Trails

The North Kaibab Ranger District features a section of the iconic Arizona National Scenic Trail. It is the oldest section of the Arizona Trail, and it passes through a number of different environments including mixed pinyon and juniper woodlands, sagebrush and grassland communities, and ponderosa pine forests mixed with aspen groves. At East Rim Viewpoint, there are dramatic views of Saddle Mountain Wilderness, House Rock Valley, Marble Canyon and the Navajo Indian Reservation.

The Arizona Trail stretches 800 miles across the entire length of the state connecting deserts, mountains, forests, canyons, wilderness, history, communities and people. This non-motorized trail showcases Arizona's diverse vegetation, wildlife and scenery, as well as unique historic and cultural sites. The route provides unparalleled opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and other trail users.

Starting at the U.S.-Mexico border, the path climbs and descends from one "sky island" mountain range to another, gaining and losing thousands of feet in elevation and traversing biomes ranging from desert to boreal forest. Continuing across the Sonoran Desert, the route crosses the Gila River, winds through the Superstition Mountains and the Mazatzal Wilderness on its way to the Mogollon Rim and majestic San Francisco Peaks. The trail north takes travelers across the Grand Canyon through billions of years of geology. Topping out on the North Rim, conifer forests dominate the Kaibab Plateau, eventually giving way to red bluffs dotted with sagebrush as the trail nears the Utah border on the edge of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. It is the backbone of Arizona.

Whether you hike, run, pedal or ride, the adventure of a lifetime is waiting for you on the Arizona Trail.

Please note that e-bikes are not authorized on the trail.

Arizona Trail Recreation Opportunity Guide & Map

Uses: Backpacking, Hiking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

A steep trail that goes between the Big Springs cabins and the fire lookout tower. On the lower end, you can park at the Big Springs administrative site and on the upper end parking is available near the lookout tower.

Uses: Day Hiking

Hikers originally accessed Thunder River, Tapeats Creek, and Deer Creek via the trail from Indian Hollow, but the Bill Hall Trail east of Monument Point offers a 2.5 mile shortcut and, as a result, has become the primary trailhead.

Pass through the gate at the end of FR 292A and follow the rim west toward Monument Point. As the trail rises toward the point watch for cairns marking the place the trail leaves the rim and enters the canyon. The trail drops steeply through the Kaibab and Toroweap Formations north of Bridgers Knoll, then contours northwest to the Coconino descent west of Monument Point.

Many switchbacks provide passage through the Coconino Sandstone and on to a small drainage leading down to the Esplanade and the junction with the Thunder River Trail from Indian Hollow. A short rope may be useful to lower the packs at a short (15 ft.) scramble.

Uses: Day Hiking

The Brow Monument trail offers a short, two-mile hike through ponderosa pine, pinyon, and juniper to one of the few remaining survey markers left in place from the John Wesley Powell surveying expedition of 1872.

The trail offers a number of Forest Service interpretive signs about the history of Brow Monument and its use in the first geological surveys of the Arizona Strip. Hikers will enjoy an easy walk that offers views from the "brow" of the Kaibab Plateau north across the Arizona Strip and toward the Grand Staircase of southern Utah.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, 

This is an easy, pleasant hike across relatively flat ground through stands of large ponderosa pine and open forest, where one could easily spot Kaibab squirrels, Northern Goshawk, and Kaibab mule deer.

The trailhead is less than a mile from the Jacob Lake developed area and serves as a connection between Highway 67 and the Arizona Trail.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding 

East Rim is a Wilderness trail. This trail is located within the Saddle Mountain Wilderness on the North Kaibab Ranger District. Beginning at East Rim Viewpoint, Trail #7 makes a steep descent down the rim of North Canyon.

On the trail you pass through mixed conifer forest, oak thickets, ferns and rock cliffs before joining the two forks of Trail #4 at the bottom.

East Rim Trail Recreation Opportunity Guide & Map

Uses: Day Hiking

Gooseneck is a wilderness trail and the photo is what you see from the trail. This trail traverses the length of the "gooseneck" within the Kanab Creek Wilderness. The Gooseneck is a long peninsula of land that towers 2,000 feet above the surrounding countryside.

Spectacular vistas of the Kanab Creek Wilderness drainages and portions of the Grand Canyon National Park reward the traveler of this trail. The trail twists and turns through pinyon and juniper woodlands before its abrupt end high above JumpUp and Sowats canyons.

Gooseneck Trail - Recreation Opportunity Guide & Map

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding 

The Great Western Trail is a 3,100-mile-long trail that extends across the United States from Canada to Mexico. It passes through the states of Idaho, Wyoming, Utah and Arizona. Throughout much of its length, it is actually a corridor of trails that parallel each other and accommodates a wide variety of both motorized and nonmotorized users.

On some sections of the trail, these uses are separated. On others sections, they share the same pathway. The 800-mile portion of the Great Western Trail within the state of Arizona is primarily used as a motorized trail as the existing Arizona Trail, which also runs the length of the state, is designed solely for nonmotorized use.

The 30 miles of the trail on the North Kaibab Ranger District overlay a number of existing dirt roads. The route runs from sagebrush-pinyon-juniper country to ponderosa pine and spruce-fir forest and back down to pinyon-juniper and sagebrush lands.

Great Western Trail - Recreation Opportunity Guide & Map

Uses: OHV Road Riding, Scenic Driving, Scenic Driving 

This trail originates on the Arizona Strip of the Bureau of Land Management at the Hack Canyon trailhead and descends to the east before reaching the Kanab Creek Wilderness boundary. The trail crosses into Forest Service Wilderness and continues on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. 

The Hack Trail can be combined with the Hack-Lawson Trail for a longer 7.7-mile hike. From the BLM boundary to Kanab Creek, it is Hack Trail #28 (4.75 miles on BLM land + 1.25 miles on Forest Service land = 6 miles total). From Kanab Creek to Ranger Trail #41, it is Hack-Lawson Trail #110 (1.7 miles).

The portion of the Hack Trail on BLM is fairly flat. By the time one reaches the Hack-Lawson Trail, the terrain has changed significantly. This portion of the hike is arduous and very remote, ascending and descending steep, slick rock cliffs and benches. It offers spectacular scenery of the Grand Canyon Esplanade and the Kanab Creek watershed.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding 

Hack-Lawson is a wilderness trail. It is located in Kanab Creek Wilderness on the North Kaibab Ranger District. The trail can be accessed from the Hack Trail, which originates on Arizona Strip BLM at the Hack Canyon trailhead or from the Ranger Trail, which is accessed off of FR 423 on the North Kaibab Ranger District.

The Hack-Lawson Trail itself is 1.7 miles. However, it can be combined with the Hack Trail for a total 7.7-mile hike. If starting from the Hack Canyon trailhead on BLM, one descends to the east before reaching the Kanab Creek Wilderness boundary. The trail crosses into Forest Service Wilderness and continues. From the BLM boundary to Kanab Creek, it is Hack Trail #28 (4.75 miles on BLM land + 1.25 miles on Forest Service land = 6 miles total). From Kanab Creek to Ranger Trail #41, it is Hack-Lawson Trail #110 (1.7 miles).

If hiking on Ranger Trail #41, the Hack-Lawson Trail frequently serves as access to Kanab Creek off of the esplanade. BREAKThe Hack-Lawson Trail is arduous and very remote, ascending and descending steep, slick rock cliffs and benches. It offers spectacular scenery of the Grand Canyon Esplanade and the Kanab Creek watershed.

The Hack Trail on BLM is rideable by horse. However, the Hack-Lawson Trail on the Kaibab National Forest dropping into Kanab Creek is not recommended for horses due to exceptionally rugged and rocky terrain.

Uses: Day Hiking

Beginning at the edge of the plateau, the Horse Springs trail begins descending into a canyon immediately. The trail continues for about 2 miles before its intersection with Slide Canyon at the Slide Canyon Trail #58.

The trail mostly follows a rough path and crosses a wash multiple times, while affording the trail user multiple stunning views of canyon geology and ecology. Along the way, the trail passes the seasonal spring that gives it the name, Horse Springs.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding 

The trail can be accessed by FS road 22 or Hwy. 89A. If you start from Hwy. 89A the trail is a narrow, downhill hike all the way.

It is gentle descent that can be traveled in either direction. The bottom part of the trail contains older ponderosa pine trees. Remnants of history are along the trail.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, 

JumpUp-Nail is a Wilderness trail. This trail is located within the Kanab Creek Wilderness. As it descends from Sowats Point, the trail offers a panoramic view of Sowats and JumpUp canyons. While dropping 2,000 ft. among vermilion-colored cliffs, it is interspersed with natural rock sculptures, pockets of juniper and pinyon, and steep, molded sandstone canyons.

At the base of Sowats Point, the trail follows a sandy bench to the edge of Sowats Canyon and then crosses it. After leaving Sowats, the trail winds its way around the point and enters JumpUp Canyon. The Ranger Trail to Kanab Creek joins Trail #8 here, allowing the hiker to continue up JumpUp Canyon until it meets FR 423. Kwagunt Hollow and Sowats Canyon are popular access points to Kanab Creek and the Colorado River.

While horses are allowed, visitors should be aware that sections of the trail are steep and narrow. Horse riders should use caution and exercise judgment while traveling. JumpUp-Nail Trail descends into the canyon quickly, so it is very steep with loose rock. The trail commonly washes out in a section below the rim. After the initial descent into Kwagunt Hollow, the trail is fairly flat with another difficult section crossing Sowats Canyon to continue to the Ranger Trail junction.

JumpUp-Nail Trail - Recreation Opportunity Guide & Map

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding 

If camping at Jacob Lake campground please abide by the reservations system.

At the Jacob Lake campground this lovely, short nature trail is surrounded by ponderosa pine trees. Displayed is interpretive signs that gives information on the nature, wildlife and trees of the forest. An easy, family-friendly trail to take a short walk while staying at the campground.

Nearby is Jacob Lake Inn, which serves food and drink and next to that is the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center which is another place to learn about the forest and purchase books, maps plus other items.

Uses: Day Hiking, Viewing Scenery

Nankoweap is a wilderness trail. The North Kaibab Ranger's District part of this trail is located within the Saddle Mountain Wilderness, and the rest is within the Grand Canyon National Park. In 1881, J.W. Powell and C.D. Walcott blazed a horse trail into Nankoweap basin by following an old Indian path.

This trail climbs to Nankoweap Saddle, passing through big ponderosa pine trees, red and white cliffs, and steep canyons. At the saddle, the hiker can view a multitude of jagged buttes and the drainages of Marble Canyon. They can then enter the Grand Canyon National Park or continue to the upper trailhead on the Kaibab National Forest.

While horses are allowed, visitors should be aware that sections of the trail are steep and narrow. Horse riders should use caution and exercise judgment while traveling. In general, the east side trailhead to the junction of Grand Canyon National Park's section of trail is rideable. However, past that junction on the National Forest, the trail is very steep and would be potentially dangerous to ride up or down to or from the top trailhead off of Forest Road 610.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding 

The Navajo Trail is an old Indian and sheepherding trail. In 1871, John D. Lee traversed the Buckskin Mountain (Kaibab Plateau) by way of a "well-used" horse path; he is believed to be the first Anglo to use what is now called the Navajo Trail.

The trail traverses the scenic pinyon and juniper forests of House Rock Valley and the oak and pine of the Kaibab Plateau. It overlooks the Paria Plateau and its unique wind and water sculpted red rock formations.

This is a connecting trailhead with the Kaibab Plateau Trail (part of the Arizona Trail). The Navajo Trail continues west from Joe's Reservoir, across the plateau to the Forest boundary. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding 

North Canyon is a Wilderness trail. This trail is the entrance to the northern part of the Saddle Mountain Wilderness. Beginning from FR 611, the trail descends through mixed conifer and oak thickets into North Canyon. The trail leads back and forth across a small stream as it follows the canyon down to the lower trailhead at FR 631.BREAKThere is a perennial stream in the upper reaches of the canyon with protected, native trout inhabiting some of the larger pools. Birds, flowers and plants exist here that are seen nowhere else on the Kaibab Plateau.

While horses are allowed, visitors should be aware that sections of the trail are steep and narrow. Horse riders should use caution and exercise judgment while traveling. In general, North Canyon Trail is rideable from the eastern trailhead up the canyon. However, the trail up and out of North Canyon to the rim (East Rim Viewpoint area) is quite steep and has very narrow switchbacks.

North Canyon Trail Recreation Opportunity Guide & Map

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding 

The Rainbow Rim Trail is located along the rim of the Grand Canyon and connects five large "Points"; of land that overhang the canyon and the Arizona Strip.

The five "Points" are Parissawampitts, Fence, Locust, North Timp and Timp. Each offers a different view and perspective of Grand Canyon features such as Powell Plateau, Steamboat Mountain, Tapeats Amphitheater and Great Thumb Mesas, as well as the Mt. Trumbull region of the Arizona Strip. In addition to the areas along the rim, the trail passes through a forest of beautiful ponderosa pine and drops into a number of steep-sided canyons filled with groves of aspens and small meadows.

Please note that e-bikes are not authorized on the trail.

Rainbow Rim Trail - Recreation Opportunity Guide & Map

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, 

Ranger is a Wilderness trail. This trail is located within the Kanab Creek Wilderness.

Towering perpendicular cliffs hug the trail on the east, while the broad expanse of Kanab Creek and its tributaries spread out to the west.

This trail is in a remote area with limited water, high summer temperatures and extremely rugged terrain.

Ranger Trail - Recreation Opportunity Guide & Map

Uses: Backpacking, Hiking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, 

Snake Gulch is a Wilderness trail. The Snake Gulch Trail winds past multicolored cliffs, red and yellow painted pictographs, and an old homestead. Upon joining Kanab Creek, the trail follows the riparian area with its streamside cottonwoods, red sandstone cliffs, oak thickets and wide sandy benches.

Just south of Jensen Canyon the trail leaves Kanab Creek and, at this point, becomes Ranger Trail #41. Snake Gulch Trail #59 is in a remote area, with limited water, high summer temperatures and extremely rugged terrain.

Snake Gulch Trail - Recreation Opportunity Guide & Map

Uses: Backpacking, Hiking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, 

South Canyon is a Wilderness trail. This scenic trail, located within the Saddle Mountain Wilderness on the North Kaibab Ranger District, provides glimpses of Marble Canyon as it leads through sidehills of ferns, aspen, mixed conifer and rock outcroppings. Starting at the upper trailhead, South Canyon Trail #6 descends steeply into South Canyon and then follows the canyon bottom. This is an unmaintained trail.

South Canyon Trail - Recreation Opportunity Guide & Map

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding 

This trail begins at the BLM road #1048 and travels through a shallow canyon in sagebrush and pinyon-juniper country. It slowly descends down a canyon to the Kanab Creek wilderness. Once you cross into the wilderness the trail drops quickly into Snake Gulch, the trail becomes rocky and steep.

Uses: Backpacking, Hiking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, 

Thunder River trail starts on Forest Service land for approximately 200 ft. before crossing over to the Grand Canyon National Park. Commercial and private activities must adhere to Forest Service regulations while operating on Forest Service land.

Uses: Day Hiking

Triple Alcoves is a Wilderness trail. This scenic trail is located within the Saddle Mountain Wilderness on the North Kaibab Ranger District. An easy walk through a pinyon-juniper woodland brings the hiker abruptly to the rim of Marble Canyon.

The breathtaking scene from the edge of the canyon includes broad views of Marble Canyon, the Triple Alcoves and President Harding Rapids of the Colorado River, which are all within the Grand Canyon National Park. By looking to the east, you will also view the vast expanse of the Navajo Nation.

Triple Alcoves Trail - Recreation Opportunity Guide & Map

Uses: Day Hiking

The Arizona Trail is an 800+ mile recreation trail from Mexico to Utah that connects mountain ranges, canyons, deserts, forests, wilderness areas, historic sites, trail systems, points of interest, communities, and people. It serves day hikers, backpackers, equestrians, mountain bicyclists, trail runners, nature enthusiasts, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and mule and llama packers.BREAKThe Arizona Trail travels through the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest and offers opportunities to view a variety of vegetation types -- from ponderosa pine and Gambel oak to pinyon-juniper, sage and grasslands. The trail also offers some tantalizing views of the San Francisco Peaks, Grand Canyon, Upper Basin, Coconino Rim and the Painted Desert.

For several months of the year, there may be no water sources along these segments. Russell Tank, the most dependable water supply, is a very important source for wildlife and livestock. All water sources should be considered unsafe for human use unless properly treated.

The Arizona Trail runs from the southern boundary of the Tusayan Ranger District north and northwest to Grandview Lookout Tower. Then, the trail heads west from Grandview to Tusayan. From there, the trail exits the Tusayan Ranger District and enters Grand Canyon National Park.

For additional information on the Arizona Trail including GPS coordinates and specific route information, please visit the Arizona Trail Association website.

Uses: Backpacking, Hiking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

Red Butte is a distinct knob located on the Coconino Plateau south of Grand Canyon National Park. The summit of Red Butte and the fire lookout tower are reached by a short but relatively steep 1.25 mile trail, one way. The Red Butte Trail climbs from 6,460 ft. (1970M) elevation at the trailhead to 7,326 ft. (2233M) elevation on top of Red Butte. For the first .75 mile, the trail climbs moderately and has only a few switchbacks. The last .5 mile ascends the steep, upper slopes of the butte and has several switchbacks and steep grades. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. Caution should be taken in the summer months when rattlesnakes may be present on or along the trail.

Red Butte, a prominent topographic feature on the Coconino Plateau, is a lava-capped remnant of overlying rock layers that have been eroded from the surrounding area. For much of the Tusayan Ranger District, the rock layer on the surface is the Paleozoic Era Kaibab Limestone. The Kaibab Limestone is also found along the rim of the Grand Canyon. A marine limestone approximately 270 million years old, it records an ancient tropical ocean environment. Red Butte is the only locale in which the layers from the Mesozoic Era and Cenozoic Era can be viewed for quite some distance. The base of the butte is comprised of red sandstones and siltstones of the approximately 240 million year-old Moenkopi Formation. These rocks were once sand and mud in tropical tidal flats. Above this layer are conglomerates, rocks with fragments and grains of many sizes, in the Shinarump Member of the Chinle Formation. The Shinarump Member was deposited about 225 million years ago as sands and pebbles in river channels. These two rock layers are capped by a basalt, or iron-rich volcanic rock, which has been dated as about 8.5 to 9 million years old. This basalt cap is the only remnant of an ancient lava flow that once covered the area.

The above graphic is an excerpt from USGS Special Investigations Map 2895, Geologic Map of the Valle 30’ x 60’ Quadrangle, Coconino County, Northern Arizona by G.H. Billingsley, T.J. Felger, and S.S. Priest.BREAK BREAKThe current Red Butte Lookout Tower was built in the early 1980s using a modified version of the standard Forest Service CL-100 design with a 14-foot by 14-foot cab, metal catwalk and two water cisterns. The fire lookout, which is staffed during the fire season, plays an important role in detecting new starts, smoke monitoring and as a communication relay for units on the surrounding Tusayan Ranger District.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding 

The Tusayan Bike Trails are open to biking, hiking and horseback riding. These trails have become particularly popular with mountain bikers seeking to explore the Tusayan Ranger District.

These routes offer a secluded forest experience on old logging roads that meander through the forest. The area provides excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife such as elk, mule deer, hawks, eagles, pronghorn antelope, porcupine, rabbits, coyotes, turkeys and many different kinds of birds.

Trail #126: A loop trail that is 1.1 miles long.

Trail #702: A loop trail that is 17.2 miles long.

Trail #703: A loop trail that is 8.3 miles long.

Uses: Backpacking, Hiking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The Vishnu Trail is a 1.1 mile scenic loop trail that begins just north of the historic Grandview Lookout Tower. The trail goes out to a point on the Coconino Rim with spectacular views of the Grand Canyon in the distance. The loop trail returns to Grandview along a section of the Arizona Trail. The Vishnu Trail is great for biking, horseback riding, hiking and viewing the forest.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Interpretive Areas, Mountain Biking

This historic trail has as much to offer the modern traveler as it did the ranchers and immigrants of the 1860s and 70s when it was a 1,240-mile route stretching from Ft. Smith, Arkansas, to the Colorado River. Broad vistas stretch out across a backdrop of high mountain peaks. Significant portions of the landscape through which the road winds remain in nearly the same condition as when they were first encountered by Edward Fitzgerald Beale in 1857 when he was chosen to chart the road's course.

A variety of access points provide for hikes of varying lengths. The trail segments crossing the Kaibab National Forest traverse a total of 23 miles and are open for hiking and horseback riding. Travel by motorized vehicle is prohibited on sections of the Beale Road located off of Forest Service roads. If you prefer to travel by vehicle or mountain bike, you can follow along in the areas where the historic Beale Wagon Road exists as a current Forest Service road.

Laws Spring, with its historic and prehistoric rock carving and original road segment, is a popular access point for the trail. Another access point is at the junction of FR 100 and FR 107 about 7 miles north of Parks. Other access points are marked on the ground.

Remember, if you encounter artifacts such as pottery sherds, debris from stone tools, projectile points (dart points or arrowheads), historic cans or bottles, please leave them in place for others to enjoy. Also, please do not touch the petroglyphs at Laws Spring. Oils from your fingers can damage them. It is against the law to remove, deface, or damage archaeological materials on federal lands.

Please help us protect the Beale Wagon Road's colorful history so that other's may enjoy!

Beale Wagon Road Historic Trail Brochure and Map

Uses: Backpacking, Hiking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

This trail starts in ponderosa pine and oak thickets, and climbs into the mixed conifer forest on Bill Williams Mountain. At several places along the trail the hiker has a good view of the forest below and the distant peaks. Although there is no water in the area, cool temperatures make this an enjoyable trail to hike in the summer.

This is a short day hike, with moderately difficult slopes going up the mountain, and easy down-grades coming back to the trailhead. If arrangements have been made for some one to meet the hikers at the top of Bill Williams Mountain, the trail ends there at 9256' (2821M). By leaving a vehicle at the Bill Williams Mountain trailhead and also at the start of Benham Trail, the day-hikers can go up one trail and down the other for a total hike of about 8.5 miles. It is also possible to connect with the Bixler Saddle Trail #72 to make a longer hike.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, 

This trail starts in ponderosa pine and oak thickets. As it crosses West Cataract Creek, it goes through stands of aspen and fir carpeted by a dense ground cover of ferns, Oregon grape and Arizona wild rose. At several places on the trail, the hiker has a good view of the valley below and the peaks in the distance. There is no water available along the trail, but cool summer temperatures make this an enjoyable hike.

Bill Williams Mountain marks the traditional boundary of lands inhabited by the early ancestors of the Hopi people. Your respectful use of this area while you are visiting here will be appreciated. This trail was originally built as a "toll road" in 1902. Builder Esau Lamb charged hikers and horseback riders a fee to ride to the top.

This is a short (day) hike, with moderately difficult slopes going up the mountain and easy down-grades coming back down. If arrangements can be made for someone to drive to the top of the mountain on FR 111 and meet the hikers, a one way trip is possible. The trail ends near the end of the road at 9256 feet. By leaving a vehicle at Camp Clover and also at the start of Benham Trail, day-hikers can go up one trail and down the other for a total hike of about 8.5 miles. It is also possible to connect with the Bixler Saddle Trail #72, the Buckskinner Trail #130 via the Clover Spring Loop #46, or the City of Williams Link Trail #124. 

Uses: Day Hiking

These trails are located on the lower slopes of Bill Williams Mountain. They offer the hiker access to the mountain and the Bill Williams Mountain Trail from the City of Williams and, if used together, provide opportunities for short loop walks through the forest of pine and oak. Clover Spring is a small seep once developed as a domestic water supply which now provides water to wildlife. Water from this spring may not be safe for human consumption.

The well defined trails can be used to create a variety of short hikes or to access the Bill Williams Mountain Trail for a longer hike to the top of Bill Williams Mountain. A suggested short hike is to begin at Buckskinner Park and walk the Buckskinner Trail to the Clover Spring Loop Trail, follow this loop trail (connected by a section of the Bill Williams Mountain Trail) around clockwise, and return to Buckskinner Park. This 2 mile hike will take about one hour to walk. 

Uses: Day Hiking

The Bull Basin Trail starts at a trailhead located off FR 90 A. Ascending Kendrick Mountain's north slope, it switchbacks up to a large meadow. The trail then turns south along a rocky ridge to a flat area where there is a spring, and on to the old Kendrick Lookout Cabin. That one room log structure, built in the early 1900s, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to go up to the lookout to enjoy the view. The two springs along the trail are not reliable and not recommended for drinking.

The lower section of Bull Basin Trail follows some old logging roads (now closed to vehicles) and then merges with the Connector Trail, which branches off to the west. Bull Basin proceeds east, passing a small meadow. About 1/4 mile beyond the meadow the trail begins a steep ascent. It then curves south at another large meadow near the top of Kendrick Mountain, passing a spring before reaching the old Kendrick Lookout Cabin. The trail is generally well marked. The old cabin can be used by visitors, but please leave it in good shape for the next person or even you, when you come back again. Most of the trail is within the Kendrick Mountain Wilderness.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding 

These trails are located on the lower slopes of Bill Williams Mountain. They offer the hiker access to the mountain and the Bill Williams Mountain Trail from the City of Williams and, if used together, provide opportunities for short loop walks through the forest of pine and oak. Clover Spring is a small seep once developed as a domestic water supply which now provides water to wildlife. Water from this spring may not be safe for human consumption.

The well defined trails can be used to create a variety of short hikes or to access the Bill Williams Mountain Trail for a longer hike to the top of Bill Williams Mountain. A suggested short hike is to begin at Buckskinner Park and walk the Buckskinner Trail to the Clover Spring Loop Trail, follow this loop trail (connected by a section of the Bill Williams Mountain Trail) around clockwise, and return to Buckskinner Park. This 2 mile hike will take about one hour to walk.

Uses: Day Hiking

These trails are located on the lower slopes of Bill Williams Mountain. They offer the hiker access to the mountain and the Bill Williams Mountain Trail from the City of Williams and, if used together, provide opportunities for short loop walks through the forest of pine and oak. Clover Spring is a small seep once developed as a domestic water supply which now provides water to wildlife. Water from this spring may not be safe for human consumption.

The well defined trails can be used to create a variety of short hikes or to access the Bill Williams Mountain Trail for a longer hike to the top of Bill Williams Mountain. A suggested short hike is to begin at Buckskinner Park and walk the Buckskinner Trail to the Clover Spring Loop Trail, follow this loop trail (connected by a section of the Bill Williams Mountain Trail) around clockwise, and return to Buckskinner Park. This 2 mile hike will take about one hour to walk.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, 

The trail provides visitors to Dogtown Lake with an interesting, scenic day hike to the top of Davenport Hill and back. The higher elevation of the hill (7805 feet) and the northern exposure of the trail provide hikers with a cool climatic change and also a change in vegetation from ponderosa pine to Douglas fir/white fir and oak near the summit.

The trail follows Dogtown Wash about 0.3 mile and then climbs to a flat, where it follows an old logging road before turning north toward Davenport Hill. The trail ascends the hill at a gradual 8% grade to the top. Although the trail ascends 755 feet, flowing switchbacks take most of the sweat and toil out of the climb. The first mile is an effortless stroll through woodlands of Gambel oak, ponderosa pine and sunny clearings. The uphill trudge begins where the trail crosses unsigned Forest Road 717 and moves onto the first of several edge-hugging switchbacks.

Farther up, the trail ducks into a sheer canyon shaded with moss-draped Douglas and white firs. The slim path traverses the canyon walls, landing hikers on the final uphill haul where picture-perfect views of Dogtown Lake and Bill Williams Mountain dominate the horizon. Once past a second gate, the trail emerges on the summit ridge for a short, flat walk to the high point.

Follow the same trail back to the start. From the trail, you can enjoy scenic views of Dogtown Lake and the country around Williams.

Uses: Day Hiking

This is a hike to one of the highest vistas in northern Arizona. From Kendrick's 10,418 foot summit, you can see the Grand Canyon to the north and Oak Creek Canyon to the south. In addition to the impressive scenery, it's a good place to see wildlife, especially elk and mule deer.

The trail starts in the ponderosa pines and climbs into the mixed conifer forests of Douglas fir, white fir, Engelmann spruce and corkbark fir within the Kendrick Mountain Wilderness. Note that there are no reliable springs along the trail and no water at the top of the mountain. Just below the mountain's summit, you'll see an old cabin. This is the old lookout cabin, built in the early 1900s and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 

After about 1/2 mile of trail, this route up Kendrick Mountain follows an old fire road for about one mile. From this point the trail becomes a foot path again and is well marked and gently sloped. Almost all of the trail is within the Kendrick Mountain Wilderness.

Uses: Day Hiking

This trail provides the visitor with an easy-to-hike pathway to a scenic box canyon where prehistoric residents left their mark carved into the canyon's gray volcanic walls. Roughly 1,000 years ago, some ancient artisan or artisans pecked images into the dark basalt using another rock as a tool. These images are called petroglyphs. The message that they portray suggests that the area was important to that ancient communicator as a hunting ground. One of the petroglyphs is a dramatic depiction of a deer herd entering the canyon. Take note of that and keep a sharp eye. This area is still an excellent place to encounter wildlife. While you're visiting the Keyhole Sink Trail, please respect the irreplaceable traces of the past that you find along it. Leave them undisturbed so that others may enjoy them as you have.

The trail traverses easy terrain through a ponderosa pine forest. The return trip from Keyhole Sink is over the same trail. The trail is marked for cross-country skiing with blue triangles.

Rock Art Documentation of the Keyhole Site details the restoration and repair efforts undertaken to clean up and preserve the Keyhole Sink Trail.

 Trifold Brochure of Keyhole Sink Interpretive Site

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Winter Sports, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing, 

Traveling from east to west, one first encounters the wide grasslands of Garland Prairie. Dotted with hardscrabble homesteads, both active and deserted, its vistas still inspire visions of hardy pioneers. Farther along, the trail enters the trees and passes the remains of an old way-station which even boasted its own post office for a time. The foundations of a few cabins are still visible here.

The markers that blaze the trail then wind on through the forest, past remains of an old railroad bed and an abandoned logging camp, past scenic Pomeroy Tanks. Along the way, you'll see evidence of a Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps camp and the course of the Bear Springs Sheep Driveway that tens of thousands of animals once traveled over the edge of the rugged Mogollon Rim.

Mountain biking is good along FR 57. Horseback riding is recommend anywhere along the trail between FR 141 and FR 139, although it may become rocky in the Pomeroy Tanks area.

The Forest Service has developed the Overland Road into a recreational trail. The route makes use of forest roads and trails which have been marked with rock cairns, brass cap markers, tree blazes, and 4-by-4 wood posts. A treadway has not been cleared on the trail sections, so it can be a challenge to follow. Trailheads, with interpretive signs, are provided. The trail sections are open only to hikers and horseback riders. Portions of the historic route that are part of the forest road system may be accessed by any means, including motor vehicles and mountain bicycles.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, 

The Pumpkin Trail offers the visitor a long hike from a valley of pine and junipers up through mountain meadows and forests of mixed conifer, aspen and fir to the summit of Kendrick Peak. All of the hike is within the Kendrick Mountain Wilderness. The upper three quarters of it follow the alignment of an old sheepherder route used up to 40 years ago. The remains of an old sheepherder's cabin still stands alongside the trail about 1/4 mile below the lookout tower. Note that there are no reliable springs along the trail and no water at the top of the mountain.

Initially, this trail follows an old road then rises along a steep canyon. After passing through a gate, the trail ascends a ridge, gradually turning southeast. From here to the top of Kendrick Mountain, the trail follows a ridge through meadows, aspen and conifer stands. Rock cairns often show the way. All of the trail is within the Kendrick Mountain Wilderness.

It is possible to link up with the Bull Basin Trail via the Connector Trail for an 11 mile hike.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding 

The Spring Valley Cross-country Ski Trail consists of three possible loops. The R.S. Hill Loop is designed to be relatively easy and is an excellent trail for the beginner. The Eagle Rock Loop has two possible options, which account for the other two loops. The shorter option returns via the R.S. Hill Loop section that lies south of R.S. Hill. The longer option continues around the north of R.S. Hill on the R.S. Hill Loop.

The trail utilizes old logging roads, at times, but also passes through roadless stretches of forest. The Eagle Rock Loop contains a few rather fast runs, where the R.S. Hill Loop is more gradual.BREAKMost of the trail passes through a ponderosa pine forest, with a few sections bordered by stands of aspen and fir. Part of the trail traverses the edge of Spring Valley Meadow.

Spring Valley Cross-Country Ski Trail Access Map

NOTE: In the summer, the ski trails (#77 and #78) combined is trail #134 and is enjoyable for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The length of the entire layout would be close to 9 miles.

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Winter Sports, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing, 

The Spring Valley Loop offers a ride on remote roads and trails with good views and abundant wildlife. Since the route serves as a cross country ski trail in winter, it offers the fat tire rider some interesting ups and downs too. Early in the ride you will pass Shoot 'Em Up Dick Tank where there is a handy little bench for a lunch stop.

The route then climbs to Eagle Rock Pass. The trail is rugged here for about a hundred yards. After the climb you can look forward to about a mile of downhill. The last part of the ride involves following the ski trail back through the ponderosa pines to the trailhead.

The Spring Valley mountain bike ride follows a course that in winter serves as a cross country ski tail so be sure to follow the diamonds marking the ski trail. The route itself includes everything from forest roads that have motorized traffic to narrow backcountry trials. There are a couple of long up hills and down hills along the ride, both have short steep sections. We advise you to carry your bike down off the pass near Eagle Rock.

Spring Valley Loop Trail Access Map

NOTE: In the summer, the ski trails (#77 and #78) combined is trail #134 and is enjoyable for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The length of the entire layout would be close to 9 miles.

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Winter Sports, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing, 

The Stone and Steel Dams were built by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad to store water for use for the railroad operations.  The Stone Dam, also known as the Masonry Dam, was constructed in 1911, and is located on private land owned by John F. Long.

The Ashfork Development Association, along with the Ashfork Museum and Information Center, help to manage the dam and reservoir which are open to the public for recreation and are accessible via a two track road located just north of Historic Route 66. 

The Steel Dam, also known as the Ash Fork-Bainbridge Steel Dam, was constructed in 1895 and is located about 0.5 miles down the drainage (to the west) of the Stone Dam on land managed by the Kaibab National Forest.  The Steel Dam is open for public use, but the road to access it is not very well maintained along the north side of the dam. Volunteers with the Ash Fork Route 66 Museum worked with the Kaibab employees to make this project successful. The dam photos are of Mason Dam built by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad in 1911.

Uses: Day Hiking

This is a hike to near the top of Summit Mountain where you can enjoy the expansive views. From the end of the trail you will find an excellent vista of the forest and rim country as it falls off to the headwaters of the Verde River and the distant Mingas and Bradshaw Mountains. Most of the trail was originally built in 1916 to access a fire lookout point. After some 50 years of abandonment, it was rebuilt in 1997 to offer an opportunity to enjoy the pleasurable walk to the top of the mountain.

The well defined trail climbs steadily up 650 feet over its mile length through a forest of ponderosa pine, Gambel oak and alligator juniper.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, 

Most people come to this ride for the view of Sycamore Canyon at the overlook, but the scenery along the way is worth the trip, too. The ride starts out in a ponderosa pine forest where big pines and bright green Gambel oaks stand in clumps by the roadside. Farther into the ride, the trees give way to broad grasslands dotted with alligator junipers. These squat, spreading trees have been pruned into bizarre shapes by years of cattle browsing, creating a landscape that looks like something straight out of Africa.

At road's end, the view is spectacular. Sycamore Canyon with its buff cliffs of Coconino Sandstone drops precipitously at your feet. To the north, San Francisco Peaks seem to rise right out of the upper reaches of this chasm, creating a landscape that encompasses 8,000 feet of elevation change, from canyon floor to mountain summit. Mingus Mountain and the Verde Valley complete the panorama to the south.

The Sycamore Point Ride follows FR 110 out and back to the scenic overlook. This road is used by a moderate amount of motorized traffic, so be prepared to share the road with vehicles. The road surface is reasonably smooth with no steep grades. There is no possibility of a loop ride, although you could start a ride at White Horse Lake and use a different return route from the Sycamore Point Road Intersection.

Sycamore Point Ride Access Map

Uses: Mountain Biking

The Sycamore Rim Trail was first proposed in 1975. Born of the idea that this environment of ponds, streams, cliffs and deep canyons was unique, and worthy of preservation in as nearly an undisturbed condition as possible, the trail was built to provide access to the area so people could enjoy it without impacting its scenic values. Its route was originally cleared and marked in 1979, when the trail was first opened for general use. Since then, this loop has been improved with work over the entire length of the trail. The Sycamore Falls Trailhead was added during the summer of 1988 to accommodate hikers along the Sycamore Rim Trail and climbers using the Sycamore Falls area. The trail is open to mountain bikes outside the Wilderness boundary.

The trail forms a loop with access at several points along it. The southern and eastern portions of the loop follow the rim of Sycamore Canyon. The northern and western sections travel through ponderosa pine forests. The entire loop may be traveled from any of the trailheads, or hike a segment of the trail by shuttling between trailheads. Watch for rock cairns and small signs.

Sycamore Falls is a popular rock climbing area. Climbing is a potentially dangerous activity. A variety of skills and techniques are required to ensure a safe climbing experience. Please seek instruction from qualified sources before venturing onto the cliffs.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking,