Hike #43: Kendricks Mountain Trail, Kendricks Mountain Wilderness, Kaibab National Forest

Length: 9 miles

Climbing to a height of almost 10,500 feet, the Kendrick Mountain towers over its remote flat surroundings just west of Flagstaff. Although the mountain is somewhat off the beaten path, the dirt roads leading to the trailhead are extremely well-maintained and make for easy access. (Be watchful, however, of the numerous cows if coming from the north on FR 144.)

Although there are three different trails leading to the mountain's peak, the Kendricks Mountain Trail is the most direct and easiest to follow path. Beginning at the trailhead, the trail follows what once was apparently a forest road; however, nearly all traces of a "road" have completely disappeared. Unfortunately, since this was once a road, it follows a gradual incline with practically no level segments.

After climbing along this road for a couple miles, the trail switches to a series of much more dramatic switchbacks, which continue steeply up the mountain. Fortunately, this segment of the trail does provide a great wealth of wildflowers (wild roses, columbine, Indian paintbrush, etc.) to enjoy along the way.

Eventually, after having climbed just over 4-miles, the trail opens to an open meadow which houses a historic forestry cabin built in 1912. From here, the trail continues for another ¼-miles to the current fire tower atop the actual peak. Atop the tower, one can see spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks, Bill Williams Mountain, and the Grand Canyon. (Unfortunately, massive storm clouds blocked our views of many of the surrounding landmarks.)

After a quick break at the top, the trip downhill is a quick, easy re-tracing of the previous trail.

To view more photos of the Kendricks Mountain Trail, click here.

Hike #41: Bill Williams Mountain Trail, Kaibab National Forest

Length: 6 miles

Although most people think of Williams as little more than a pit-stop on the way to the Grand Canyon, the beautiful Bill Williams Mountain Trail, just west of town, is well worth the time and effort (and trust me, the 2200 ft incline will take some effort.)

Built in 1902, the trail was originally used as a toll-road for horse riders passing through the area. Today, the trail leads to a collection of cell towers and a fire tower atop the mountain. From the extremely nice trailhead, the trail begins with a pleasant walk along the base of the mountain; however, don't be fooled - the trail quickly begins its ascent and continues climbing towards the mountain's peak! For the first mile, the trail passes through some fairly thin forest, which does little to cool and block the sun. However, within the second mile, the trail levels for awhile, and eventually leads to a much denser forest.

As you continue to the higher elevations, the forest continues to grow thicker and more lush - at points it almost feels as though the trail is going to be swallowed by the surrounding plant life! The final mile of the hike is an exhausting series of switchbacks, which can be quite challenging at times. Fortunately, this segment of the trail provides an abundance of wildflowers; in fact, I believe I saw more varieties of wildflowers along this mile, and along any other hike I've ever taken!

Finally, the trail joins a rather nice forest road which leads the final ¼ mile to the mountain's peak. At the top is a rather smelly pit latrine, a collection of utility buildings, and a lone fire tower. Visitors are welcome to climb the tower's rickety steps for an amazing panoramic view of the surrounding area. If you're lucky, a fire watcher will be manning the tower and can point out the surrounding landmarks (the San Francisco Peaks, the Grand Canyon, and Mingus Mountain.) After a rest at the top, the descent back the the trailhead is a quick and easy re-tracing of your original path.

To view more photos of the Bill Williams Mountain Trail, click here.