April through October, runs start at 8 AM sharp on Saturdays (unless otherwise noted due). November through March, Flagstaff runs start at 9 AM, Sedona/Williams area runs meet earlier so read description below. For Sedona and Flagstaff trail run descriptions, visit David Blanchard’s web site. Runs are subject to change based on conditions, so double-check calendar before heading out to the trailhead or the Friday before the run, read the latest post on our NATRA Facebook page.
If you run with a dog, for you, your pet's safety, and for the safety of other runners,
please use a leash, it is the law! See attorney James Griffith’s paper about the importance of doing so.
Also, remember that after many of our runs we convene at various coffee shops so bring a few bucks along!
Update for Winter 2024/2025: Sedona runs start at 8:30 AM. Our new carpool spot will be the Fort Tuthill Disc Golf parking area. If there is ice/snow on the roads in Flagstaff, we will meet at the specified carpool spot, usually Fort Tuthill, and run, snowshoe, or ski. Sedona participants can run the planned route. Also, please note, many of the parking areas in Sedona required the Red Rock Pass or National Parks Pass. If you are new to the group, be sure to sign up for our FREE Lifetime membership, and sign the waiver at https://runsignup.com/Club/AZ/Flagstaff/NorthernArizonaTrailRunnersAssociation
When you attend a group run, you are responsible for your own safety, and for knowing the route. If you do not know the route, please study it ahead of time with the provided links and stick with someone who knows the way. Also, for safety/emergency purposes, please carry a cell phone.
GROUP RUN DATES:
December 26th: Meet at Fort Tuhtill Disc Golf parking lot at 7:20 AM to carpool to the Turkey Creek Trail parking area where we will run about a 7-mile out and back starting at 8:30 AM. Click here for Strava map and gpx file.
December 25th: HOHOHOHO!!!!! Join NATRA on Christmas morning at Buffalo Park and we will celebrate together by running two Buffaloops at 9 AM sharp!
December 19th: Meet at Fort Tuhtill Disc Golf parking lot at 7:45 AM to carpool to the Old Munds Wagon Road parking area where we will run about a 5-mile out and back on the Huckaby Trail starting at 8:30 AM.
December 12th: Meet at Fort Tuhtill Disc Golf parking lot at 7:30 AM to carpool to the Baldwin Trailhead parking lot where we will run the out and back along Buddha Beach and the Templeton Trail at the base of Cathedral Rock, about 8 miles. The run starts at 8:30 AM sharp. For a preview of the run and to download a gpx file, visit visit https://www.strava.com/activities/6564847924
December 5th, we return to Red Rock Country! We will run the Wet Beaver Creek Trail meeting at the Bell Trailhead at 8:30 AM sharp. For those coming from Flagstaff, we will carpool from the Flagstaff Disc Golf parking lot at 7:45 AM! For a preview of the run and to download a gpx file, visit https://www.strava.com/activities/10317991767
November 28th: Meet at the Thorpe Park Bark Park at 9:00 AM sharp and we will run the Flagstaff Loop Trail on Observatory Mesa up to Cheshire and return via the FUTS. Meet spot is https://goo.gl/maps/JLXnEA46bmFuq7gT9
November 26th, Thanksgiving Day: Get ready for the big feast as we will meet at 8:15 AM sharp at Buffalo Park. We will do two laps in the park ahead of the old Flagstaff Road and Track Club's Turkey Predictor run that has free registration beginning at 9 AM.
November 21st, meet at the Sandy Seep Trailhead (https://maps.app.goo.gl/S7ZNawg5SnseoS6a7) at 9 AM sharp to run to Picture Canyon and back, about 6 miles and learn all about Flagstaff history!
November 14th, meet at the Campbell Mesa Trailhead overflow parking area at 9 AM sharp. We will do the outer 6 mile loop with an option to do the shorter 5K loop. Download the 5K gpx file here, and the 10K file here. Please print out maps or download the gpx files from the provided Strava links if you are new to the area or unsure of the route!
November 7th, it is a NATRA doubleheader! First meet at 9 AM sharp at the REI parking lot. We will have options of 5 and 7 miles in Sinclair Wash.
Afterwards, those who would like to support the Girls on the Run 5K in Buffalo Park can either register for the 5K as a "Sparkle" runner, donate, or simply just show up to cheer on the girls and their running buddies! While the 5K starts at noon, we will show up around 11 to get registered or take volunteer positions. We hope you will join us for this very special event!
October 31st, meet at 8 AM sharp at Schultz Tank parking area at 8:00 AM, and we will the run Waterline Road. This is an out and back so you can run as far or as short as you like! most will run to the tunnel and back, about 6 miles. For anyone interested in carpooling, meet that the detention basin parking lot at 7:45 AM.
October 24th, we will run the new Homestead Trail by Rogers Lake and add the Two-Spot loop for about a 5-mile run, or add Gold Digger for about an 8-mile run! Meet at the Two-Spot/Homestead trailhead located on Woody Mountain Road at 8 AM sharp.
October 17th, celebrate NATRA's 25th anniversary! We will start off our next 1/4 century meeting at 8 AM sharp at NATRA's birthplace, the Sunset Trailhead, and we will run a variation of the original Soulstice "Short Course." For anyone interested in carpooling, meet that the detention basin parking lot at 7:45 AM. This is a 6.5 mile loop, however, there will be shorter options available.
October 10th, the group run is canceled in favor of the 27th Running of NATRA's Soulstice Mountain Trail Run.
October 4th, we will meet at Schultz Tank at 8:30 AM to run Wardog! Wardog was Flagstaff's legendary trail race that first took place in 1981, sponsored by Nike and Coors! The 1984 designation of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness prevented War Dog from being held as a permitted event. Since then, old "War Dogs" kept the tradition alive until fires and flooding heavily damaged and closed the historic Weatherford Trail. If Schultz Pass road is open, we will meet at the Schultz Tank parking area at 8:30 AM. At 8:45 AM sharp, we will walk up to the original starting tree to start the run at 9 AM. Whether you do the whole 13.1 miles 3,000 ft run to Doyle Saddle and back or you just want to hike, join the fun. There will be a potluck at Schultz Tank afterwards, so bring a treat or beverage to share! To learn more about the history of the Wardog race, visit http://www.natra.org/history
October 3rd: With fall colors in full swing, we will meet at Aspen Corner at 7:30 AM sharp to beat the crowds and run to Bismarck Lake and back. This run is about 8 miles round trip on the Arizona Trail but can be made shorter or longer. to ease congestion at Aspen Corner, let's get as many folks to carpool by meeting at the parking lot at the corner of Snowbowl Road and Highway 180 at 7:15 AM.
September 26th Meet at Fort Tuthill/Flagstaff Extreme parking lot at 8 AM, and we will run the 6 mile Soldiers Trail loop!
September 19th-20th: The group run is supporting of the Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stage Coach Ultra races as we once again staff the historic Hull Cabin aid station at mile 80 of the race. We will run on the Coconino Rim Trail, marking the course to Hull Cabin. For those sticking around town, please consider joining Flagstaff's Pedals vs. Pistons vs. Horseshoes, vs. Hiking Boots trail maintenance day! NATRA helps sponsor the food for this event, so please attend if you aren't volunteering at Stagecoach!
September 12th: For those not racing Imogene, NATRA will have our own mini-me Imogene and do a run we've never done before, run to the top of O'Leary Peak and back, about 10 miles. Since it is an out and back, you can turn around at any point! The trailhead parking is tight, so I strongly encourage you to meet at 7:30 AM at the far side of Flagstaff Athletic Club East parking lot by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff clothing donation bin. We will start the run from the trail's parking lot at 8 AM sharp!
September 5th: We will meet at the Flagstaff Athletic Club West parking lot at 7:30 AM and carpool to the Soulstice headquarters at the Little Pup Ranch and run the first part of the Soulstice race! Afterwards we will have another great brunch at the ranch, sp bring a treat or beverage to share!
August 29th: Meet at the Flagstaff Athletic Club West parking lot at 7:15 AM, and we will carpool to the Benham Trailhead south of Williams where we will do a new run/hike to the top of Bill Williams and back! While this is about an 8 mile run, you can turn around at any point! Afterwards we will have brunch in Williams at George and Terri's house!
August 22nd: We will meet at 7:20 AM sharp at the Snowbowl/Highway 180 junction parking lot, and then we will carpool to the Kendrick Mountain Trailhead. If you aren't interested in carpooling, meet at 8 AM at the Kendrick Mountain Trailhead. This is an out and back to the top of Kendrick, about 9 miles total, however, you can turn around at any point.
August 15th: Meet at 8 AM at the Walnut Canyon/AZ Trailhead off Old Walnut Canyon Road at and we will run out and back options to I-40 and back. Access is best coming from Walnut Canyon Road off I-40. Since this is an out and back, there will be options of up to 8 miles, or 200 miles north to the Utah border!
August 8th: Group run is the grand finale of the Flagstaff Running Series, Flagstaff's oldest race, the 49th annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Half Marathon and 5K Run or Walk at Thorpe Park. Registration is open or sign up to volunteer at NATRA's 2/11 mile aid station on Observatory Mesa at https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Flagstaff/BBBSMemorialRunWalk
August 1st: The suggested group run is the 4th race of the Flagstaff Running Series, the 48th annual Machine Solutions Run and Walk for Kids on the Soldiers Trail. Registration is open at https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Flagstaff/MachineSolutionsRunWalk
July 25th: Critical update!!!! Meet at 7:30 AM at the Schultz Creek/Elden Road Junction (AKA the "Y"). While we plan to run Upper Oldham from the parking lot at the Elden Lookout Road gate, Flagstaff Biking is hosting a trail day at the same time, so we need to have as few cars going to the trailhead as possible. Please do not drive separately to the trailhead!!!!!!! This is the first time we have done this run as a group (Thanks to David Blanchard for the map). It is an out and back, so you can run Upper Oldham as far or as short as you like. Some can also take the Sunset/Catwalk over to Down Under and make a lollipop run out of it!
July 18th: Join NATRA at 8 AM at the Arizona Trailhead parking area on the way to the Pine Grove Campground about 1/4 mile off Lake Mary Road at https://goo.gl/maps/w7xeDdJraGhxUPzy5?coh=178573&entry=tt
While many of us will do about 8 miles, this is an out and back so you can choose your distance of comfort. Along the way you will learn about the history of the old Flim-Flam railroad grade that we will be following.
July 11th, whether you run or volunteer, join NATRA as we support the Footprints For Hopi Run!
July 4th: After the Run Flagstaff Downtown Mile, join NATRA and friends at 8:00 AM for our 16th annual Randy Wilson Memorial 4 on the 4th run starting at the historic Flagstaff flagpole on Thorpe Road at https://goo.gl/maps/hBpxSka3PnZzzkZN9. We will make announcements beginning at 8 AM, with the fun run/walk starting at 8:15 AM. While we will no longer conduct a head start race, we will honor Randy and Jack Welch's memory by continuing to collect cans of food for the Flagstaff Family Food Center.
June 27th: At 8 AM, meet at Sandy Canyon Trailhead off Lake Mary Road, and we will run to Fisher Point, about a 6.2 mile out and back. Meet up spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/o9MnoKH58i7y77v79
June 20th: Group run is the kickoff race of the 22nd annual Flagstaff Running Series, the Northland Hospice Run for Life Races!
June 13th: Join us at 8 AM at the Sunset Trailhead or carpool from the "Y" at the junction of Elden Lookout Road and Schultz Pass Road at 7:40 AM, and we will run the original Soulstice Mountain Trail short course, about 6 miles!
June 6th: NATRA is partnering with Flagstaff Biking Organization (FBO) for National Trails Day! Meet at 7 AM at the "Y" and we will do an out and back up Rocky Ridge. Afterwards at 8:30 AM, we will help realign Rocky Ridge as part of Flagstaff Biking's ongoing efforts to improve our amazing trail system! Please register at the link provided above so that FBO can better plan the food!
May 30th: At 8 AM, meet at the Old Walnut Canyon Road and Arizona Trail junction, and we will run south to the Walnut Canyon overlooks on the Arizona Trail, offering 5 or 8 mile out and back run/walks. If you wish to go further south, you can run all the way to Fisher Point or beyond to Mexico!
May 23rd: Meet at 8 AM sharp at Schultz Tank parking area, and we will the run Waterline Road. This is an out and back so you can run as far or as short as you like! most will run to the tunnel and back, about 6 miles. For anyone interested in carpooling, meet that the detention basin parking lot at 7:40 AM.
May 16th: At 8 AM, meet at the Thorpe Park Bark Park and we will run an out and back on portions of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Half Marathon course! Because this is an out and back, you can run as far or as short as you like!
May 9th: At 8 AM, meet at Buffalo Park at 8 AM and we will run the iconic Oldham/Az Trail/Rocky Ridge Loop, and try to cheer on the last of the Cocodona runners!
May 2nd: At 8 AM, meet at the Sandy Seep Trailhead just north of Elden Pueblo on the west side of Highway 89, and we will run the Sandy Seep Trail to the Heart Trail, and then head up the Heart Trail at one-way trip of up to 4 miles before turning around and heading back the same route for a total of up to 8 miles. View and or download the GPX file on Strava.
April 25th: Meet at 8 AM at the parking lot for the Oldham Trail on Mount Elden Lookout Road (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jc43AWLGc1YFoH6f8). We will head up the Brookbank Trail up to Dry Lake Hills and go from there. Options for a shorter out and back, or doing a full loop will be offered!
April 18th: Get your kicks on Old Route 66 by joining NATRA as we retrace the steps of the historic 1928 "Bunion Derby" with the run starting at 8 AM. For Flagstaff folks who wish to carpool, meet at the Flagstaff Athletic Club West overflow parking lot at 7:00 AM and we will caravan out to the Welch Exit (151). For those coming from other locations, our meet spot will be the north side of the Welch Exit off I-40 at 7:45 AM.
April 11th: We will meet at 8 AM sharp at the Schultz Creek detention ponds parking area for a 5-mile run with 600 ft. of climbing. Here is the "Space Trails" route on Strava - Here is David Blanchard's Gaia map of the route.
April 11th: Tour de Sedona 50K. Organizers of the FREE April 11th Tour de Sedona 50K (limited to 75 folks) is looking for a few more volunteers, including a barbecue chef! There are also a few spots left for the very low key trail run. What you do get is a day running on the breathtaking red rock trails of Sedona with friendly runners at a beautiful time of the year and a post-run barbecue. The run will start at 6:30 AM. To get on the list email run100joe@gmail.com.
April 4th: Meet at 8:00 AM to run the Kelly Canyon Trail to its junction with Pumphouse Wash, about 6 miles total, out and back. This run starts on the south end of Kachina Village on Forest Road 237. View or download the GPX file on Strava. The meet spot is here. From the Kachina gas station drive the main road (FR 237) south into the forest for about 0.85 miles to the meet spot.
March 28th: We will run the Wet Beaver Creek Trail meeting at the Bell Trailhead at 8:30 AM sharp. For those coming from Flagstaff, we will carpool from the Fort Tuthill Disc Golf Course parking lot at 7:45 AM!
March 21st: Hangover Trail Loop, about 8 miles (this can be easily shortened by going out and back). Meet spot is the Old Munds Wagon Road Trailhead off Schnebly Hill Road, starting at 8:30 AM sharp. For those wishing to carpool from Flagstaff, meet at the Fort Tuthill Disc Golf Course parking lot at 7:45 AM. The suggested route is a clockwise loop on Hangover, so we take care of the uphill part early. With the expected record breaking heat, this is going to be a very hot run. If you want to start early, please do!!!!
March 14th: Stirrup-SaddleUp-Stirrup-Lasso-Girdner-Roundabout; 6.4 miles. Meet at the Sedona Cultural Park at 8:30 AM sharp. For those wishing to carpool from Flagstaff, meet at the For those from Flagstaff you can carpool from the Fort Tuthill Disc Golf Course parking lot at 7:30 AM. For those on Strava, you can view the route at https://www.strava.com/routes/3202620129863927000 After the run we will have brunch at Kerry and Doug's, so bring a beverage or treat to share!
March 7th: We will run a 6-mile (https://www.strava.com/activities/6713384437) loop starting at the Jacks Canyon Trailhead and incorporating the Little Rock and Rabbit Ears trails at 8:30 AM sharp (https://maps.app.goo.gl/jsfSvYSDYQu3BD9C7). Those coming from Flagstaff, meet at the Fort Tuthill Disc Golf course parking lot at 7:30 AM.
February 28th: Aerie-Deadman-Pass-Mescal-Yucca-Canyon Of Fools-Dawa-Cockscomb; 5.8 miles. Meet at the Fay Canyon Trailhead at 8:30 AM sharp, or for those from Flagstaff you can carpool from the Fort Tuthill Disco Golf parking lot at 7:30 AM.
February 21st: We will run Woods Canyon out and back, up to 6 miles. For those from Flagstaff you can carpool from the Fort Tuthill Disc Golf Course parking lot at 7:30 AM. Otherwise just meet at the Woods Canyon Trailhead (turn in at the Red Rock Ranger Station) at 8:30 AM sharp!
February 14th: Celebrate Valentine's Day with NATRA when we run the Yavapai Vista Figure 8 Loop Trails for a total of about 5 miles. For those who wish to run longer, you can divert onto the Templeton Trail System and run around Cathedral Rock. For those from Flagstaff you can carpool from the Fort Tuthill Disc Golf Course parking lot at 7:30 AM. Otherwise just meet at the Yavapai Vista Trailhead at 8:30 AM sharp!
February 7th: Group gathering will be for the RunSedona races where NATRA will once again staff our infamous Aid Station at Doe Mountain. Once the aid station slows down many will do an out-and-back on the Aeries Trail.
January 31st: We will run about a 6-mile out-and-back on Marj's Draw trail from the Old Munds Wagon Road Trailhead starting at 8:30 AM sharp. For those wishing to carpool from Flagstaff, meet at the Fort Tuthill Disc Golf Course parking lot at 7:45 AM.
January 24th: Meet at the Fort Tuthill Disc Golf lot at 7:30 AM sharp and we will carpool to the Mescal Trail parking lot to start our Mescal trail loop run at 8:30 AM. For a map of the route or gpx file, click here.
January 17th: Meet at Fort Tuthill Disc Golf parking lot at 7:30 AM sharp and we will carpool to the Long Canyon Trailhead (https://goo.gl/maps/gV6kcbiPVHzH6CA48) to run our annual 7-mile out and back adventure. Run starts promptly at 8:30 AM.
January 10th: Meet at the Fort Tuhtill Disc Golf parking lot at 7:20 AM sharp and we will carpool to the Fay Canyon Trailhead in Sedona. The run will start at 8:30 AM and we will run the 6 mile Aeries Cockscomb Loop (Click the link to view the route and download a gpx file).
January 3rd: Meet at Fort Tuthill Disc Golf parking lot at 7:45 AM to carpool to the Broken Arrow Trailhead. Otherwise, meet at the trailhead at 8:30 AM sharp (https://goo.gl/maps/4Nzj8YoHA9ZDxvTG7), and we will run to Chicken Point and then to the top of Submarine Rock, a short, but 4.4 rugged miles. Those who want to do more can go out and back on Marj's Draw.
New Year's Day, Meet at 9 AM sharp at the Marshall School parking lot and we will run the Flagstaff Urban Trail System to the "shire" returning via the Highway 180 trail. This run will be about 6 miles, but can be made longer or shorter for anyone!
December 27th: Meet at Fort Tuhtill Disc Golf parking lot at 7:20 AM to carpool to the Turkey Creek Trail parking area where we will run about a 7-mile out and back starting at 8:30 AM. Click here for Strava map and gpx file.
December 25th: HOHOHOHO!!!!! Join NATRA on Christmas morning at Buffalo Park and we will celebrate together by running two Buffaloops at 9 AM sharp!
December 20th: Meet at Fort Tuhtill Disc Golf parking lot at 7:45 AM to carpool to the Old Munds Wagon Road parking area where we will run about a 5-mile out and back on the Huckaby Trail starting at 8:30 AM. For a preview of the run and to download a gpx file, visit https://www.strava.com/activities/8287459477
December 13th: Meet at Fort Tuhtill Disc Golf parking lot at 7:30 AM to carpool to the Baldwin Trailhead parking lot where we will run the out and back along Buddha Beach and the Templeton Trail at the base of Cathedral Rock, about 8 miles. The run starts at 8:30 AM sharp. For a preview of the run and to download a gpx file, visit visit https://www.strava.com/activities/6564847924
December 6th, we return to Red Rock Country! We will run the Wet Beaver Creek Trail meeting at the Bell Trailhead at 8:30 AM sharp. For those coming from Flagstaff, we will carpool from the Flagstaff Disc Golf parking lot at 7:45 AM! For a preview of the run and to download a gpx file, visit https://www.strava.com/activities/10317991767
November 29th: Meet at the Thorpe Park Bark Park at 7:00 AM sharp and we will run the Flagstaff Loop Trail on Observatory Mesa up to Cheshire and return via the FUTS. Meet spot is https://goo.gl/maps/JLXnEA46bmFuq7gT9
November 27th, Thanksgiving Day: Get ready for the big feast as we will meet at 8:15 AM sharp at Buffalo Park. We will do two laps in the park ahead of the old Flagstaff Road and Track Club's Turkey Predictor run that has free registration beginning at 9 AM.
November 22nd, meet at the Sandy Seep Trailhead (https://maps.app.goo.gl/S7ZNawg5SnseoS6a7) at 9 AM sharp to run to Picture Canyon and back, about 6 miles and learn all about Flagstaff history!
November 15th, meet at the Campbell Mesa Trailhead overflow parking area at 9 AM sharp. We will do the outer 6 mile loop with an option to do the shorter 5K loop. Download the 5K gpx file here, and the 10K file here. Please print out maps or download the gpx files from the provided Strava links if you are new to the area or unsure of the route!
November 8th, meet at 9 AM sharp at the REI parking lot. We will have options of 5 and 7 miles in Sinclair Wash.
November 1st, It is a NATRA doubleheader! At 8 AM sharp, we will meet at the Schultz Creek detention ponds parking area for a 5-mile run with 600 ft. of climbing. We will run about a 5-mile loop - Chimney Springs/Schultz Creek/Afterglow/Big Bang/Spacewalk/Dipper/Big Bang/Orbit/Chimney.
Afterwards, those who would like to support the Girls on the Run 5K in Buffalo Park can either register for the 5K as a "Sparkle" runner, donate, or simply just show up to cheer on the girls and their running buddies! While the 5K starts at noon, we will show up around 11 to get registered or take volunteer positions. We hope you will join us for this very special event!
October 25th, meet at 8 AM sharp at Schultz Tank parking area at 8:00 AM, and we will the run Waterline Road. This is an out and back so you can run as far or as short as you like! most will run to the tunnel and back, about 6 miles. For anyone interested in carpooling, meet that the detention basin parking lot at 7:45 AM.
October 18th, celebrate NATRA's 24th birthday! Meet at 8 AM sharp at NATRA's birthplace, the Sunset Trailhead, and we will run a variation of the original Soulstice "Short Course." For anyone interested in carpooling, meet that the detention basin parking lot at 7:45 AM. View the run on Strava or download the gpx file or the kmz file here. This is a 6.5 mile loop, however, there will be shorter options available.
