SEDONA FALL COLOR UPDATE: OCTOBER 29, 2011

On my way back from hiking another Sedona trail today, I stopped by one of my favorite Red Rock Country trails to see how the fall color is holding up along Oak Creek. The oaks and sycamores are past their prime, but the cottonwoods, elders and willow still have some color to show.  Also, the trees along the Verde River near Camp Verde are nearing peak color.  This week would be a good time to visit Dead Horse Ranch State Park.  These photos are from this morning.

A. B. YOUNG TRAIL #100

Sedona

This hike has everything --water, high-desert ridges, a grueling climb and a pleasant traipse through a pine and oak forest to the historic East Pocket fire lookout. The trail begins in the Bootlegger Day Use Area near site number two.  From there, descend the flagstone stairs to Oak Creek and follow the generic trail markers to the creek. Boulder-hop the water and head toward the stone retaining wall where there’s a metal “A.B. Young #100” sign.  The ascent begins immediately through a cool, creek-side environment that quickly transcends into a pine forest. After about the half-mile point, the trail leaves the shade and begins switch backing up steep sun-drenched cliffs on its way to the 7,196-foot West Rim of Oak Creek Canyon.  Many spectacular rock formations and great views of the narrow canyon open up as the trail gains elevation.  Once on the rim, follow the carins into the forest to the wooden “A.B. Young/Oak Creek” sign that marks the official end of the trail. To reach the East Pocket fire lookout, continue for just under a mile following a series of huge rock cairns. Staffed by a USFS worker during the fire season, visitors are welcome in the funky old 1930s-style wooden tower.

LENGTH:  6 miles round trip

RATING:  difficult

ELEVATION: 5,100’ – 7,196”

FACILITIES: restroom

FEE: a Red Rock Pass is required: there’s a permit kiosk at the trailhead that takes paper, plastic and coins. http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, take I-17 north to the Sedona-Oak Creek exit 298 for SR179.  Head left (west) on SR179 and continue to the Sedona “Y” intersection of SR 179 and US89A. Veer right (north) through the traffic circle and continue 8.8 miles to the Bootlegger Day Use Area near milepost 383. Roads are 100% paved.

INFO:  Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-282-4119

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/abyoung-tr.shtml

SEDONA FALL COLOR UPDATE 2011: SECRET CANYON

Although its a bit "out there" in terms of ease-of-access, this ambitious trek offers solitude, lots botanical and geological diversity and a spectacular slot canyon choked with colorful maples.  Hurry out, though, Sedona fall color is peaking and will wind down quickly!

Sycamore color on October 24

SECRET CANYON TRAIL #121

Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness, Sedona

A community of pinion pines, juniper and assorted cactuses at the trailhead belie what lies ahead on Secret Canyon Trail. Epic views of Sedona’s red rock landscape dominate the first 1.75 miles of this hike before the trail makes a sharp westward swerve at the mouth of the canyon. From here, the route leaves the shade-less chaparral plunging into a streambed where torrential spring water runoff and blowing dust have carved bizarre sculptures in the sandstone escarpments flanking the path. Residual pools of water stand at the bases of moisture-hungry cottonwoods with heart-shaped, lemony leaves.

Sycamores, sumac, oak, grape and hop trees

Near the 5-mile point, the trail enters “the narrows”, a series of slick-rock corridors hemmed in by a vertical fortification of sandstone with clusters of blood-red maples and rusty-orange oaks bursting from the rubble-strewn canyon floor. Beyond this point, the trail degrades into a quagmire of scree and undergrowth, which is why most hikers make the narrows their turnaround point. However, those with good route-finding skills can opt to scramble, squeeze and scoot along a sketchy footpath for another half-mile.

LENGTH: 5.5 miles one-way

RATING: difficult

ELEVATION: 4,500 – 5,100 feet

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 134 miles

GETTING THERE:

View for near the trail's high point

From the “Y” intersection of SR179 and SR 89A in Sedona, go left through the traffic circle (toward Cottonwood) and go  3.2 miles west on 89A to Dry Creek Road. Turn right and go 2 miles to Vultee Arch Road (Forest Road 152). Turn right and follow FR152  3.4 miles to the trailhead on the left. A high clearance vehicle is required on FR 152.

FEE: Red Rock Pass--$5 per vehicle is required. http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml

INFO: Coconino National Forest, Red Rock District, 928-203-2900

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/secret-canyon-tr.shtml

HART PRAIRIE FALL COLOR UPDATE 2011

Just heard from Neil Chapman, Hart Prairie Preserve Program Manager.  Aspen color on Hart Prairie is just about over for this year.  By this weekend, it's done.  

SEDONA FALL COLOR UPDATE 2011: HUCKABY TRAIL

Fall color is arriving later than usual along the US 89A strip of Oak Creek this year. Although we found sprigs of blazing red sumac and some nice golden sycamores, willows and common hop trees, peak color has yet to arrive. The next couple of weeks will be splendid. 

Crossing Oak Creek--you WILL get wet

HUCKABY TRAIL

Sedona

Arizona sycamore

Ever drive up US89A to the spot near Grasshopper Point and Midgley Bridge?  Yup—it's a madhouse, especially in autumn when the sycamores, cottonwoods and willows lining Oak Creek take on gorgeous tawny hues.  Swarms of visitors scramble for coveted parking spots along this scenic and precipitous curve in US89A in order to hike, bike or simply take in the views from the road.  An alternative way to get to the sweet color spots under the bridge with (somewhat) less congestion is to begin hiking three miles downstream at the Schnebly Hill trailhead and follow the Huckaby Trail to the creek.

This relatively new trail (est. 1998) starts out in classic Sedona, yucca-and-cypress-studded, high-desert terrain, then dips into the shady, riparian corridor of Oak Creek Canyon via a series of moderately challenging twists and turns.  Near the 2.3-mile point, the route meets the creek where you’ll have to rock-hop or do a knee-deep wade to the west bank in order to complete the final 0.3-mile  uphill leg to US89A and the north end of Midgley Bridgley.

Sycamores in fall color regalia

LENGTH:  5.2 miles roundtrip

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION:  4,500' – 4,300'

FACILITIES: Huckaby Trailhead: restroom, picnic tables.  None at Midgely Bridge trailhead.

FEE: A Red Rock Pass is required: $5 daily fee per vehicle. The permit kiosk at Huckaby trailhead was not working on 10-22-11.  That's why it's smart to purchase your pass at  local vendors like Circle-K, cuz, the trailhead kiosks seldom work (at least in my experience). We also saw a ranger checking windshields for passes today. Check out this link to learn more about the Red Rock Pass Program:

  http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 125 mile one-way

GETTING THERE:

SCHNEBLY HILL TRAILHEAD:

Near the rapids under Midgley Bridge

From Phoenix, go  north on I-17 to exit 298 (SR179 for Sedona-Oak Creek).  At the bottom of the offramp, turn left (west) and follow SR179 to Schnebly Hill Road in Sedona, located at the  traffic circle/bridge over Oak Creek (and before the Talaquepaque center).  Veer right thru the traffic circle, and go 0.8 mile  on Schnebly Hill Road to the trailhead (signed for Margs Draw, Munds Wagon and Huckaby) on the left.  Roads are 100% paved.

MIDGELY BRIDGE TRAILHEAD:

From I-17, follow SR179 to the “Y” junction with US89A in Sedona. Veer right through the traffic circle and go 1.9 miles north on 89A to the parking area on the northwest side (left) of the bridge.  The trail begins under the bridge.  Roads are 100% paved.

INFO: Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-282-4119

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/huckaby-tr.shtml

Beautiful Arizona sycamore

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PAYSON FALL COLOR REPORT 2011: MOGOLLON RIM

Here's one of my favorite "top of the Rim" hikes north of Payson. Part of the forest service Cabin Loop Trail System, this woodsy hike features lots of ups-and-downs, cool, windy conditions and some really great maple stands where the trail ducks into canyons. Check out the link below for a map and other access points.  Color is peaking now---hurry before the first frost arrives!

BARBERSHOP TRAIL #91

LENGTH: 4.5 miles one way

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 7,200 – 7,600 feet

PEAK COLOR: early to late October

GETTING THERE: From the intersection of SR87 and SR260 in Payson, go east (right) on SR260 and drive 30 miles to Rim Road (Forest Road 300, which is located across from the Rim Visitor Center). Follow FR 300 for 23 miles to Forest Road 137. Turn right on FR 137 and drive 4 miles to the trailhead, which is located across the road from Buck Springs Cabin. FR300 is maintained dirt--usually ok for passenger cars but with a few dodgy spots.

INFO: Coconino National Forest, Mogollon Rim Ranger District, (928) 477-2255,

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/mog_rim/barbershop-tr.shtml

Typical view along Forest Road 300 "Rim Road"

SEDONA FALL COLOR UPDATE 2011: WEST FORK OF OAK CREEK

Just got back from Sedona where fall color is really starting to show.  The next two weeks should be primo.  These photos were taken yesterday. 

One of more than a dozen creek crossings

WEST FORK OF OAK CREEK

Sedona

Combining all of what makes Arizona's Red Rock Country great, this trail through a wilderness of rock, water and wetland vegetation really draws the crowds.  Soaring walls of buff-and-salmon-colored sandstone squeeze the trail into a sliver-like break in the landscape where the chilly waters of Oak Creek cascading over slick rock have sculpted stony bends and bizarre overhangs in the soft stone.  Perennial water feeds a rich strip of trees, shrubs and grasses forming a stunning contrast with the surrounding high desert where cypress, yuccas and cactuses put down tenacious roots in the arid, sandy soils.

Because of its extraordinary beauty,

everybody knows about this place. Every. Body.  And not just Arizonans---it's common to hear fellow hikers on this world-famous trail chatting in Japanese, Dutch, Russian, Farsi and countless other languages.  Seriously, people come from everywhere to experience this rare pocket of paradise in the high desert---especially in fall.  You'll see why about 10 minutes into the hike. 

A canopy of Bigtooth maples drapes the trail

Colorful collection of Maples, gambel oaks, Velvet ash, Boxelder and willows 

Maples bloom in shades of scarlet, amber and gold

LENGTH:  3.3 miles one-way (on trail) OR up to 14 miles (with wading, swimming & climbing)

ELEVATION:  5,280’ – 5,520’

RATING:  easy (on trail), moderate –difficult beyond trail’s end

KID FRIENDLY:  yes

DOGS: must be on leash

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to exit 298 (Oak Creek-Sedona) for SR 179.  Go left (west) on SR179 and continue to the “Y” intersection with SR89A in Sedona.  Veer right (northeast) on 89A and go 10.5 miles to the Call of the Canyon Day Use Area (between mileposts 384 & 385) on the left (west) side of the road.  Roads are 100% paved.

FEE: $9 daily fee per vehicle. $2 per-person-daily-fee for walk-in or bike-in.

HOURS:  9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (summer), 9 a.m. to dusk (winter). The gate usually opens around 8 a.m.. Use the self-pay kiosk if an attendant is not available. The parking lots fills up quicky on weekends and high seasons---so arrive early.

INFO: Coconino National Forest, Red Rock Ranger District

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/westfork-tr.shtml, (928) 282-4119

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SEDONA FALL COLOR UPDATE 2011

Hi hikers!  Now that fall hiking season is well underway with Flagstaff in full bloom, it's time to start planning your SEDONA fall foliage treks.  As you know, most of Red Rock Country's autumnal glory happens mid-October to mid-November along the banks of Oak Creek and within the area's hidden canyons.

Here's one of my favorite "colorful canyons" hikes---photographed on October 23, 2010. It takes some work to get to the color show on this trail, but, trust me, it's worth the effort! I'll be heading up into Oak Creek Canyon this week---check back in a couple days for an update. 

BEAR SIGN TRAIL #59

Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness, Sedona

Although not apparent from the trailhead, the remote upper reaches of Bear Sign Trail host surprisingly rich woodlands of deciduous trees that transform into a canopy of color in early autumn. To find these hidden thickets, hike on the juniper-and-scrub-lined Dry Creek Trail to the Bear Sign junction, veer left and pick up the trail heading uphill. Much of the path parallels boulder-filled ravines lined with sycamore, willows and cottonwoods eking out a living where water collects among gigantic bounders. Throughout the hike, haphazard webs of Canyon grape vines sprawl in viral abundance forming delicate veils of diffused sunlight. An especially photo-worthy section of the route passes through a concentrated stand of Arizona cypress trees. The spindly trunks and shaggy bark of this tenacious species are marred by claw marks, scat and gnawed stumps-- the “bear signs” for which the trail is named. No worries though, the black bears that roam this area are shy creatures and will usually skulk off unnoticed when roused by approaching hikers. To learn more about hiking in bear country, visit: Southwest Be Bear Aware: http://www.bebearawaresw.org/

LENGTH: 3.5 miles one way

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 4,800 -5,450 feet

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 135 miles

KID FRIENDLY?: sorta. Trail is rocky and you have to hike 2 miles before getting to the best color, some kids might melt down.

GETTING THERE:

From the "Y" intersection of AZ 179 and AZ89A in Sedona go left (toward Cottonwood) and continue 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road. Turn right, go 2 miles to Vultee Arch Road (Forest Road 152), hang a right and continue 4.5 miles to the Dry Creek #52 trailhead located past the Vultee Arch parking loop on the left. A high clearance vehicle is required on FR 152.

FEE: Red Rock Pass--$5 per vehicle is required

INFO: Coconino National Forest, Red Rock District 928-203-2900

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/bear-sign-tr.shtml

GRIFFITH’S SPRING CANYON

After driving past this trailhead numerous times while on my way to bigger hikes in Sedona and Flagstaff, I finally pulled over---and was glad for it! 

GRIFFITH’S SPRING CANYON

Flagstaff

Located 23 miles north of Sedona along scenic highway 89A, Griffith Canyon itself is is only mildly impressive.  However, this "little canyon that could"  makes it mark on the map by collecting and funneling water downhill into two of Sedona's major gorges--Pumphouse Wash and Oak Creek Canyon.   From the trailhead, the route seems kind of ho-hum, but hang in there-- good stuff lies ahead if you know how to explore.  The official trail is wide, flat and easy-to-follow, tracing the edge of the cliffs above the marshy-green canyon.  Where the route bottoms out, several obvious spur footpaths leave the main trail and head into a steep-walled riparian corridor.  Richly lined with wildflowers, Virginia creeper, wild roses and  plenty of poison ivy, the exploratory paths wind through a mucky swale dotted with shallow pools, trickling channels and a tiny wetland ringed with cattails before it dead-ends in about 0.25 mile in a bog near a fenced stand of aspen sprouts.  

LENGTH:  1.2 mile loop (plus 0.5 more with optional canyon explore)

RATING: easy

ELEVATION:  6,919’

FACILITIES: restroom, picnic table

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:  152 miles one way

KID FRIENDLY?  Yes

TRAILHEAD OPEN: April – October.  Trailhead is closed in winter.

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix:  go north on I-17 to exit 337 for US 89A south (located roughly 7 miles south of downtown Flagstaff).  From the end of the off ramp (at the entrance to Fort Tuthill Park), turn left (south) and continue 2.4 miles on 89A to the signed turnoff for Griffith’s Spring.  The short, dirt/gravel road to the parking area is rutted but passable by sedan.

From Flagstaff: go south on I-17 to exit 337 and follow directions above.

INFO: Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-526-0866

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/mormon_lake/griffiths-spring-tr.shtml

FLAGSTAFF FALL COLOR REPORT: OCTOBER 8, 2011

Hiked the Kachina Trail today---see trail index for directions.  Lots of snow and some color in the aspens.  This coming week should be spectacular. See video below for a glimpse of the hike.

Snowy boulders and golden aspens

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FLAGSTAFF FALL COLOR 2011: Peaks are Peaking

Just called the Forest Service Fall Color Hotline.  They report COLOR IS PEAKING in the Coconino National Forest mountains---that means Flagstaff, folks.



FALL FOLIAGE HOTLINE: 1-800-354-4595

(hotline updated once a week on Fridays)

FLAGSTAFF FALL COLOR 2011: LAMAR HAINES MEMORIAL WILDLIFE AREA

These photos were taken October 14, 2010.  I'll be heading up to Flagstaff tomorrow to see how the color is progressing this year.  Stay tuned. 

The "spring house" near Veit Spring

LAMAR HAINES MEMORIAL WILDLIFE AREA

“Two springs run here”. Although it’s impossible to know for sure, that’s the popular interpretation of the cryptic pictographs painted on the cliffs above the source of Veit and Canadian Springs on the southwest slope of Flagstaff’s Agassiz Peak. The ancient artwork is just one of many interesting sights along this woodsy trail, which is why it buries the needle on the kid-pleasing scale. Allow plenty of time to explore the ruins of homesteader Ludwig Veit’s 1890s cabin, an historical marker commemorating the work of conservationist Lamar Haines and a concrete well and pond for collecting spring water along this aspen rich, 160-acres of wet meadows and old growth forest.

LENGTH: 1.6-mile loop

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 8,600’ – 8,800’

KID FRIENDLY: yes!!

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 158 miles one way

GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, go 7.5 miles north on US180 to milepost 223, turn right onto Snowbowl Road and drive 4.5 miles to the Lamar Haines Memorial Wildlife Area trailhead on the right. Parking is very limited.

SITE ADMINISTERED BY: Arizona Game & Fish Department

http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/wildlife_area_lamar_haines.shtml

pictographs above the springs

FOREST SERVICE FALL COLOR HOTLINE: 800-354-4595

Updated weekly from mid-September through mid-
November.

FLAGSTAFF FALL COLOR PRIMER:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml

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PRESCOTT FALL COLOR 2011: NORTH MINGUS MOUNTAIN

View from the top of Mingus Mountain, Oct. 10, 2009.

Surprise!  Flagstaff got snow this week.  Six inches on the peaks and a dusting at the lower elevations.  Although warmer temperatures today and through the weekend are likely to melt the white stuff; for those who prefer hiking without encountering snow, try the Prescott area.  Here's one very scenic fall color hike with excellent views of the Verde Valley, Jerome and Sedona:

Oaks and maples converge on the trail 

Near the top, the trail hugs rock escarpments and crosses a volcanic rock fall

NORTH MINGUS MOUNTAIN,Prescott National Forest An eclectic mix of scenery and forests are the highlights of the North Mingus Trail No.105. Although there are two trailheads for this route, most hikers choose to start at the top of Mingus Mountain and hike downhill. That’s because the route is easier to follow when hiked in this direction. Right from the start, this popular trail will “wow” you with magnificent views from atop a pine-shaded hang glider launch pad. Here, the rugged Verde Valley rolls out 1,600 feet below. The hike begins with a pleasant stroll across the mountain summit under a canopy of warm gold Gambel oaks huddling beneath enormous confirs. After this short “warm up” section, the trail dips downhill along the north face through colorful corridors of Bigtooth maples, boxelders and velvet ash. Soon, the path enters an enchanting passage where a mass of volcanic boulders cascade down a slender slot canyon where vertical stony walls and a stand of aspens thrive in the cooler microclimate. Past the aspen grove, the trail enters a more arid clime with intermittent sections of grasslands, fields of agave and ridgelines studded with whispy mountain mahogany. An abandoned mine marks the point where the trail merges with an old Jeep road that leads downhill to Mescal Spring, the turnaround point for the hike. This trail also can be hiked one-way using a car shuttle at each trailhead. LENGTH: 8.5 miles roundtrip RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 6,000 – 7,800 feet GETTING THERE: Mingus Mountain trailhead: From Jerome, go 7 miles southwest on Highway 89A to Mingus Mountain Road (Forest Road 104). Turn left and continue on FR 104 for 2.4 miles to where it ends at a “T” intersection in the campground. Turn left here and go uphill to the trailhead near the hang glider launch pad. This option starts at the summit and goes downhill-- you'll climb up on the way out. Mescal Spring trailhead: From Jerome, go 4 miles southwest on Highway 89A. Just before sign for Prescott National Forest, between mileposts 339 and 338, turn left onto an unmarked dirt road (Forest Road 338). FR 338 is a very rough 4x4 road so those without appropriate vehicles should park in the turnouts along the highway.  Continue down FR 338 for a half-mile to the cement tank that marks Mescal Spring. From here, veer right (southwest) and go uphill. Bear left at all unmarked junctions until you reach the signed turn off for trail No. 105 on the right. This route adds one mile to the hike description above. This option starts at the bottom of the mountain. INFORMATION: Verde Valley Ranger District, Prescott National Forest, 928-567-4121, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreation/trails/verde/nomingus105.shtml

FLAGSTAFF FALL FOLIAGE 2011: ASPEN NATURE LOOP

Nice crisp weather in Flagstaff over the past few days will coax out the color below the peaks making this  a perfect week for leaf-peeping! Got kids in tow?  Try this short, easy fall foliage trek:

ASPEN NATURE LOOP

Flagstaff

A dusting of snow covers the San Francisco Peaks

For those who want to experience Arizona’s fall foliage on foot but don’t have much time or hiking experience; this scenic loop trail at the base of Flagstaff’s Snowbowl ski area is just the ticket. Although short in length, this trail packs its dance card with views of the San Francisco Peaks and Kendrick Mountain, yawning vistas reaching all the way to Williams, lush meadows and, of course, brilliant aspen “conga lines” adorned in wispy honey-colored crowns.

The view on October 14, 2010

LENGTH: 1.8-mile loop

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 9,270’ – 9,540’

KID FRIENDLY?: yes!

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 160 miles one way

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, go 7.5 miles north on US180 to milepost 223, turn right onto Snowbowl Road and continue 6.2 miles to the Humphreys trailhead on the left. Hike begins on the northwest side of the parking lot. Roads are paved up to the parking lot.

White bark glens on the Aspen Loop Trail

INFO: Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest: 928-526-0866

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEHcDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEAHcGOlk!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110304&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&recid=55064&ttype=recarea&pname=Aspen%20Loop%20Trail%20#73%20-%20Home

FOREST SERVICE FALL COLOR HOTLINE: 800-354-4595

Updated weekly from mid-September through mid-
November.

FLAGSTAFF FALL COLOR PRIMER:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml

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REI PRESENTATION OCTOBER 4th, 2011

Ever wonder what motivates the geek behind this blog?  Want some insider tips on where the best FALL COLOR hikes will be this year?  Then sign up to hear me gab about my hiking-blogging passion at the Paradise Valley REI this Tuesday, October 4th!  P.S. FREE GIFTS!!!

SIGN UP HERE:

http://www.rei.com/event/29038/session/35901

FLAGSTAFF FALL COLOR 2011: ABINEAU-BEAR JAW LOOP

ABINEAU-BEAR JAW LOOP

This high-altitude trail is blooming with  fall color this week!

A lone limber pine stands among golden aspens

Along the Waterline Road

Known for its carousel of changing views and ecosystems, the Abineau-Bear Jaw loop is among the most popular hikes in the Flagstaff area. The trail’s multiple personalities can be experienced several ways, although most hikers prefer to tackle the tougher part first by beginning on the Abineau trail. From the signed trailhead, the path heads 2.3 miles up Abineau Canyon climbing steeply on rugged terrain through dense woodlands, passing the scar of a February 2005 avalanche that scoured a large portion of the upper trail. At the two-mile point (10,400 feet), the trail meets the talus slopes below Humphreys Peak and the junction with Abineau Canyon Road (FR 126, which appears on some older maps as Waterline or Pipeline Road). From here, a barren, volcanic landscape spills north melting into a pastel horizon. To connect with the Bear Jaw trail, follow the dirt road 2 miles to the (easy-to-miss) trail sign on the left. Along this segment, the pine-spruce-fir woodlands give way to alpine meadows and enchanting colonies of white-barked aspens. The trail is a bit treacherous in spots, so, proceed with care and enjoy the fact that the final 2.5 miles are all down hill back to the trailhead.

View from the highpoint--looking north over the San Francisco Volcanic Field

LENGTH: 6.8-mile loop

RATING:  difficult

ELEVATION: 8,500’ – 10,400’

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX:  170 miles one way

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, go 19.5 miles north on US 180 to milepost 235.2, turn right onto Hart Prairie Road (north access of FR 151), go 1.6 miles to FR 418, turn left and continue to the signed turn off for Bear Jaw (FR9123J) on the right near the 3-mile marker and follow the signs 0.6 mile to the trailhead. FR 151, 418 and 9123J are maintained dirt, suitable for sedan, but high clearance is recommended.

INFO: Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/abineau-bear-jaw-tr.shtml

Fall Color Info:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/fall-colors/fall_colors.shtml

Fall Color Hotline:

The final climb section--Humphreys Peak on the horizon

1-800-354-4595



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