A Picturesque High Altitude Stroll Along Northern Arizona’s Kachina Trail
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Since moving to Flagstaff, Mike and I have been checking out the hiking scene nearly every weekend. This city’s main draw is the amazing recreation options. If you love hiking, it’s a perfect vacation destination. Even if you are just stopping by for a few nights on the way to the Canyon, I recommend a hike or 2. The Kachina Trail is one of 3 hiking options at Arizona Snowbowl, a year-round outdoor destination for various sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, running, and mountain biking. This is our favorite hiking area and you can find here almost any weekend we aren’t driving to Sedona or taking a roadtrip.
While the most popular summer activity at is taking a scenic chairlift ride, a more budget friendly & peaceful alternative is enjoying one of the gorgeous nature trails. While everyone else is waiting in line for the ski lift ride, you can enjoy a quiet trail all to yourself and save yourself 20+ bucks in the process. Although it is located at high altitude and quite long, it’s a much easier journey than the hard climb up Humphrey’s Peak (the state’s tallest mountain).
The longest Snowbowl trail
This trail is quite long at 10 miles, however, you can complete just a short section if you feel like enjoying a nature stroll, versus a strenuous workout. I find the most scenic portion is the first 1.5 miles. I recommend a 1.5 mile out-and-back hike as this is where all the gorgeous aspen groves are located. Come fall, this portion of the trail shimmers with golden aspens, creating the perfect rare-for-Arizona fall ambiance. It’s one of the best leaf peeping trails in the region. I would definitely add it to my list of fall color hikes to add to your bucket list.
Beautiful high desert flora & fauna
This moderate hike takes you through an interesting mix of plant life which includes both aspens and pines. The contrast between the species is especially dramatic during the fall season. During the summer, you may see all different colorful wildflowers. This city is a hotspot for wildflowers especially in August when the summer monsoon season begins to end. Bonito Meadow (a great stop on the Sunset-Wupatki scenic drive) is another one of my top picks.
I love the mountain and meadow scenery which pop up along the route. I never get bored with being out in beautiful nature as I didn’t see much growing up in Chicago. Many forms of wildlife call this forest home too. I’ve overheard some people talking about bears being sighted in year’s past. To date, I’ve never seen a bear track on this trail nor any other in the area. I hike a lot, so this is both disappointing and a relief (honestly I don’t know what I would do if I did see a bear!).
A few pics of the diverse plant life along the route. As you can see, the trail is super lush during the summer season with tall pines and aspens, along with open meadows and ferns.
A hidden gem worth exploring
Due to the high elevation (9000+ ft) and slightly steep incline on the return route, this hike can be a bit challenging, especially for those who do not hike often or are not acclimatized to the higher elevation. It is definitely more challenging than the nearby Aspen Nature loop which I also hike all the time.
It also happens to be quieter. The Coconino website mentions that it is a popular trail but I’ve noticed the opposite. Maybe I just lucked out and only hiked on quieter days. The length also helps disperse the traffic a bit as everyone hikes on to different points. Regardless of foot traffic, Kachina is one of the area’s hidden gems: an underappreciated, under used trail which never gets overcrowded. It’s the perfect cool summer escape when temps in town are just a little too hot and one of the area’s best fall foliage hikes due to the numerous aspens found near the beginning of the trail.
While not the easiest, nor most challenging or popular trail, I would say it earns its’ place amongst the most relaxing and picturesque options. For the hiker seeking a secluded stroll through one of the region’s most beautiful areas, you will find few better options.
Tips for a great hike
Remember that the trail is much hillier on the return route. Do not let the easier downhill starting mileage fool you. Remember you must go back the number of miles you set out, so choose your mileage accordingly! The same goes for any other hike.
Check the weather forecast during summer monsoon season. During this time of the year, the weather can change suddenly. Try to pick a clear day free of any clouds. Many hikers get struck by lightning each year in this region of the state. Of course, it’s best to plan any hike during the spring or fall season. Temps will be perfect plus the possibility of rain decreases dramatically.
If completing the entire trail, be sure to prepare with plenty of water (a camelback is a great option), a hiking stick, and snacks to replace lost electrolytes. Set out early in the morning to give yourself plenty of time. Here are a few local breakfast places I recommend supporting before your hike.
Address & Parking
Many hikers park a car at Freidlein Prairie Road (FR 522) so they can complete the trail one way. This is a great option as you do not have to go all out hiking 10 miles, yet are still able to see the numerous scenery changes along the trail. Personally, I just go a few miles in and turn around.
Address: The trailhead is located in the ski resort area at: 9300 N Snow Bowl Rd. It’s located within the Coconino National Forest. There is no fee for parking. Leashed dogs allowed.
- Distance: 10 miles total
- Total time: varies based on how long you venture out.
- Difficulty: Moderate due to altitude, distance, and inclines
- Elevation gain: Starts at 9340 feet with an 1188 feet elevation gain according to the forest service website.
