Length: 9.2 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderate

Wilderness Area: Kendrick Mountain Wilderness

Journal: "Kendrick Mountain", "Volcanic Gas Vol. II", and "Conquering Kendrick"

From Flagstaff, go northwest on US 180 to mile marker 230. Turn west on FR 245 and follow it to its end at FR 171 (3.6 miles). Turn right and go north on FR 171 for 3.1 miles to FR 190. Turn right and go east .9 miles to the trailhead. Trailhead is accessible by car, except in wet weather. This trailhead is well marked and has directional maps and a pit toilet.

Trail Description:

From the trailhead, (approx. 8,000 feet) the trail follows an old road as it climbs steeply to the south. After .25 miles, the trail becomes less steep and continues to climb to the wilderness boundary. From the boundary, the trail follows the contour of the mountain as it turns to the east. After a mile the road begins to switchback up the southwest face of the mountain. The switchbacks are gentle and open in several areas giving outstanding views of Government Prairie and the San Francisco Peaks.

Approximately 2 miles in, the road ends at a saddle and a directional sign points you to a foot trail that will take you to the lookout tower. The foot path follows a ridge line and the begins a long series of switchbacks along the south side of the mountain. The views are worth the climb.

At 4 miles (and about 10,000 feet), the trail reaches a saddle and the old Forest Service Lookout Cabin. The cabin was built in 1912-13 and has several bunk beds and a foot locker full of emergency supplies. It would be welcome shelter if you were ever caught on the mountain in a storm.

The Bull Basin Trail ends behind the cabin. It climbs from the north side of Kendrick Mountain. From the cabin, the lookout tower is .5 mile south. The trail is a series of short switchbacks that gives very good views.

Just before the tower, there is a junction with the Pumpkin Trail. From the tower, you can see the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, as well as Red Mountain, Mount Humphreys and Sycamore Canyon.

Return the way you came.