flagstaff Mountains within view, great walking, hiking, biking pedal or electric, has bathroom, water refills, tables to eat, its beautiful for all or by yourself.”
“I love that the long loop around is almost exactly 2 miles so I can do one for a short run or two+ if I want a longer run.”
“Plenty of parking, safe feeling, lots of people enjoying it peacefully.”
“So beautiful, a huge area to explore filled with benches and comfortable flat trails.”
“Open area, Flagstaff Mountains within view, great walking, hiking, biking pedal or electric, has bathroom, water refills, tables to eat, its beautiful for all or by yourself.”
“I hear it's a great place for a sunset or a sunrise and is extremely dog friendly as well.”
“The wide-open meadow and views of the San Francisco Peaks create a stunning backdrop as the sky lights up in warm colors.”
Plan your run at Buffalo Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Loop distance2.2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteflagstaff.az.gov
- Phone(928) 213-2300
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–12 AM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–12 AM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Flagstaff
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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