Antietam National Battlefield | Frederick

Buffalo Park is a 217-acre public park located in Flagstaff, Arizona. It serves as a natural preserve and recreational area.

Visual Characteristics

The park features rolling grasslands interspersed with ponderosa pine forests. The terrain is generally flat to gently sloping, with a prominent cinder cone hill at its center. The dominant colors are green and brown depending on the season, with the dark green of the pines providing contrast to the lighter grasses. The cinder cone exhibits dark, porous volcanic rock.

Location & Access Logistics

Buffalo Park is situated approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) northeast of downtown Flagstaff. Access is via Forest Road 151, which branches off of Fort Valley Road (State Route 180). There is a dedicated parking lot at the park's main entrance, with capacity for approximately 50 vehicles. No public transport directly serves the park entrance; visitors typically arrive by private vehicle.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park's landscape is a product of volcanic activity from the San Francisco Volcanic Field. The central cinder cone is a remnant of past eruptions. The area was historically used for grazing and later designated as a public park to preserve its natural state and provide recreational opportunities. It is part of the larger ponderosa pine ecosystem characteristic of the region.

Key Highlights & Activities

A 2-mile paved loop trail encircles the central cinder cone, suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. The cinder cone itself can be ascended via unpaved trails for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the San Francisco Peaks. Birdwatching is a common activity due to the diverse avian population. Picnicking is permitted in designated areas.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the main parking area. Several picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, some offering shade from trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the park. There are no on-site food vendors; visitors should bring their own provisions.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning and late afternoon offer optimal lighting conditions due to the angle of the sun. The best months for visiting are typically May through October, when weather is most favorable. Summer months can be hot, with afternoon thunderstorms possible. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage changes.

Facts & Legends

The cinder cone at the center of Buffalo Park is known locally as "Fat Man's Misery." A specific tip for visitors is to look for the interpretive signs along the paved loop trail, which detail the park's geology and ecology.

Nearby Landmarks

• Arizona Snowbowl (8km Northwest)
• Lowell Observatory (3km Southwest)
• Pioneer Museum (3km Southwest)
• Downtown Flagstaff (2.5km Southwest)
• Walnut Canyon National Monument (15km Southeast)