About Flagstaff's Forest Highlands

When I first moved to Arizona from Northern California, I thought I'd miss the pine trees and great outdoor activities of the Lake Tahoe area. Once we settled in Scottsdale we were invited to Flagstaff for a weekend. Fell in love with the town and surrounding areas and ended up with a summer cottage at Forest Highlands. The best of both worlds - two outstanding highly ranked golf courses while on property and outstanding hiking in and around the town of Flagstaff.

One of my personal favorites is the West Fork hike down highway 89 towards Sedona in the Oak Creek Canyon. The best way to enjoy this hike is to get there early. It's a very popular hiking area and the parking lot quickly gets full.

At the head of the trail are remnants of an early settlement, including a very old apple orchard. This was the site of the Mayhew Lodge which was abandoned many years ago and finally destroyed by fire. Stone flooring and walls remain, plus a unique storage area built into a cave. This is the official start of the trail which meanders through the trees next to the Oak Creek for about three miles. At the three mile point the canyon narrows to the point that any further travel would have to be in the creek. I think they refer to this as Canyoneering at this point.

Take along a hiking stick as you are required to cross the creek several times and the rocks are quite slippery. Unless you want to get your feet wet, use the stick to help you keep your balance. We've done this hike in the winter also and the creek is iced over in many areas as there is very little sunshine getting through the covering of trees.

It's hard to describe the beauty of the red and white cliffs that dominate this hike. The reddish/orange rock is Coconino sandstone and the white is Kaibab limestone. There are many signs of erosion on the walls of the canyon that form beautiful shapes and caves. Although the creek water level is quite low most of the time, it still provides a cool, refreshing atmosphere as you walk on the trail among wild flowers, butterflies and large fields of ferns.

To reach the West Fork hike you can start in Sedona or Flagstaff on Highway 89A and go to mileposts 384 and 385. The official car park is the Call O' The Canyon and there is a daily parking fee. It's a very level trail and suitable for children. It is a place the whole family can enjoy. We always take a picnic lunch and sit among the ruins next to Oak Creek among the Mayhew Lodge ruins to enjoy it. What a great way to get great exercise in a tranquil setting.

Click for more information about the hike.

Forest Highlands located in Flagstaff Arizona is a fabulous community. It features two golf courses - The Canyon Course (ranked #1 in Arizona) and the Meadows Course. In addition to golf, there are two clubhouses, two pools, a tennis complex, a fitness center, miles of jogging and biking trails, stocked fish ponds and so much more. It is located just off of the I-17 near Flagstaff's Pulliam airport so access from Phoenix, Scottsdale and other Valley cities is easy. Although the bulk of activity centers around the summer months, where it typically is about 20 degrees cooler than the Valley, there are plenty of winter sports to keep you busy as well.

As far as home selection at Forest Highlands, there is plenty to choose from. Homes range from 2 bedroom cottages on smaller lots all the way to multi-million dollar homes on large lots. Also, you can select between Canyon course homesites and Meadows course homesites. There are also a variety of lots for sale if you prefer to build your own mountain retreat.

At the end of 2008, there were 54 active homes for sale at Forest Highlands. They ranged in price from $600,000 to $2,995,000.

Forest Highlands Active Homes for Sale - As of 1/1/09
Number of Homes: 54
Average Asking Price: $1,326,574
Average Asking Price/Sq. Ft: $357.89

Home sales in 2008 ranged from $560,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom 1,918 square foot home to $1,900,000 for a brand new 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 5,046 square foot home.

Forest Highlands Real Estate Performance -Homes Sold in 2008
Number of Homes: 24
Average Sales Price: $894,590
Average Price/Sq. Ft: $316.17
Average Days on Market 224
Sale Price to List Price 91%

To see the original post or to learn more about Scottsdale and the surrounding areas, please visit Scottsdale Real Estate News & Lifestyle. To learn more about Forest Highlands or any of the other Flagstaff golf communities, please feel free to contact me.

Disclaimer:
Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data and information were pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 1/1/09 and are subject to change at any time.
Copyright © 2009 Heather Tawes Nelson

The annual Labor Day party at Forest Highlands this year was the best so far. Once again, the Flagstaff weather threatened to force everyone inside, but the rain stopped just in time for the party to begin.

Members and their families were treated to an international buffet consisting of traditional BBQ fare, Greek sandwiches and salad as well as a taco bar featuring delicious pork tacos. Dessert was Forest Highland's signature brownies that are always a hit.

People of all ages were spread over the Canyon Clubhouse and driving range. There were games and activities for the little ones as well as the huge expanse of the driving range to run and play on. Adults had the opportunity to mingle and catch up with each other before the official end of summer commenced.

The highlight of the party this year was the entertainment. Forest Highlands secured the Little River Band to come and play. Known for their many hits in the 70's and 80's - such as "Lonesome Loser". "Reminiscing" and "Happy Anniversary" - they had the crowd on its feet the whole time.

The Labor Day party was a perfect ending to another wonderful summer season at Forest Highlands.

About Forest Highlands: Forest Highlands is an upscale community located just off of Route 89A in Flagstaff, Arizona. Homes range from cottages up to large homes on acre plus lots. Forest Highlands has two golf courses, the Canyon Course (ranked #1 in Arizona) and the Meadows Course. In addition to golf, Forest Highlands is home to two clubhouses, a tennis complex, two pools, miles of hiking/jogging/biking trails, stocked fishing ponds, a summer recreation program for children and so much more. Click on the link to learn more about Forest Highlands and the other Flagstaff Golf Communities.

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Disclaimer: Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This blog represents the opinion of the author. No warranties implied or expressed.
Copyright © 2008 Heather Tawes Nelson