WEATHERFORD TRAIL
Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff [Link]
Although it’s a long and difficult trek, breathtaking scenery and ever-changing ecosystems make the physical pain of taking on this quintessential mountain trail worthwhile. In less than nine miles, hikers are treated to a stunning journey that begins in grassy glens and ends abruptly on barren tundra beneath Arizona’s highest peaks. From dewy thistles in green alpine meadows to hardy bristlecone pines clinging to bare volcanic scree, this tough route showcases the complexity of nature on San Francisco Mountain.
HIGHLIGHTS: high-altitude forests, alpine meadows and Arizona’s only tundra environment
LENGTH: 12 miles round trip (to Doyle saddle); 16.5 miles round trip (to Fremont saddle); 17.5 miles round trip (to Humphreys Peak)
ELEVATION: 8,800-10,700 feet (11,350 feet to Humphreys junction; 12,633 feet to summit)
RATING: difficult
DOG RATING: *
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 155 miles one way (2.5 hours)
GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, go north on US 180 to Schultz Pass Road (Forest Road 420). Turn left and continue 6 miles to the Schultz Tank trailhead.
INFO: Peaks Ranger District, 928-526-0866
www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/weatherford-tr.shtml