KEY INFO
LOCATION Winter Road to Utah border
DISTANCE 10.8 miles one-way
DAY-TRIP OPTION See turnaround note in the trail description.
SHUTTLE RECOMMENDATION BLM 14 (passage mile 6.7)
DIFFICULTY Easy
LAND MANAGER Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Strip Field Office, blm.gov/az/st/en/fo/arizona_strip_field.html, 602-417-9200
RECOMMENDED MONTHS March–November
GATEWAY COMMUNITIES See Page and Fredonia, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah.
GEOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS Not applicable
The Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) ends in the north much like it began in the south: in the middle of nowhere. This is entirely appropriate, of course, because getting to the middle of nowhere defines the AZT experience. This spectacularly beautiful final passage along the eastern flank of Buckskin Mountain marks a return to the high-desert ecosystem of small cacti, colorful shrubs, and hardy piñon and juniper trees. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of Utah to the north and the brightly colored Vermilion Cliffs to the east. The trail along most of this passage is clear and easy to follow.
From Winter Road at 6,531 feet, at a large steel AZT trailhead sign, follow a clear singletrack northwest through a pleasant juniper–piñon forest, rolling in and out of washes and crossing the occasional dusty road. Then begin a gradual descent to a shallow valley. The trail is sometimes obscure here, but cairns occasionally mark the way. The trail becomes clearer after crossing a faint road. After crossing a primitive road (BLM 14), the trail bends right to trend east-northeast.
TURNAROUND NOTE: Because this is among the shortest of the AZT’s 43 passages, many people attempt it in a single push, especially if they’re able to arrange a car shuttle. But day-hikers who want to get a taste of this passage or who prefer to cover the out-and-back distance with a shorter mileage commitment could ideally turn around at passage mile 6.7, where the trail meets the faint BLM Road 14.
Continuing along an eastern path the AZT begins its long descent toward Utah by joining the drainage of North Larkum Canyon. The trail dances in and out of this canyon until it exits on the left (north) and climbs gradually to the adjoining ridge. Straight ahead, you can see the dramatic Vermilion Cliffs.
At 8.5 miles from your starting point, the trail descends via switchbacks to the northeast and Coyote Valley comes into view. You reach the bottom of the switch-backs after 1.5 miles. Continue northeast across the sagebrush-covered valley to a low, rocky ridge. The trail descends the other side of this ridge to a parking lot marked by ramadas, picnic tables, restrooms (without water), and an informational kiosk at the trailhead at 4,992 feet. This staging area marks the end of the AZT, but perhaps the beginning of many wanderings into the wildlands of southern Utah, including Coyote Buttes and Paria Canyon.
The excellent mountain biking of the Kaibab Plateau continues here, with mostly intermediate riding and the occasional technical section. A northbound ride is decidedly easier than heading south because of the elevation loss. For more information about mountain biking along the Arizona National Scenic Trail, visit aztrail.org.
Although the AZT ends at the border of Utah, unlimited adventures await within the canyon country to the north.
From US 89A, at House Rock Road, 13.7 miles east of Jacob Lake, turn north on House Rock Road for 15.6 miles to Winter Road (BLM Road 1025). Turn left (west) on Winter Road for 3.7 miles to the AZT, where a large metal AZT sign marks the trailhead.
It may help to set your odometer to zero in Page, Arizona. From Page, head west on AZ 98 for 2.5 miles to US 89, and turn right (north). At mile 6.4, you pass Wahweap Marina, which offers camping. Cross the state line at mile 13. At mile 38 from Page, just after mile marker 25, you pass through a roadcut, and the highway begins a big, sweeping curve to the right. At the end of the guardrail on the left, turn left (south) onto a dirt road. This is 0.2 mile south of mile marker 26 (from Kanab, this turnoff is about 36 miles “south” according to signs—actually geographically east—on US 89).
Follow the dirt road for 10 miles, and then turn right (west) onto a well-graded dirt road. Continue 0.2 mile to a parking area, restrooms, and several campsites. The trailhead is on the left as you drive in. Park in designated spots only.