Bike along the San Francisco Peaks on Waterline Road

Waterline Road is a closed service road that follows along the southern and eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff, AZ. You will pass through several miles of charred ponderosa pine as well as expansive groves of aspen trees as you make your way to the Inner Basin.

The road follows a very gradual increase in elevation, gaining about 3,000 feet over 10 miles from start to finish making this a great workout for a beginning mountain biker or the seasoned endurance runner. You'll enjoy unobstructed views of Doney Park and the cinder hills of east Flagstaff and Sunset Crater.

Getting there: From Hw 180 (Fort Valley Road) turn onto Schultz Pass Road and hang a left at the Y in the road. Continue down this gravel and dirt road until you reach the trailhead parking area for the Weatherford Trail. Continue past this point until you see the junction of Schultz Pass Road and FR 146. Make a left here and continue until you reach a locked gate blocking further access to the road. This is the start of Waterline Road. Find a place to park on the shoulder and continue past the gate on bike or foot until you reach the Inner Basin. When you reach the Inner Basin, turn and go back the way you came.

Be sure to enjoy the ride back to your vehicle! The constant decline in elevation makes for an effortless ride as you coast along at high speed!