With natural surfaces intentionally created to stimulate, recharge, and strengthen connections to nature, a trail in Flagstaff gives a fresh definition to what it means to go barefoot in the park.
Set among the forest of the Colorado Plateau, The Barefoot Trail has quickly become a unique outdoor activity destination with visitors trekking the one-mile path that winds through more than 35 activity stations, inspiring everyone to ditch their shoes to truly step back into nature.
“It’s a designated adventure park manicured for bare feet with reflexology and sensory stations,” says Leah Williams, founder of The Barefoot Trail. “You wouldn’t get that at a national park.”
Amid the lush environs, the trail’s amenities span balance beams, custom bridges, bamboo and sand labyrinths, obstacle courses, and wide shade tunnels that offer strollers a cool and comfortable space for meditation and reflection. On the path, a range of materials—rocks and pebbles of different sizes, pine shavings, and even wine corks—hit all those pressure points to offer a variety of therapies.
“The trail is designed to stimulate your feet and give you fresh air,” Williams says. “It’s a welcome change to the outdoors.”
Outdoor yoga on Thursdays and Sundays, and live music on Saturdays, round out the adventure.
Williams was living with her family in the Netherlands when her children’s school went on a field trip to a barefoot park in Belgium. After visiting the park herself, Williams fell in love with the concept.
“It was an all-inclusive, multigenerational experience that focused on health, wellness, and outdoor fun,” Williams recalls. “All of those elements together were a wonderful experience with a beautiful energy.”
Williams wanted to bring such a venue and atmosphere to the U.S. when she returned. That began to take shape in 2022, when Williams started The Barefoot Trail nonprofit. In 2024, the park opened and drew 6,200 guests purely on word of mouth. Last year, in its first full season, it attracted 23,000 visitors.
The trail accommodates both experienced and infrequent walkers, as well as guests of all ages with different physical abilities. While going barefoot is recommended, it's not required. Those who need to wear their shoes or want to bring them along in case they change their mind on the trail are free to do so.
“Our number one goal is to get people outdoors, to get them out among the trees and to move their bodies,” Williams says. “When your bare feet touch the earth, your senses come alive.”
The trail accommodates both experienced and infrequent walkers, as well as guests of all ages with different physical abilities.