Cold Nordic Center

Weather:  29º, windy, overcast, cold. Some light flurries

About this Hike:  I love snowshoeing the Flagstaff Nordic Center (FNC). In past years I've experienced a range of conditions from so warm that we're trying to snowshoe on the waning white stuff, to fresh powder transforming the ponderosa forest into a winter wonderland.

FNC Adventure 2017 was sort of a mix between the two above-mentioned conditions.  It was the coldest, gloomiest day I've ever snowshoed here. There was a biting wind. While I warmed up once I got going, I was also grateful to be bundled up and have hand warmers. However, Flagstaff had been warm in the days leading up to today.  In fact, downtown Flag had no snow, just bare ground.  On the drive up US 180 I began to get very nervous we were wasting a trip, despite checking the daily trail conditions and the webcam prior to leaving Sedona.

It wasn't until right before the FNC (~8000 feet) that the ground began to snow a solid base of white.
All trails branch from the FNC Lodge, and at this starting point the snow was icy and crusty.  In fact, these were the conditions on most of the lower trails, although the trails were well groomed as usual by FNC staff.  As we ascended on Lava Trail (several hundred feet of elevation gain) the snow became significantly deeper and turned to powder. It was snowshoe heaven up there. A light, misty snow began to fall and the ponderosas were covered in white. Heavy clouds masked the usual spectacular views of Humphrey's and the San Francisco Peaks.

I love the FNC. I feel safe snowshoeing there. With ample parking, a lodge, international Nordic symbols decorating the trees, cell reception, and well-mapped trails, it's convenient.  However, I've covered most every snowshoe trail in that place. The ponderosas and aspens, while magnificent, are repetitive scenery.  I'd like to branch out and snowshoe (not to mention hike in the summertime) in the White Mountains next.  Or perhaps I need to learn to cross-country ski...there's still a lot of FNC I haven't seen from the ski trails...

Back to Play in the Snow - Flagstaff Nordic Center

Weather:  38°, started sunny but clouded up

About this hike:  Last year after visiting Flagstaff Nordic Center I stated the following:

"I would love to experience this in a moderate snowfall while the branches of the ponderosas slowly gather a coating of white."

This year I got my wish...well sort of.  Plenty of fresh snow had fallen the day before and everything was beautifully covered in white.  The snow on the ponderosa pines was breathtaking along with the aspens and views of the San Francisco Peaks.

For the holiday weekend I loaded up my snowshoes (that's right, I bought a pair—no more rentals!), snow pants, and boots for a trip up to the Nordic Center.  Not only did I do Lava Trail again, but I also did the full circumference of Elk Trail.  Unfortunately that doesn't leave a whole lot of new trails to explore.  My next snowshoe adventure may be blazing my own trails at Buffalo Park or perhaps Mormon Lake.

Every time I go up to Flagstaff I make a commitment to myself to visit Flag more often.  And now that I own a pair of snowshoes, I guess I have a good excuse...

Breaking in new snowshoes

It happened again this year—Jake (the Juke) in a lake!

Lava Trail - Flagstaff Nordic Center

Weather:  48°, sun, snow on ground

About this hike:  We covered the entire Lava Trail (one of the longest, ranked one of the most difficult) at Flagstaff Nordic Center.  This was accomplished on snow shoes.  While the snowy conditions were deteriorating due to warmer temps and sunshine, there was still ample snow on most of the trail.  Jackets were soon shed for t-shirts and only shorts were on under our snow pants.

The Lava Trail gains some elevation and near the top the snow pack was quite a bit better. Towering ponderosa pines gave a sweet smell of sap while aspens stood alongside. The views of the snow-capped San Francisco Peaks and Humphrey's Peak were breathtaking in places.

Around a 4-5 hour hike on snow shoes, this one is an all dayer.  I would love to experience this in a moderate snowfall while the branches of the ponderosas slowly gather a coating of white.

For my first experience snow shoeing I have to say I was not disappointed. I plan to be back.