Slate Mountain Trail
State: Arizona
Location: Coconino National Forest
Length, One-Way: 2.4 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 7360 feet
Maximum Elevation: 8215 feet
Best Season: April to November
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Moderate
Tree Downed by Lightening
Trail Information
Though this trail has a humble beginning at an old roadblock, it quickly reveals itself to be one of the Coconino National Forest’s premier day hikes. Actually an old jeep track, now used solely as a foot trail, this 2.4 mile climb is a gradual but steady ascent along a wide gravel track to some of the best views on the forest. Interpretive signs along the way add a bit of educational interest by naming trailside species of trees and shrubs. Near the top of the climb, the path spirals up the mountain’s narrow summit like a stripe up a barber pole. The effect is as if you were riding past some of the Forest’s most spectacular scenery on a huge lazy Susan. The San Francisco Peaks, Kendrick Mountain, Red Mountain, the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, you can see them all, just by turning your head, from the top of Slate Mountain.
Directions
From Flagstaff:
Drive 35 miles north of Flagstaff on US Highway 180 to Forest Road 191. Turn west 2 miles to the trailhead on the right side of the road. US Highway 180 is paved. Forest Road 191 is graveled and suitable for passenger cars in most weather.
