Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff [Link]
Closed to motorized vehicles except for those used by forest service workers to maintain springs on the northeast slope of San Francisco Peaks, this wide road makes for a pleasant stroll with exceptional views of northern Arizona’s cinder cone fields.
The gradual ascent is a cinch to follow and can be hiked in segments using maps available on the Forest Service website. Although ambitious trekkers can opt to sprint the entire length in a day, a popular alternative is to make an out-and-back hike to a 25-foot-long tunnel blasted out of a rampart of volcanic rock.
HIGHLIGHTS: easy route, unique lava tunnel
LENGTH: 14 miles one way or 4 miles round trip to the tunnel
ELEVATION: 8,000-10,400 feet; 9,400 feet to the tunnel
RATING: easy
DOG RATING: **
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 155 miles one way (2.5 hours)
GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, go north on US 180 to milepost 218.6 and turn right onto Schultz Pass Road (Forest Road 420). Continue 6.5 miles to Forest Road 146, turn left and go .7 miles to a locked gate. Park in the pullouts along the road. Roads are maintained dirt/gravel and are passable by sedan, but high clearance is recommended.
INFO: Peaks Ranger District, 928-526-0866,
www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/little-bear-tr.shtml
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