As the highest city in Arizona, Flagstaff winters mean snow. In fact, Flagstaff gets an average of 22 inches of snow in January. People from all over the region flock here for Flagstaff winter activities. For those who want to work off the holiday pounds without dealing with the crowds or strapping on skis or snowshoes, don’t fret. You have options! The Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) features 56 miles of mixed-use trails throughout the Flagstaff metro area, and most are uncrowded this time of year.

Here are our picks for the most scenic winter Flagstaff hikes.

Nate Avery Trail

Otherwise known as the Buffalo Park Trail, this 2-mile loop is Flagstaff’s most popular urban trail. Located just north of town, the trail meanders through an open, grassy park and features panoramic mountain views and an abundance of wildlife. The trail itself is wide, crushed gravel with very little elevation gain, perfect for walkers of any age or ability. Most of the trail is unshaded, which means it is less likely to be covered with snow in winter.

Mars Hill Trail

If you are up for more of a vertical challenge (and if it’s not too snowy), the Mars Hill Trail just west of town has the steepest grade of any in the FUTS system. The trail starts at Thorpe Park and makes a steady climb westward to the top at Mars Hill. The trail levels out some at that point, continuing through ponderosa pine forest for a total of 1.9 miles one way. The total elevation gain is 500 feet. If you don’t feel like heading down, you can continue on the Observatory Mesa trail going north, or the Tunnel Springs trail going south.

Sinclair Wash Trail

For a longer trail with a wide variety of scenery, choose the Sinclair Wash Trail south of town. At 5.7 miles, Sinclair is the longest urban trail in the FUTS system. Along the way you will go through stretches of quiet grasslands and stands of Ponderosa. The trail also goes through the more urban settings of Northern Arizona University and Woodlands Village commercial area. Don’t miss the limestone-walled canyon area east of Lone Tree Road. It’s the highlight of this long gentle trail.

Foxglenn Trail

This trail offers a little of everything. Paved surface becomes aggregate surface, flat trail becomes hilly trail, wide canyon becomes forest. If you get bored easily, this 1.9-mile trail is for you.

Looking for other ways to entertain yourself this winter? Check out the Mountain Trail blog.