HART PRAIRIE PRESERVE

HART PRAIRIE PRESERVE The Nature Conservancy, Flagstaff Before the arrival of European settlers on the western slopes of Flagstaff’s San Francisco Mountain, Hart Prairie was a healthy patchwork of meadows, willow-cluttered wetlands, rings of aspens and a smattering of pines where regular low-intensity natural fires and a community of top-tier predators helped keep the ecological balance in check. Over the past hundred years, the effects of altered hydrolics, fire suppression, and the introduction of invasive plants and non-indigenous animals have transformed the landscape. In 1994, 245 acres of Hart Prairie along with an historic lodge and guest cabins were donated to The Nature Conservancy. Since then, the organization has set out to restore the alpine meadows to their former natural state through creative collaboration with the forest service, local landowners and other conservation groups. This ambitious restoration project is a work-in-progress and is open to visitors only by guided nature walks offered every Sunday from June 13th to October 10th (except September 12th). The walks are easy, last roughly 90-minutes and cover topics such as topography, willow biology, and wet meadow dynamics. LENGTH: variable, but about a mile RATING: easy & educational ELEVATION: 8,500 feet BEST SEASONS: June - October GETTING THERE: Tour groups meet at 10:00 a.m. sharp at the Fort Valley Plaza Shopping Center, 1000 N. Humphreys St. at the southwest corner by the guardrail. Reservations are not required. Participants must wear sturdy shoes and bring sun protection, rain gear and plenty of water. No pets or food are allowed in the preserve. Fees: Tours are free, however, donations are appreciated. INFORMATION: http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/arizona/preserves/art15233.html (928) 774-8892 or e-mail hartprairie@tnc.org.

KACHINA TRAIL

KACHINA TRAIL Kachina Peaks Wilderness The mountains of Flagstaff are known to create their own weather. In summer, that means it rains almost every day around the peaks--spiking the air over the Kachina Trail with an earthy-sweet dampness. Benefiting from its auspicious location on the windward side of the mountain, this trail sprouts green in rainforest proportions. Aspen clusters mimic white out conditions and hip-deep swaths of frothy ferns tumble over the slopes in vivid emerald waves. Add to this already amazing hike--a cozy lava cave, terrific views and fields of lupines growing in manic abundance and it’s easy to understand why this hike ranks as one of Arizona’s best. HIGHLIGHTS: Sun-drenched alpine meadows, musty pine forests and interesting geology LENGTH: 10 miles roundtrip ELEVATION: 8,600-9,500 feet BEST SEASONS: April - October RATING: moderate DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 155 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, go 7.3 miles north on US 180 to Snow Bowl Road (Forest Road 516). Drive 6.6 miles up  FR 516 to the signed turnoff for the large parking lot and trailhead on the right. INFORMATION: Peaks Ranger District, (928) 526-0866, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/kachina-tr.shtml

WEATHERFORD TRAIL

WEATHERFORD TRAIL Coconino National Forest Although it’s a long and difficult trek, breathtaking scenery and ever-changing eco-systems mitigate the physical pain of taking on this quintessential mountain trail. In less than nine miles, hikers are treated to a stunning journey that begins in grassy glens and ends abruptly on barren tundra beneath Arizona’s highest peaks. From dewy thistles in green alpine meadows to hardy bristlecone pines clinging to bare volcanic scree---this tough route showcases the complexity of nature on San Francisco Mountain. HIGHLIGHTS: high altitude forests, alpine meadows and Arizona’s only tundra environment LENGTH: 12 miles roundtrip (to Doyle saddle) 16.5 miles roundtrip (to Fremont saddle) 17.5 miles roundtrip (to Humphreys Peak) ELEVATION: 8,800 – 10,700 feet (11,350 to Humphreys junction, 12,633 to summit) RATING: difficult BEST SEASONS: April - October DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 155 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, go north on US 180 to Schultz Pass Road (Forest Road 420). A HIGH CLEARANCE VEHICLE IS REQUIRED ON FR 420. Turn left and continue 6 miles to the Schultz Tank trailhead. INFORMATION: Peaks Ranger District (928) 526-0866,  http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/weatherford-tr.shtml

WATERSHED TRAIL

WATERSHED TRAIL Prescott National Forest Melding the sweet-scented breezes of pine forests with sunny hillsides blanketed in agaves, manzanitas and cactus, a hike along Prescott’s Watershed Trail #299 is a trip through an ecological transition zone. The trail itself is a mash-up of wide old roads, groomed paths and eroded walkways---enhancing the hybrid flavor of the hike. At roughly the half-mile point, look for Deer Lick Spring, a concrete trough situated in a gully off to the right. Here, seeping water fosters an incredibly lush green zone shaded by tall Ponderosa pines flanked by beaver tail cactus bursting from rock outcroppings. Over its wavy route, the trail dips into ravines dotted with log homes and crosses high ridges for excellent views of Prescott area landmarks including Goldwater Lake and the distinctive stony peaks of Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte. LENGTH: 8.6 miles round trip RATING: easy-moderate DOG RATING: 2 paws ELEVATION: 6,200-6,900 feet BEST SEASONS: March - November DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 117 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From downtown Prescott, go east on Gurley Street 0.3 miles to Mt. Vernon Avenue. Turn south (left) on Mt. Vernon for 4.1 miles as it turns into Senator Highway. The Watershed #299 trailhead is on the east (left) side. INFORMATION: Bradshaw Ranger District 928-771-4700, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreation/trails/pdf/rec_trai_b_watr299.pdf

BIXLER SADDLE

BIXLER SADDLE Kaibab National Forest Short and scenic, this trail offers an alternative to the more challenging trails on Bill Williams Mountain. Climbing the west slope of the hill, this nicely-wooded hike features lovely views of the expansive prairies of northwestern Arizona. HIGHLIGHTS: interesting rock formations, views, ample shade LENGTH: 4 miles roundtrip ELEVATION: 7,700 – 8,740 feet RATING: moderate BEST SEASONS: April - October DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 185 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, go west on I-40 to the Devil Dog interchange (exit 157). Go south on Forest Road 108 for 1 mile and turn left (east) Forest Road 45. Continue 2 miles on FR 45 to the trailhead. INFORMATION: Williams Ranger District (928) 635-5600,
MAP: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5189842.pdf

BILL WILLIAMS MOUNTAIN TRAIL

BILL WILLIAMS MOUNTAIN TRAIL Kaibab National Forest Switchbacks are zig-zagging cuts in mountain trails designed to make steep ascents easier by adding miles and tempering vertical slopes. Don’t look for them on Bill Williams Mountain Trail #21. Constructed as a horse trail in 1902 to service the fire tower on the summit, this trail wastes no time on switchbacks, plowing straight up in abrupt, heart-pumping style. Most of the route is canyon-bound and thick with trees, vines and flowering shrubs. Views are sparse until the trail emerges on a ridgeline below the summit where fir trees and aspens embellish breathtaking vistas. HIGHLIGHTS: shady, steep route to a mountain summit LENGTH: 8 miles roundtrip ELEVATION: 6,900 – 9,256 feet RATING: moderate BEST SEASONS: April - October DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 185 miles GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, go 30 miles west on I-40 to exit 161, go south on Railroad Ave. and follow the signs to Williams District Ranger Station and the trailhead. INFORMATION: Williams Ranger District (928) 635-5600, MAP: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5189840.pdf

REDROCK SPRING

REDROCK SPRING Tonto National Forest This short but steep route was originally built to drive cattle up to summer pastures on the Mogollon Rim. Redrock Spring provided a handy watering hole for thirsty bovines on their long and arduous trip. Although the cattle population on the Rim has dwindled, the spring continues to run year-round, filling a concrete trough beneath the sprawling arms of a gigantic Ponderosa pine. From the spring’s idyllic vantage point, views of the Mazatzal Mountains blush mauve on the horizon. This reliable water source attracts myriad critters, including fox, deer, raccoons, elk and hawks. To spot these shy forest residents, find a shady spot nearby, stay quiet and keep an eye on the trough. HIGHLIGHTS: short hike to a mountain spring with abundant critter activity LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip ELEVATION: 5,390 – 6,000 feet RATING: moderate BEST SEASONS: March - November DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 115 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From the intersection of AZ 87 and AZ 260 in Payson, go north on 87 to Control Road (milepost 265), turn right (east) and go 2.5 miles to the trailhead on the left. The trailhead is marked only by a small “294” sign. There’s no parking lot-- just find a spot in the turnouts along the road. INFORMATION: Payson Ranger District (928) 474-7900, www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/prd/RedRockTrail294.pdf

MACK'S CROSSING

MACK’S CROSSING Coconino National Forest
TINDER FIRE 2018: This trail was impacted by the April 2018 Tinder Fire. It is within the closure area. Please check with the forest service for updates.  Since it was abandoned in the 1940s, the old road leading to Mack’s Crossing has disintegrated into a precipitous ledge overlooking a gaping gorge carved by East Clear Creek. Even though these rough conditions don’t deter brave souls in fishing-gear-laden ATVs from careening down the serpentine route-- hiking at a leisurely pace is the best way to savor the dramatic beauty of this canyon. The downhill trek to the creek begins on the sunny, summer-cabin-peppered lip of the Mogollon Rim, passing fossiliferous limestone outcroppings and a stand of elegant Arizona walnut trees before rounding a bend where grand views of the waterway 600 feet below grab the spotlight. Near the creek, thickets of wild roses, alders, and exotic wildflowers color the landscape serving up handy excuses to stop and take in the sights. Although the official trail ends where the road meets the sandy shore of the stream, opportunities for wading, swimming and fishing abound both up and downstream. LENGTH: 4 miles (on trail) ELEVATION: 6,250 – 6,860 feet RATING: moderate BEST SEASONS: April - November DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 165 mils one-way GETTING THERE: From the junction of AZ 87 and AZ 260 in Payson, go north on 87 past Clint’s Well to milepost 304.5 and turn right onto Enchanted Lane (Forest Road 319). Continue 0.2 miles to Green Ridge Dr., hang a right and go 0.5 miles to Juniper Dr. From here, turn right and go a short distance to Cedar Dr. and follow it to the “primitive road 137” sign. Park along the road—do not block private driveways. INFORMATION: refer to the Coconino National Forest map

BEAR CANYON LAKE

BEAR CANYON LAKE Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest



Attention all Big Foot seekers---this is your trail. Whether you take the existence of the reclusive beast with relish or a grain of salt, know that many alleged Big Foot sightings in Arizona have occurred in the forests surrounding Bear Canyon Lake. Even with boisterous crowds of campers, anglers and hikers flocking to this popular summer destination--the beast abides. So, you’ll want to come prepared with binoculars, video camera and---for serious seekers---supplies for making plaster casts of footprints. However, finding the shy beast can be a challenge, even for cryptozoologists--those who study legendary or “hidden” creatures. That’s because the thick pine-oak woodlands surrounding the lake provide ample hiding places and dense undergrowth makes exploring a major endeavor. In the event Big Foot fails to make an appearance, there are still plenty of other attractions on this high country trek. A scenic aspen-ringed peninsula, bald eagles, elk and secluded, moss-embellished coves make this a worthy hiking trail---even without scoring a peek at the mysterious creature lurking among the pines. HIGHLIGHTS: deep, water-filled canyon with plenty of wildlife LENGTH: 2 miles round trip (on main trail) ELEVATION: 7,560 – 7,500 feet RATING: easy BEST SEASONS: April - October DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 147 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From the junction of AZ 87 and AZ 260 in Payson, go east (right) on 260 for 30 miles to Rim Road (Forest Road 300). Turn left and continue west on FR300 for 12 miles to Forest Road 89, turn right and go 3 miles to the lake. The last 14 miles are on good dirt roads. The trail goes downhill from the parking lots 0.25 miles to the lake where it continues along the shore in both directions. INFORMATION: Black Mesa Ranger District (928) 535-7300, www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/black_mesa_trails/trl_chv_bearcanyon.shtml

WILLOW CROSSING

WILLOW CROSSING Coconino National Forest The shallow gullies of Willow Valley are the most remote and seldom-visited “capillary canyons” that funnel water into mighty West Clear Creek. This picturesque trek begins on a sun-warmed plateau where wildfire-charred tree stumps and a community of vociferous ravens cast an eerie aura over a conflicted landscape. Toppled trees, snags and a smattering of tall survivor pines coexist with saplings and flower-laden shrubs that sometimes obscure the path. To stay on track, follow the old barbed wire fence to a gate near the edge of the canyon. Pass the gate (leave it as you found it) and pick up the obvious path leading downhill. Smothered in Arizona alders, oaks, dogwood and (of course) willows, the valley is like a tiny Garden of Eden, embellished with a natural arch etched out of the limestone canyon walls. Like all “crossing” trails on the Rim, this one hops the (usually dry in summer) streambed and heads up the opposite side of the canyon making for a mini rim-to-rim-to-rim day hike. HIGHLIGHTS: seldom-visited, remote canyon, natural stone arch LENGTH: 3 miles roundtrip ELEVATION: 6,800 – 6,400 feet RATING: easy BEST SEASONS: April - November DISTANCE TO FROM PHOENIX: 165 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From Payson, go north on AZ87 to Lake Mary Road (Forest Road 3) turn left and go north on FR3 to Forest Road 81 at milepost 297.7. Turn left and go 3.1 miles to Forest Road 81E. Set your odometer, and go left on FR 81E 1.14 miles to Forest Road 9366M—an easy-to-miss, unmarked dirt road on the left. Go 0.5 miles on FR 9366M to a cattle guard and gate. The trailhead is just past the gate on the left near the generic “trail” sign and rock carins. Roads are passable by sedan, but high clearance is recommended. INFORMATION: Mogollon Rim Ranger District (928) 477-2255, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/mog_rim/willow-crossing-tr.shtml

SIXSHOOTER CANYON

SIXSHOOTER CANYON Pinal Mountains, Tonto  Of all the trails in the Pinals, this one (#197) is the toughest. The long, brutally steep route is strewn with obstacles--fallen trees, degrading slopes and derelict signage all contribute to the trail’s difficult rating. Along the way, remains of cabins, mines and a sawmill dot the woodlands adding a touch of history to this must-do Arizona trail. Access to the trail begins at the east side of the Icehouse CCC campground. BONUS SIDE TRIP: Pinal Peak From trail’s end, hike up to FR 651C, go left (southeast) and follow the dirt road past Upper Pinal campground to the 7,848 peak and highpoint of the range. IMPORTANT NOTE: Pinal trails are notoriously overgrown and rife with obstacles. In addition, directional signage is sparse, so hikers must have excellent map and route-finding skills in order to safely navigate these trails. A good map resource is the National Geographic Maps, Salt River Canyon, Tonto National Forest #853. INFORMATION: www.natgeomaps.com/ti_853 LENGTH: 12 miles roundtrip ELEVATION: 4,520 – 7,560 feet RATING: difficult BEST SEASONS: March -October (CAN GET WARM IN SUMMER) DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 95 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take US 60 east to the town of Globe. Once in Globe, watch for the sign that says: “Besh-Ba-Gowah Ruins, Globe Ranger Station”. Leave the freeway here and follow the signs toward the ruins. After driving under the pedestrian overpass, and past the ruins, turn right on Icehouse Canyon Road (Forest Road 112) and go 4.2 miles to the Icehouse CCC campsite where there’s a hiker sign on the left that reads: “197, 192”. If the gate to the campsite is locked, just park in the pullouts along the road. INFORMATION: Globe Ranger District (928) 402-6200 http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/grd/SixshooterTrail197.pdf

TELEPHONE TRAIL

TELEPHONE TRAIL Pinal Mountain, Tonto National Forest FIRE NOTE: As of July 22, 2010, the Mill 2 Fire was still impacting this area. Check with the ranger before heading out! The least traveled of the four major uphill routes in the Pinals, this one is not to be missed. Traversing both ridgelines with hazy views of the mines surrounding Globe-Miami and heavily-wooded ravines, trail #192 follows an underground telephone line supplying service to the summer cabins and communication towers on the peaks. The trail ends at the Sixshooter Canyon trail #197 junction where you can either return the way you came or instead follow 197 back to the trailhead—the distance is about the same. IMPORTANT NOTE: Pinal trails are notoriously overgrown and rife with obstacles. In addition, directional signage is sparse, so hikers must have excellent map and route-finding skills in order to safely navigate these trails. A good map resource is the National Geographic Maps, Salt River Canyon, Tonto National Forest #853. INFORMATION: www.natgeomaps.com/ti_853 LENGTH: 10 miles roundtrip ELEVATION: 4,520 – 6,720 feet RATING: difficult GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take US 60 east to the town of Globe. Once in Globe, watch for the sign that says: “Besh-Ba-Gowah Ruins, Globe Ranger Station”. Leave the freeway here and follow the signs toward the ruins. After driving under the pedestrian overpass, and past the ruins, turn right on Icehouse Canyon Road (Forest Road 112) and go 4.2 miles to the Icehouse CCC campsite where there’s a hiker sign on the left that reads: “197, 192”. If the gate to the campsite is locked, just park in the pullouts along the road INFORMATION: Globe Ranger District (928) 402-6200, www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/grd/TelephoneTrail192.pdf