Bill Williams Mountain Trail

Bill Williams Mountain is an 8.2 out and back trail in the Kaibab National Forest. This trail rewards hikers with a beautiful view of the surrounding landscapes, particularly the San Franciscan Peaks. Hikers should bring all they need as there is only a pit stop at the trailhead. Once hikers are ready to go, they will start the trail and follow the trail to the summit. This trail has aggressive elevation, with hikers climbing 2,350 feet in roughly four miles. And hikers will get a feel for the difficulty of the trail in the first three tenths of a mile when the trail climbs via a series of switchbacks. Hikers will then settle into a milder climb mixed with sections of flat until they hit the first mile marker. The second mile continues to climb, but hikers can move at a decent pace as the climb meanders through the open forest. Roughly a quarter mile before mile marker three hikers will enter a dense forest and start the steepest part of the trail. This portion of the trail is overgrown (but manageable) and gets very steep. There is not mile marker three, but hikers will hit a gravel road at roughly mile 3.2. Once hikers hit the gravel road, they will follow it to the summit. This road is shared with motor vehicles so hikers should remain vigilant for oncoming vehicles. Once hikers reach the summit, they can enjoy access the steps of a fire lookout to enjoy views of the surrounding National Forest and the neighboring Coconino Forest. Hikers can spend time enjoying the summit before heading back to the trail. When hikers are ready, they will return the way they came back to the trailhead. This is a wonderful summit trip in Arizona that takes hikers to over 9,000 feet of elevation on a relatively uncrowded trail.