Trail Overview
The Kelsey Spring Trailhead road is a short, rugged route tailored for high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles seeking access to the remote backcountry of the Coconino National Forest. Spanning approximately 1.5 miles, this rocky corridor winds through ponderosa pine country near Red Hill, descending about 360 feet from an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet down to 6,637 feet. The path is predominantly a single-vehicle width, featuring bumpy, uneven terrain with a technical rating of 3 that requires slow, careful tire placement. Drivers should expect a very rocky surface with occasional muddy sections during wet weather, making high clearance and four-wheel-drive capability essential to navigate the obstacles safely.
At the end of this bumpy route lies a spacious parking area at the trailhead, which serves as a gateway to non-motorized recreation, including hiking and horseback riding into the surrounding wilderness areas such as the Secret Mountain Wilderness. This road is not winter-maintained and is closed to vehicles during the winter season to protect the trail surface and ensure public safety. Keep in mind that camping is strictly prohibited along this road and at the trailhead, so visitors should plan for a day-use excursion. Accessible to SxSs, Jeeps, and other capable off-road vehicles, the route offers scenic forest views with close proximity to Casner Tank, Babes Hole Spring, and Geronimo Spring.
