Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
AZT Passage 33 Day Hike
when July 5, 2025 Saturday
Trip Report : August 6, 2011
where? Flagstaff
the hike     We will start on the Az Trail (Passage 33) that pass though Buffalo Park. The park had a bison, so the railroad could let people see the wild west. This broad, open trail offers an easy hike across fairly open terrain with opportunities to get a close look at the lower limits of some of the old Mt. Elden lava flows. Ponderosa pines are the predominant vegetation along the trail, mixed with Gambel oaks that color the slopes a burnt gold in the fall and cliffrose that contribute a pleasant fragrance in the spring.
    We will stay on the AZT for the entire hike. We will be the end of Passage 33 and the start of Passage 34. Gray foxes and coyotes can be seen along the trail as well as an occasional raccoon. Common birds encountered here are Steller’s jays, juncos and a variety of hawks that hunt the rocky slopes. Open areas annually tinted bright yellow with a midsummer wash of sunflowers serve as a colorful stage.
    We will pass by Schultz tank, it may have water. Schultz tank is also where we swith from Passage 33 to Passage 34. This will be a 8 to 10 mile hike. About noon we will find a good spot for lunch / snacks. Return the way we came.
    This is the monsoon season, so be prepared for a late afternoon rain. The trail has a mix of sun and shade. One note the shade and sun comes in batches. One mile of sun then 1 mile of shade.
Buffalo Park has restrooms and water. Buffalo Park is very open with very few shade tree. You can pet & take pictures with the Buffalo.
distance 8 - 10 miles
EC +-1000' elevation change
elevations 7100' (Trailhead) to 7800' (Schultz tank trail junction)
time 5-6 hours
rating "B"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
starting at
Buffalo Park 35° 13.061' N,  111° 37.922' W  [NAD27]
on trail 100% — Az Trail
dogs? no
cost Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather Flagstaff
leader    Email the leader to confirm.
meet Phoenix 7:00 AM in the Mcdonald’s parking lot on the northeast corner of I-17 & Carefree Highway. Park away from the restaurant.
meet Flagstaff 9:00 AM in the Buffalo Park parking lot.
drive Because of construction, I am moving the meeting in Flagstaff to Buffalo Park.
To get to Buffalo Park: @ 9:00 AM
Take I-17 into Flagstaff and stay on that road as it goes under the railroad.
At Humphrey street turn left. (First light after railroad)
Go to light on 180 and turn left.
Take next right turn on to Forest Ave.
Stay on Forest as it turns north
Then left onto Gemini Rd and take it to the end.
You will pass by a lot of Science Centers.

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updated June 25, 2025 © Copyright 2025, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.