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Sunset Trailhead

4.5 ★★★★★ 41 Google reviews · Running trail in Flagstaff, Arizona · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Sunset Trailhead'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.

Natural surfaceLoopScenicHillyTrailhead parkingQuiet

What runners say about Sunset Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (41 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“5 miles but very well maintained.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“Great views, steep and gnarly descent on the bike, if you are hiking up it, watch out for cyclists, it's a fast and tight trail.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“I didn't make sunset, so maybe I failed the point of the trail, but it was indeed nice and peaceful, so much more to see on mountain up close rather than what you see from a car!”

I went to hike but this is an excellent place for mountain bikers. People up there are very friendly and helpful. The trails are well maintained. Please follow "leave no trace" principles while recreating.

★★★★★ — Jacki , May 2022

I didn't make sunset, so maybe I failed the point of the trail, but it was indeed nice and peaceful, so much more to see on mountain up close rather than what you see from a car! 👌

★★★★★ — Chad , Jul 2023

Great experience all around. The trail is nice and the scenery is just breathtaking. If you enjoy nature then come explore and you will be glad you did. Thanks again

★★★★★ — Ally , Jul 2025

Beautiful place to trail run. Little bit hilly on the way up but nice down hill run once you make it to the top.

★★★★☆ — Sarah , Sep 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 41 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 10 mentions

“Great views, steep and gnarly descent on the bike, if you are hiking up it, watch out for cyclists, it's a fast and tight trail.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“Great views, steep and gnarly descent on the bike, if you are hiking up it, watch out for cyclists, it's a fast and tight trail.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“I didn't make sunset, so maybe I failed the point of the trail, but it was indeed nice and peaceful, so much more to see on mountain up close rather than what you see from a car!”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

“Good mix of flow and technical climbs.”

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🔁 Loop trail

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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Plan your run at Sunset Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websitefs.usda.gov
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 8 AM–4 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–4 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–4 PM
Thursday 8 AM–4 PM
Friday 8 AM–4 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Sunset Trailhead

Flagstaff, Arizona

Get directions

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.

Schultz Creek Trailhead

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Hikes and dispersed camping are available at this kid-friendly forest area.

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Buffalo Park

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215-acre park offers a 2-mile hiking loop trail, picnicking space, wildlife & scenic mountain views.

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Sandy Seep Trailhead

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Natural area with forested hiking trails that are suitable for families and dogs.

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Mt Elden Lookout Trail

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LoopNatural surfaceScenic

This trail leads up to the summit of Mt. Elden & offers views of the city & surrounding area.

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Fatmans Loop Trail

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LoopNatural surfaceShadedScenic

Walking trail featuring scenic overlooks with city views, volcanic rock formations & more.

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.