Kendrick Mountain Wilderness

Kendrick Mountain Wilderness encompasses Kendrick Peak, one of the many peaks of the vast San Francisco mountain volcanic field located on the Coconino Plateau in north-central Arizona. Reaching an elevation of 10,418, the summit affords excellent views of the surrounding plateau, including the San Francisco Peaks to the east, the distant red rock of the Oak Creek/Sycamore Canyon country and Sitgreaves and Bill Williams Mountains to the south, Red Butte and distant views of the north rim of the Grand Canyon to the north. A fire lookout was first established on the summit in the early 1900's, and continues to be staffed to this day. In 2000 a majority of the wilderness was involved in a large wildfire. Dramatic vegetation patterns were created by burn intensities ranging from light to very severe, most evident on the west, north, and east slopes. On-going natural recovery processes may be observed, with early seral species becoming established in the severely burned areas. Characteristic montane coniferous forests, aspen stands, and high mountain meadow grasslands will re-establish with time. Unstable volcanic soils have undergone recurring severe erosion on the steeper slopes within burned areas, causing damage to the trails and access roads. Soils in the burn area will take many more years to re-stabilize.

Three maintained trails totaling 14 miles offer access to the wilderness, and lead hikers to the top of Kendrick Mountain and the fire lookout tower. When the lookout tower is open during summer months, the lookout operator usually welcomes visitors to visit the top of the tower to enjoy the views.

All three trails are managed by the Kaibab National Forest.

• Kendrick Mountain Trail: 9.2 miles round-trip. This is a hike to one of the highest vistas in Northern Arizona; from the summit you will be able to see the Grand Canyon and Oak Creek Canyon as well as impressive plants and wildlife.
• Pumpkin Trail: 9.6 miles round-trip. This long hike begins in a valley of pine and junipers up through mountain meadows and forests that follows an old road and rises along a steep canyon to the summit of Kendrick Peak.
• Bull Basin Trail: 9 miles round-trip. While traveling on switchbacks up to a large meadow you will see the old Kendrick Lookout Cabin built in the early 1900’s.

All of the trails are considered to be challenging due to the lack of water, impressive elevation gains, and the effects of the wildfire, including numerous fallen/falling snags and recurring trail erosion damage which can make route-finding difficult. There are no reliable water sources on the mountain, so pack in plenty of your own!

At a Glance