WATERLINE ROAD-TUNNEL TRAIL
Coconino National Forest Closed to motorized vehicles except for those used by forest service workers to maintain springs on the northeast slope of San Francisco Peaks, this wide road makes for a pleasant stroll with exceptional views of northern Arizona’s cinder cone fields. The gradual ascent is a cinch to follow and can be hiked in segments using maps available on the Forest Service Web site. Although ambitious trekkers can opt to sprint the entire length in a day, a popular alternative is to make an out-and-back hike to a 25-foot-long tunnel blasted out of a rampart of volcanic rock.
HIGHLIGHTS: easy route, unique lava tunnel
LENGTH: 14 miles one-way or
4 miles roundtrip to the tunnel and back
ELEVATION: 8,000-10,400 feet or 9,400 to the tunnel
RATING: easy
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 155 miles one-way
GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, go north on US 180 to milepost 218.6 and turn right onto Schultz Pass Road (Forest Road 420). Continue 6.5 miles to Forest Road 146, turn left and go 0.7 miles to a locked gate. Park in the pullouts long the road. Roads are maintained dirt/gravel and passable by sedan, however high clearance is recommended.
INFORMATION: Peaks Ranger District (928) 526-0866,
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/waterline-tr.shtml
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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
