About FTI

What is the Flagstaff Trails Initiative?

Trails are part of what make Flagstaff what it is – a place that embraces its extraordinary setting on the Colorado Plateau. Trail providers, users, and other stakeholders have come together to make sure that the Flagstaff trail system is not just good, but incredible.

The purpose of the Flagstaff Trails Initiative (FTI) is to develop and implement a collaborative strategy for trails in and around Flagstaff.  It seeks to improve the quality, connectivity and community support for a sustainable trail system that balances the demand for recreation with the community’s vision for conservation, development, and health.

FTI Includes a mix of elements – like conceptual ideas for new connections, ways to support long-term maintenance improvements and strategies to protect environmental quality – that will make Flagstaff a better place to live and visit.

Who is involved?

Anyone and everyone who cares about trails in Flagstaff can be involved in the FTI.

The core team of the Initiative includes a diverse public and nonprofit organizations: City of Flagstaff, Coconino National Forest, Coconino County, Flagstaff Biking Organization, Coconino Trail Riders, R2R Hiking Club, American Conservation Experience, National Park Service Flagstaff Area Monuments, Sierra Club and The Nature Conservancy.

Our subcommittees are composed of volunteers representing all trail use types with each subcommittee concentrating on specific goals outlined in the Flagstaff Regional Trails Strategy.

The volunteer base for FTI is steadily growing as we introduce the Trail Ambassador and Trail Academy programs which will further integrate public volunteers into FTI’s efforts.

How much of the area around Flagstaff are we talking about?

We focus on non-motorized and motorized trails inside the boundary of the Flagstaff Metropolitan Planning Organization, which extends from Bellemont to the west, Winona to the east, Sunset Crater to the north and Mountainaire to the south. It includes trails managed by the City of Flagstaff, Coconino National Forest, National Park Service and Coconino County.

Why trails/why are we doing this?

They give us something fun to do with our time. They make us healthy and strong. They generate connections to nature. They create business opportunities. They improve our mental health. They give our kids places to run around. They draw visitors, who spend money and generate jobs. They help us get to work.  They help us better understand our environment. They let us test ourselves. They limit environmental impact. We could go on…

Project Purpose

The purpose of the Flagstaff Trails Initiative is to develop and implement a collaborative, cross-jurisdictional strategy for recreational trails in the Flagstaff region. This effort seeks to improve the quality, connectivity and community support for a sustainable trail system that balances the demand for recreation with the community’s vision for conservation, development, and health.