Hike #48: Humphrey's Peak Trail, Kachina Wilderness, Coconino National Forest

Length: 8 miles (10 to the summit)

Towering above the city of Flagstaff, Humphrey's Peak is the highest point in Arizona and an extremely popular destination for local hikers.

The Humphrey's Peak Trail begins at the the Snowbowl Ski Resort and immediately passes into some of the thickest forest in Arizona. Although the trail isn't extremely difficult, the high altitude (the trail begins at 9,300 ft. and climbs to 12,000+) can make it seem much, much harder!

Sadly, due to the thickness of the forest, the remaining trail offers little to view besides tree trunks. The only welcome change is the occasional views of scampering squirrels.

However, after a great deal of climbing, one climbs above the treeline and views of the surrounding mountains suddenly come to light. Unfortunately, Humphrey's Peak sees an afternoon thunderstorm almost every afternoon during the summer months - and today was no exception. By the time we approached the saddle (1 mile from the actual peak), there was violent lightning on both sides, which prevented anyone from reaching the actual summit.

To view more photos of the Humphrey's Peak Trail, click here.

Hike #42: Fossil Springs Trail, Fossil Springs Wilderness

Length: 8 miles

Located just north of Payson near the small town of Strawberry, the Fossil Springs Trail is commonly listed among Arizona’s best summer hikes. However, with higher July temperatures (85+) and little shade along the way, the Fossil Springs Trail can be a brutal experience better saved for late spring or fall…

The trail begins with a study descent, which grows more and more steep as the trail progresses. Although the distant views of the Mogollon Rim are somewhat impressive, the immediate trail surroundings leave a lot to be desired. The first three miles of this trail offers little more than scrawny trees and cactus. The one interesting aspect was the numerous plants in bloom; excellent examples of both agave and prickly-pears were standing in full bloom!

However, after the first three-miles, the trail reaches the basin's floor, and the true beauty begins. Following along the dry stream bed, the trail continues west for about a ½-mile before one actually encounters the spring water. Beginning with a series of shallow pools, the water-level gradually grows the further one continues along. (When the "river" first begins, the trail crosses the stream and continues along the right bank. While you can continue scrambling along the stream bed, the official trail leads away from the water and continues for the final ½-mile.)

Eventually, the trail will lead to a magnificent waterfall, which marks the end of the trail. Climbing down the rather steep riverbanks, allows one an excellent resting place beside an interesting grotto just downstream from the falls. Although views of the waterfall are blocked from the grotto, one can scramble along the north bank for an amazing view at the foot of the falls.

After a well-earned break/swim, you must now retrace your steps for the difficult climb back to the trailhead. While the original descent made the trail seem extremely easy, the return can prove quite difficult due to the trail's steepness; general fatigue from the trip down; and the afternoon heat, which can be quite oppressive.

To view more photos of the Fossil Springs Trail, click here.

Hike #40: Inner Basin Trail, Coconino National Forest

Length: 4 miles

With the return of warmer summer temperatures in the Valley, I decided that it was time to return to the north country for some much needed relief from the heat (and judging by the number of cars on the road, I wasn't the only one with this idea!)

The Inner Basin Trail, which is 12 miles north of Flagstaff, begins at the campgrounds around the beautiful Lockett Meadow. From here the trail begins a study, but uneventful, climb through a rather thick aspen forest. Although the trees are beautiful and often accompanied by scatterings of colorful wildflowers, the denseness of the forest denies views of the surrounding landscape.

After 1.5 miles, the trail approaches a small cabin owned by the Forestry Department; the trail then turns sharply and begins a much more dramatic ascent. Almost immediately, you'll encounter the first of several pump station still used to provide water to the town of Flagstaff; after passing this, the forest finally begins to open up so that the first glimpses of the majestic San Francisco Peaks become visible.

As the four tallest mountains in Arizona appear around you, the trail flattens and opens to a wide meadow, the Inner Basin. The ancient remains of massive volcano, the Inner Basin is now a peaceful, wind-swept meadow. Although I chose to turn around at the western edge of the Basin, the trail does apparently continue for another mile to the Doyle Springs at the base of the mountains. From the Basin, it's an easy downhill trip back along the original path to Lockett Meadow.

To view more photos of the Inner Basin Trail, click here.

Hike #35: Soldier Pass Trail, Red Rock Wilderness, Coconino National Forest

Length: 4.5 miles

Popular with the local Jeep tours, the Soldier Pass Trail is a highly interesting trek with several delightful sights directly along the trail!

The trail begins to the right of the official Jeep path, working it's way through a quarter-mile of sparse forest. The trail then crosses the Jeep path at the first of the three sites along this trail. To the right of the trail is Devil's Kitchen, a 100-foot deep sinkhole (see picture below).

After Devil's Kitchen, the trail wraps its way between the Red Rock buttes for another mile until it arrives at the second site of interest - the Seven Sacred Pools. These deep puddles have slowly been carved from the soft slickrock and are generally filled with water. I've seen several beautiful pictures of these pools, with the sky and red cliffs reflected in their surfaces; unfortunately, during my visit, the pools where merely filled with a disgusting green water that was spawning numerous forms of life.

Continuing along, the trail again crosses the Jeep path and then descends into a dry creekbed. The trail then leaves the Jeep path and begins a rather steep climb into the surrounding cliffs. Eventually, the trail ends at Solder Pass Arch, a small natural arch with just inches between the arch and the adjacent cliff. In fact, the arch is much more cave-like than most of the arches one associates with arches of the Southwest! However, the arch does provide a welcome resting place that is both shaded and cool. After a well-deserved break, return along the same path or merely follow the established Jeep path back to the trailhead.

To view more photos of the Soldier Pass Trail, click here.

Hike #34: Boynton Canyon Trail, Red Rock Wilderness, Coconino National Forest

Length: 5 miles

Boynton Canyon Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Sedona area. The red rock surroundings and lush forest setting are considered by many to be the best Sedona has to offer. Adding to the popularity is the New Age belief that along this trail is a spiritual vortex believed to be a concentration of electromagnetic energy.

The first half of this trail passes through a box canyon with red rock buttes and cliffs towering on both sides. Although the cliffs are extremely picturesque, the view is slightly marred by the presence of a large resort adjacent to the trail.

After about one-mile, the trail descends deeper into the canyon, and a forest of pines, oaks, and sycamores obscure the red cliffs from view. The rest of the trail passes through a cool, shaded forest with numerous wildflowers and wildlife. Once you begin to think the trail is never going to end, the path begins a steep quarter-mile incline that ends at a wooden sign announcing the official end of the trail. Although the view from the end is somewhat impressive, one has to question whether it was really worth all that climbing!

Fortunately, the steep climb in makes for a quick descent back to the forest below. Now, it's merely a level return past the resort and back to the trailhead.

To view more photos of the Boynton Canyon Trail, click here.

Hike #33: Devil's Bridge Trail, Red Rock Wilderness, Coconino National Forest

Length: 2 miles

Although this short trail is just miles outside Sedona, due to the extremely rough condition of the dirt road leading to the trailhead, Devil's Bridge is relatively secluded by Sedona standards.

The trail wraps its way among some of the best Red Cliffs Sedona has to offer! Although this trail does provide magnificent views, the true highlight is the Devil's Bridge arch at the finale.

Standing at over 50 feet high, Devil's Bridge is the largest natural arch in the Sedona area. With a series of natural stone steps leading to the top, Devil's Bridge Arch is easily enjoyed from both above and below.

After a well-deserved break at the arch, merely retrace your steps and return to the trailhead along the same path.

To view more photos of the Devil's Bridge Trail, click here.

Hike #11: Historic Bell Trail, Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness, Coconino National Forest

Length: 7 miles

The Bell Trail, which weaves through the cliffs surrounding the Wet Beaver Creek, is just a few miles north of the West Clear Creek Trail. While the West Clear Creeks Trail runs directly along the creek with the cliffs towering overhead, the Bell Trail sit high atop the cliffs with the creek running far below.

The trail itself can nicely be divided into three sections. The first section runs through open mountains, blanketed in massive amounts of prickly pear cacti. Perhaps the highlight of this first portion is a large igneous boulder covered in ancient petroglyphs. The middle section of the trail slowly climbs through some of the most beautiful red cliffs I've yet to see in Arizona. The trail's narrow ledge allows for spectacular beauty from both above and below...just be careful not to fall off while you're staring with awe at the cliffs overhead! Finally, the trails descends to the lower cliffs immediately next to the creek. From here, you can either jump in for a relaxing swim in the deep cool water or merely enjoy the amazing view. Overall, these diverse elements combine
for an exciting and surprising hiking experience!

For anyone actually considering hiking this trail, I definitely recommend this guide. Mr. Reynolds did an excellent job of describing this trail with extremely helpful instructions that gave the distance between landmarks in time rather than mileage. (It's much easier to gauge how long you've traveled rather than how far!)

To view more of my pictures of the Bell Trail, click here.

Hike #8: West Clear Creek Trail, Coconino National Forest

Length: 8 miles

After seeing the West Clear Creek Trail included on multiple "best trails" lists, I decided that I had to see what all the hype was about. Fortunately, I can say that the West Clear Creek Trail completely lived up to its reputation!

The trail, which as the name suggests follows the West Clear Creek, provides lush green forests, beautiful red cliffs, and multiple chances for water excursions! (In fact, you'd better bring your water shoes along because the trail crosses the creek 4 different times. And trust me, you'll want to wear your water shoes at each crossing...after walking a mile in soaking wet hiking boots, I can personally attest to this!) I would also recommend wearing/bringing swimming apparel so that you can take the time and actually enjoy a cool dip in the water.

The West Clear Creek is a little busy at its start with swimmers, but the further you get from the trailhead the more secluded it becomes. In fact, when first entering the Wilderness area there are so many trails leading to the creek that it can be hard to stay on the main "West Clear Creek Trail". I personally would recommend skipping the first part of the established trail and enjoying a relaxing hour of exploration along the creek. Just know that you can always find the main trail by working your way left from the creek.

To view my photos of the West Clear Creek Trail, click here.