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Sunset

Golden Hour at the Nordic Center

Spend the late afternoon winding down the cross-country trails as the sky turns gold over the San Francisco Peaks.

Best time: 15 JanAbout 75 min

Timeline

  1. 16:52

    Flagstaff Nordic Center

    Grab a hot drink or a warm snack from the center's rental shop. The staff can also hand you a trail map to plan a gentle loop.

  2. 17:07

    Flagstaff Nordic Center

    Step onto the groomed trails for a slow, easy hike. The winter light is crisp and the silence is deep. Aim for a trail that offers an open view toward the west.

  3. 17:37

    Flagstaff Nordic Center

    Find a spot near the parking lot or on a wider section of the trail. Watch the sun sink toward the WSW, painting the snow in shades of orange and pink. This is the golden light moment.

Local tip

The trails are open for hiking in the summer, but in January they are for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Wear appropriate winter gear and check if you need to rent equipment before you go.

Check before you go

  • The Nordic Center is located at Mile Marker 232 along Hwy 180. Check road conditions for Hwy 180 before driving, as snow can make travel difficult in winter.
  • Trail passes and equipment rental prices are listed on-site. Bring cash or card for rentals.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Flagstaff (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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