Andante Loop
Thunder Mountain and Andante are both system trails in the Coconino National Forest. These two trails run parallel to each other, traversing the terrain along the southern base of Capitol Butte (aka Thunder Mountain). Both trails are well marked with signs and easy to follow. Both trails are heavily used by both hikers and mountain bikes, with lots of locals accessing the area directly from the adjoining neighborhoods.
Either trail can be hiked as a stand alone point-to-point, or an out-and-back, but they are more often combined to form a loop. A shorter or longer version of the loop can be made depending on where you park. The Amitabha Stupa, a popular Buddhist shrine (shown below). is just east of the of the starting parking area on Andante, and can easily be included, since a visit there involves elevation gain or loss. Parking for the stupa is on Pueblo Drive, so hikers could actually start there.
PRECISE DIRECTIONS, MAPS, VIDEO AND A MORE EXTENSIVE PHOTO GALLERY FOR ALL OUR HIKES (BUT NO GPS TRACKS) ARE ALSO PROVIDED TO SUBSCRIBERS ON LOCALS.COM FOR $5 PER MONTH
HIKE DETAILS
RATED: Moderate due to hilly, rocky terrain on the Thunder Mountain portion of the loop. The Andante Trail by itself would be rated as an easy out-and-back hike.
TOTAL DISTANCE
1.9 miles roundtrip
1.9 miles roundtrip
ELEVATION GAIN
289 ft
289 ft
EST. HIKING TIME
1.5 hr (for the full loop)
1.5 hr (for the full loop)
BEST TIME TO GO
Sep - May.
Hike early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid summer heat.
There is little shade on this route.
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times.
Please pick up after your pet and pack it out.
Sep - May.
Hike early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid summer heat.
There is little shade on this route.
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times.
Please pick up after your pet and pack it out.