If you’ve ever wanted to roam through the forest barefoot, without the risk of stepping on a cactus or bug, Flagstaff has you covered. Up in Northern Arizona among the ponderosa pines, crisp mountain air and much cooler temperatures, you can engage the senses on the barefoot trail.
You’ll start by hanging your shoes up along a rope, then embark on a manicured 1-mile trail through dirt, mud, water, sand, stone and rocks. Adventure stations are found in stops along the way, including a rope walk, all meant to challenge the mind and body while grounding—the practice of making physical contact with the Earth that’s believed to reduce stress, improve sleep and more. Go further into connecting with your spiritual side by combining a yoga session on select days. The trail is open seasonally, May through October, and open rain or shine—in fact, the rain can be an added bonus for splashing in puddles.
Modeled after similar barefoot trails in Europe (where the concept originated), the idea is simple: kick off your shoes, step away from screens and daily distractions, and experience nature the way you did as a kid—one muddy puddle, smooth stone and pine needle at a time.
Learn more at thebarefoottrail.org. Plan your trip to Flagstaff at flagstaffarizona.org.