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Campusrecreation@nau.eduBites and hikes
Discover the ideal campus routes for a refreshing walk, invigorating run, or tranquil hike. Whether you need an afternoon energy boost or want to enjoy a leisurely stroll with a friend, these paths are perfect for you. When you’re done exploring, refuel at any of the fantastic dining options conveniently located around campus.
Explore our campus hikes
Blue & Gold 5K
Prepare for an exhilarating experience and breathtaking scenery on the popular family weekend 5K loop in northern Arizona. The Blue and Gold 5K takes you through the majestic hills of campus, showcasing notable landmarks along the way. Begin by circling Lumberjack Stadium, home to the esteemed women’s soccer Big Sky champions. Continue south on San Francisco Street, passing the impressive Sechrist Hall and the Walkup Skydome, one of America’s largest wooden domes. Journey west on Pine Knoll Drive toward the South Campus Recreation Complex, where you can admire the stunning San Francisco Peaks. Retreat through the South Campus Pedway and arrive at University Drive, before completing the route by returning to the Health and Learning Center via San Francisco Street.
Best bites nearby:
Green Scene Café
Essential Blends
Location:
Health and Learning Center
Take the stairs up to the Green Scene Café to enjoy a Greek salad or classic turkey avocado sandwich on 9-grain bread. If you’re in a hurry, grab a smoothie from Essential Blends! We suggest either the fit-n-fruity smoothie or the 5.10 blend. Add a spinach boost.
Louie Lunch North
Looking for a quick lunchtime workout? This route offers a 1- or 2-mile loop, perfect for recharging and getting your blood pumping. Beginning and ending at the North Quad between the 1899 Bar and Grill and Morton Hall, you’ll enjoy plenty of green space and fresh air. As you make your way up and around Prochnow Auditorium (which shows free movies with an NAU ID), head south on Knoles Drive. Keep going south until you reach McCreary Drive, then turn east at the Native American Cultural Center. Once you reach the Health and Learning Center, home to Campus Recreation and Campus Health, continue by heading north on San Francisco Street. From there, turn west on Franklin Avenue and then north on Beaver Street. Finally, complete the loop by going west under the Wettaw Biochemistry Building bridge.
Best bites nearby:
1899 Bar and Grill
Location:
Corner of Dupont/Knoles
Try the House Salad featuring greens, cucumber, grape tomatoes, carrot, and balsamic vinaigrette.
Louie Lunch South
This route offers a 1- or 2-mile loop that starts at The W. A. Franke College of Business and takes you on a scenic journey. Begin by heading east on McConnell Drive, enjoying the flatness of the trail. As you travel south in front of Pine Ridge Village, you’ll notice a change in terrain. Don’t worry, the challenge is worth it! Follow the pedway west to the du Bois South Union and marvel at the famous french fry sculpture. Keep going on the pedway, passing the students for sustainable living and urban gardening gardens that promote organic growing methods. Once you reach Pine Knoll Drive, turn north toward McConnell Drive. To finish this loop, turn east on McConnell or, for a longer journey, continue for a 2-mile loop.
Best bites nearby:
Subway
Location:
du Bois South Union
Grab a quick turkey breast and black forest ham sandwich from Subway at the du Bois South Union or try the Veggie Delite. You can have it as a salad as well.
Lumberjack Mile
Discover the picturesque one-mile loop at NAU’s historic north campus, situated 6,950 feet above sea level. Immerse yourself in a blend of old and new as you journey past state-of-the-art buildings, beginning and ending at the Wedge Pizza and Market. Keep an eye out for cyclists along the pedway and soak in the beauty of the Lab Science and Liberal Arts buildings. Follow the path west through the stunning North Quad, where the first graduating class celebrated in 1901. Before heading south on Knoles Drive, make sure to loop up and around the iconic 1899 restaurant. As you continue south, admire the Native American Cultural Center and make a turn east on McCreary Drive. Complete your adventure by heading south on University Drive, bringing you back to the Wedge trailhead.
Best bites nearby:
The Wedge Pizza and Market
Location:
University Union expansion
Try one of the mindful to-go options in the grab-n-go cooler at the Wedge for a quick and healthy bite to take with you.
Tough Louie
To find the trailhead, start from Pine Knoll Drive and Lone Tree Road and head south. You’ll pass the Ceramics Complex and go under I-40. Keep going until you see the CCC-city bus stop (about 100 yards) and then turn right onto a dirt road. You’ll enter a wooded campus with rugged, rocky, and sometimes steep terrain. The trail starts by going over rolling hills and then curves northwest onto a forest service road. You’ll stay on the forest service road, which runs alongside a neighborhood and has some flat sections. As the trail turns east, be prepared for narrow, sweeping switchbacks and pass by the ROTC training elements. Eventually, you’ll reconnect with the forest service road and finish the trail, which runs parallel to Lone Tree Road.
Best bites nearby:
Simple Servings
Plant Forward
Superfoods Bar
Location:
du Bois South Union
After this workout, you’ll need a serious meal. Head over to the DüB and try our simple servings or plant-forward platform, featuring non-processed foods. While you’re there, don’t forget to refuel your body at the Superfoods Bar and request grilled chicken from the Smokehouse and Grill for a little added protein.
Tour de Campus
Experience the best of our campus loop! Start your journey at the Gateway Student Success Center and follow the path as it takes you through iconic locations. From the Earnest Calderón Learning Community to the University Union, you’ll be immersed in the heart of our university. Take in the beautiful sights as you pass by Cline Library and the Native American Cultural Center. Explore the tranquil North Quad and marvel at the Wettaw Chemistry building bridge. Discover the Aquatic and Tennis Complex and the Health and Learning Center on your route. Finish your hike with a sense of accomplishment as you return to Gateway.
Best bites nearby:
Magellans
Simple Servings
Basic Kneads
Superfoods Bar
Location:
Hot Spot
(In the Union)
Take a minute to refuel after your hike by grabbing fresh un-processed foods from Magellans, Simple Servings, Basic Kneads, or the Superfoods Bar. All of these Hot Spot platforms feature dishes that are prepared and ready to eat, making them perfect for a quick, nutritious lunch or dinner break.
Campus Recreation
Location, hours, and parking