Happy Jack, Arizona

This hike starts at the Kelsey Spring Trailhead. Park at the end of Forest Service Road 538G. There is parking for about 6-7 cars. Just past the signage for the trail, which is also called Kelsey Winter Trail, there is a trail registration box. Be sure to sign in. The trail descends steeply for t...

Is there any better way to spend a Saturday, then paddling on a glassy, peaceful lake?  You can rent kayaks at the Woods Canyon Lake Marina, or bring your own (if you’re bringing your own kayak, make sure you bring a PFD too, as it’s Arizona law).  One of the best parts of this lake is that w...

This hike is a ~4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail that circles Woods Canyon Lake, on the beautiful Mogollon Rim.  Peaceful and easy, this trail is suitable for all skill levels, and is great for families looking to spend a bit of time in nature.  The trail follows the shoreline closely, and fo...

Waterline Road is a closed service road that follows along the southern and eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff, AZ. You will pass through several miles of charred ponderosa pine as well as expansive groves of aspen trees as you make your way to the Inner Basin.The road follows...

The free camping in the Coconino (as well as the many other national forests) is generally along the old Fire Roads, and old Forest Service Roads. You can tell if a road is one of these by a brown sign with an FS 123 or any other number, FS meaning Forest Service Road. There are many of these roa...

This heavily trafficked, easy trail leads along the edge of the Mogollon Rim, with spectacular views.  There are lots of places for photos, but make sure to be very careful, as it’s more than a 200 ft drop! The first ½ mile of the trail is paved, making it easy for all ages to enjoy.  But again,...

If you think you might only get one chance to hike Humphreys Peak in your life, I recommend this hike so that you can have a unique view experience of the east and west sides of the Peaks. This is a shuttle hike of Humphreys Peak which combines the Humphreys Peak Trail and the Humphreys via Inner...

Get started on the hike from the parking lot. The first quarter mile is paved and very easy to walk. The rest of the trail takes you to the base of the volcano through lava flows and tubes. This is an incredible landscape to take in along your hike.

I started this hike at 7:00am. It was a perfect time of day. The sky was clear and the air was cool. I chose this section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail because I heard it passes through beautiful prairie and stands of Ponderosa Pine and Aspen trees. The trail did not disappoint! I started...

When the golden fall color is at its peak is when this trail (and Locket Meadow camping) is the most popular.  I recommend getting there as early as possible, because parking goes FAST.  And note that the drive up to the trailhead is a bit sketchy as well… Beginning at Lockett Meadow, the start o...

From Flagstaff, take US-180 west towards the Grand Canyon. Take US-180 for 7 miles until you reach Snow Bowl Rd. Turn right/N onto Snow Bowl Rd and take this for 7 miles as it winds its way up the mountain. If it has recently snowed you will need chains for 2 wheel drive vehicles or 4 wheel drive...

This is a great hike that has amazing views at all times of the year. This trail might be closed for skiing season, but I am not sure. I went in October, just before Halloween and the weather was perfect. The leaves were changing and there was a nice brisk breeze. The short loop makes it accessib...

To get to the trailhead, use the turnoff of highway 87 labeled Barnhardt trail (has a marked sign coming from both Payson and Phoenix). Barnhardt road is just over 4 miles and is unpaved. The road can be driven on by lower clearance cars because the terrain is not too rocky. Once at the trailhead...

This trail is slightly more hidden on the northern slope of the San Francisco Peaks, but well worth the drive just outside of Flagstaff. Do it during the last week of September, when summer gives it’s last wave goodbye in a spectacle of electric yellow aspen groves. With the exception of occasion...

If you’re looking for a truly unique hiking experience in Arizona, look no further than the Lava River Cave, 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff. The longest lava tube in Arizona, the cave was formed approximately 700,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption in Hart Prairie. As the lava from the erupt...

To get to the Nordic Village from Flagstaff, just take the 180 North until you see the signs for the Nordic Village (on your right).Once at the Nordic Village, go inside the entrance building to buy your day pass ($10 for a snowshoeing day pass) and rent your gear.  Feel free to bring your own sn...