Arizona Trail Passage 28: Happy Jack

AZT Passage 28: Happy Jack is a 29.4-mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This moderately rated section runs from Highway 87 to the Gooseberry Springs Trailhead and is located south of Flagstaff, AZ. This passage is accessible for hikers, trail runners, long-distance backpackers, equestrians and mountain bikers. Passage 28 continues through Coconino National Forest and traverses across the Mogollon Plateau. This section begins at the Hay Meadow Trailhead and heads north, stretching across forests of ponderosa pine, pinon and juniper trees. The trail is smooth and soft and the miles are fairly flat and easy. The trail drops into Jack's Canyon, passes by stock ponds and springs, and crosses rocky flats where you might catch a glimpse of wildlife such as pronghorn and elk. DIRECTIONSFollow Arizona National Scenic Trail Signs/Trail Markers.Hay Meadow Trailhead (south of Highway 87) to Jack's Canyon. Continue to follow signs for the Arizona National Scenic Trail. The route crosses many forest roads and passes by several tanks. Important Note From The AZTA:The fences and water tanks in this section are maintained for the purpose of cattle. Give the cows and wildlife unfettered access to the tanks by camping at least a quarter-mile from them. The trail goes through eighteen of the iconic AZT steel gates; please be sure to close them all (https://aztrail.org/explore/passages/passage-28-happy-jack/).WATERWater may be found in some stock tanks. The trail also crosses some drainages that may have seasonal water.Check the Arizona Trail Water Report for current information at: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INFORMATIONArizona National Scenic Trail Association: www.aztrail.orgCoconino National Forest, Mogollon Rim Ranger District, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/, 1-(928) 477-2255.BLM Information Center (602) 417-9300.