Sunset

From Schultz Pass, the Sunset trail climbs gently through dense mixed conifer and aspen forest in the Dry Lake Hills. With increasing altitude, open meadows give lovely views back toward the San Francisco Peaks. The trail climbs over a ridge and passes the signed intersection with the Brookbank Trail (which can be used to form a loop back to the trailhead). A quick descent leads to a wooded saddle where there is an intersection with the Little Bear Trail. Beyond this point, Sunset climbs, steeply at times, to the high ridgeline of Mt. Elden. Watch for mountain bikers in the "Hobbit Forest" - a rock garden that offers a technical test for experienced riders. At the ridgeline, there are wide open views to the east of Flagstaff over the slopes of Mt. Elden, burned by the Radio Fire. Numerous promontories offer good look-out points. The Sunset trail eventually ends at an intersection with the Elden Lookout Trail near the mountain's summit.