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WHITEHORSE LAKE TRAILS
Kaibab National Forest
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| Whitehorse Lake Trail #33 |
Due to some very serious competition,
the two little trails at Whitehorse Lake don't get the attention they
deserve. Located adjacent to several classic hiking destinations on
the Kaibab National Forest south of Williams, it's no wonder these
lakeside gems live in unheralded obscurity.
Although these mini treks
are certainly not in the same league as the nearby Sycamore Canyon
Rim Trail, Overland Road or the epic routes ascending Bill Williams
Mountain, they are ideal for a warm up leg stretch or educational
strolls with kids. Also, they're situated within Whitehorse Lake
Campground, which makes the perfect base camp for hitting the
aforementioned famous trails.
Whitehorse Lake #33 begins at a parking
area near camp Loop F where there's a map sign and a supply of
brochures with descriptions for 12 numbered points of interest along
the route. The one-way trail ends at a blocked road gate near camp
Loop B.
From the "F" trailhead, go left and hike out
over a dam built in 1934 to improve wildlife and recreational
opportunities in the area. Follow the posts through pine-oak
woodlands, marsh areas and reed-choked coves. Features along the way
include waterbird habitats, "yellow-bellie" Ponderosa
pines, wildflowers, bird and bear feeding sites and mushroom logs. At
post #9, the Canyon Overlook Trail #70 veers off for an optional
2.5-mile roundtrip hike to a scenic point over Sycamore Canyon. Both
trails have short sections where the route is obscured by deadfall
and leaf litter, but finding your way isn't too challenging. Beyond
post #12, the trail swings through prime critter country along the
southeast shore of the 35-acre lake before ending directly across the
water from the start point. Retrace your steps or follow campground
roads back to the trailhead.
LENGTH:
Trail #33: 2 miles roundtrip
Trail #70: 2.5 miles round trip
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 6,600'-6,625'
FACILITIES: restrooms,
camping, fishing (fee)
GETTING THERE:
From Williams, go 8.2 miles south on
4th Street (turns into Perkinsville Road, County Road 73) to Forest
Road 110 at milepost 177. Turn left and go 7.2 miles to Forest Road
109, turn left and continue 3 miles to the lake. Follow the signs to
either day use area nears Loops B or F. There are no fees for day use
only. Roads are paved and sedan-friendly dirt/gravel.
INFO: Kaibab National Forest
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