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Bill Williams Mountain Trail #21
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.
At a Glance
| Fees: | None. |
|---|---|
| Best Season: | Year round, but it does get some snow. During the fall season, the autumn leaves are beautiful. |
| Water: | None. Bring everything you need. |
| Restroom: | Yes. Two vaulted toilets. One at the bottom near the district office & one at top near the lookout. |
General Information
Directions:Access: Go west from downtown Williams on Railroad Avenue about one mile; turn left at the sign marking "Williams District Ranger Station" at the top of the hill, and proceed along the frontage road to the turnoff to the Williams Ranger District office. Follow the signs to the trailhead.
Parking:
At the lower end of the trail in Williams, parking is available in front of the district office.