Plan with
Confidence
Path Type
Point to Point
Kachina Trail is one of Flagstaffs most popular, especially in fall. Hikers flock to the colors the aspens display in this area. Skirting the south face of the San Francisco Peaks, the trail runs almost entirely within Kachina Peaks Wilderness.
This trail starts at Arizona Snow Bowl near the Humphreys Peak Trail. It leads about 6 miles to a junction with Weatherford Trail #102 near Shultz Pass. The trail follows along the bottom western flanks of the wilderness. There are some beautiful Aspen groves along this route and limited campsites and water.
The undulating nature of this trail takes you through high forest and open meadows allowing for stunning views over Flagstaff. The trail crosses several canyons and even a high lava cliff. A dramatic, cave-like scour in the lava marks where a bed of looser volcanic debris eroded away from denser flow layers above.
After you've had your fill of this trail's beauty, you'll end at the Schultz Tank Trailhead.
All Clear
All Clear
There is a lot of nice scenery on the Kachina trail, such as a dense ponderosa, pine, juniper forest, grass meadows, fern meadows and many Aspen trees once you go several miles in. At 4.8 miles into the trail, you will hit a burned section of the forest from the 2022 Pipeline fire. The trail is still easy to follow and will continue about 922 yards further until you get to the intersection with the signs that tell you where the Weatherford Trail is. From those signs, if you go north for 506 yards, you can take the Weatherford trail south. From this point, it is 1.7 miles to the Shultz tank lake. There are many miles of connecting trails around this area, mostly used by mountain bikers because the forest roads are closed to mechanized vehicles, but it is good for all day hiking treks as well. If you hike after the sun sets, make sure you have a strong reliable flashlight. These woods are very dark, and some would say spooky. You will likely see lots of deer going back on the Kachina trail at night.
All Clear
All Clear
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