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GOLD DIGGER TRAIL
Rogers Lake County Natural Area
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| View of Rogers Lake from the Gold Digger Trail |
Located 10 miles south of
Flagstaff, Rogers Lake County Natural Area is a 2,250-acre,
high-elevation wetland within the Colorado Plateau Region. Since its
acquisition in 2010 by Coconino County, the site is being managed for
the protection of wildlife habitat, preservation of rare native
plants, environmental education and scientific research while
allowing for low-impact, non-motorized recreation. Two trails for
hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use are in the final stages of
construction.
The Gold Digger Trail is a
4-mile, single track path that makes a rocky climb on the foothills
around Woody Ridge Wildlife Corridor. Although the trail itself is
complete and open to the public, the trailhead, map kiosk, bike rack
and metal route markers will be finished up this fall. The 2-Spot
Trail, which makes a 2-mile loop near the edge of the ephemeral
wetlands will be anchored by a wildlife viewing platform when
completed later this year. As sustainability is a core objective for
the site, recycled engineer mix and asphalt from ADOT and Flagstaff
construction projects are being used to build the trails and parking
areas. Another example of this goal appears halfway up the Gold
Digger trail in the form of a shade ramada and picnic table made of
repurposed timber and a roof that harvests rainwater for birds. Major
junction trail markers are already in place, but the balance will not
be installed until later this year, so, trekkers must pay attention
to stay on track. Although the route is obvious to the experienced
hiker's eye, there are a few of things to keep in mind. First, the
trail is 100% single track. Where the route meets forest roads, it
crosses them---you are never hiking on roads. Next, where wildflowers
grow into the path, stop and scope out the trail ahead---you'll see
it. And finally, at the ramada, the trail picks up south of the
structure, to the left of the road.
While hiking here, you'll
enjoy cool pine-oak woodlands with magnificent views and ample
opportunity to view wildlife. Please be respectful of this sensitive
terrain. Travel quietly, leave no trace and obey all posted
regulations.
LENGTH: 5.1-mile loop
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 6,878' - 7,650'
DOGS: must be on leash
HOURS: day-use only, no camping
GETTING THERE:
From Flagstaff, go 1.9 miles west on
Route 66 to Woody Mountain Road (Forest Road 231), turn left and
continue 6.5 miles south to the big Rogers Lake Country Natural Area
sign. Continue 1.3 miles past the sign to the trailhead. Parking lot
is on the right (west) side of the road and the trail begins at the
green gate on the left (east) side (N 35 08.220 W 111 47.239). From
the trailhead, hike roughly 50 yards to where 3 metal posts mark the
loop junction. Go right for Gold Digger. At the 4-mile point, go
left at a post to complete the hike on the east leg of the 2-Spot
Loop Trail.
An additional trailhead located at
0.4-mile past the Rogers Lake sign will provide access to the 2-Spot Trail.
Woody Mountain Road is washboard-rough
but passable by sedan.
INFO & RULES: Coconino County Parks and Recreation
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