<div>Schultz Tank has long been a popular stopping-off point for trail users in Flagstaff’s Mount Elden Dry Lake Hills area. The created water hole is between the low-slung volcanic mounds collectively known as the Dry Lake Hills and San Francisco Mountain, the dormant stratovolcano that hosts Arizona’s highest hiking destination: Humphreys Peak Trail.Schultz Tank is contained by two constructed earthen dams, and while it’s a year-round reliable water source, its size vacillates according to season and precipitation. Tonteel is a Dine (Navajo) word for “ocean” or ”water that is wide.”Whether overflowing as it’s known to do in spring or waning as autumn approaches, Schultz Tank always has enough water to attract wildlife and support a burgeoning fringe of vegetation.Ducks are ubiquitous, and large game like elk and deer appear mostly around dawn and dusk.Situated at 8,000 feet, the glassy pool is also a hub for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. Recent trail development in the area has extended hike options far beyond the old standard routes like Sunset, Brookbank and the Arizona National Scenic Trail.<h2>How to hike the new Tonteel Trail to Schultz Tank in Flagstaff</h2>The new Tonteel Trail anchors the hub both literally and figuratively. The half-mile, family-friendly path circles the tank forming a sort of wagon wheel loop from which other forest trails spin off like spokes.The trail is a simple, easy trip around the water, ducking in and out of pines and over the dams where blooming shrubs attract swarms of butterflies, bees and dragonflies.Mountain vistas reflect into the often wind-ruffled pool beloved as a grounding point for day hikes, picnics, wildlife watching or filtering water before backpacking into the surrounding mountain wilderness.<h2>Flagstaff hike: Tonteel Trail</h2>Length: 0.5-mile loop.Rating: Easy.Elevation: 7,961-8,029 feet.Getting there: Use the Schultz Tank Trailhead. From Flagstaff, travel north on U.S. 180 (Fort Valley Road) and turn right on Schultz Pass Road (Forest Road 420). Go 0.5 mile on FR 420 to a fork. Veer left to stay on FR 420 and go 4.8 miles to the Schultz Tank trailhead on the right. Schultz Pass Road is maintained dirt suitable for all vehicles.Facilities: Restroom. The trail is for day use only. No camping.Details: www.fs.usda.gov.Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at arizonahiking.blogspot.com.This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Flagstaff hike with water: Tonteel Trail is an easy walk</div>

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New Flagstaff hike leads to beloved watering hole. How to try it

Schultz Tank has long been a popular stopping-off point for trail users in Flagstaff’s Mount Elden Dry Lake Hills area. The created water hole is between the low-slung volcanic mounds collectively known as the Dry Lake Hills and San Francisco Mountain, the dormant stratovolcano that hosts Arizona’s highest hiking destination: Humphreys Peak Trail.