I clocked this at more like 9.5 miles, with the last bit to the lookout (go up the tower if it’s open). BILL WILLIAMS MOUNTAIN TRAIL Kaibab National Forest Switchbacks are zig-zagging cuts in mountain trails designed to make steep ascents easier by adding miles and tempering vertical slopes. Compare elevation, range, … Williams Loop Road Scenic Drive offers some good wildlife watching and good views of Bill Williams Mountain. I learned later that the road runs down the south side of the mountain to connect with South Perkinsville Road. Routes » Coconino Loop by Chad B. Overview. Your respectful use of this area, while you are visiting here, will be appreciated. Then the snow. If you get the opportunity to reach the summit, the views are absolutely worth it. This trail goes by MC Tank, Dutch Kid Tank, Evans Tank, and Stump Tank. The lookout trail is another 3/4 mile. Crossroads Area. But the fall colors were great. About 2 miles in you hit some patches of snow and then just a little further after that and you are in snow almost the rest of the way. Great hike! Thoroughly enjoyed the hike up and back. Lesson learned though! Bill Williams is the westernmost mountain above 9,000 feet in Arizona. Had a great time with my sons!! This trail was originally built as a “toll road” in 1902. Desert Wells Multiuse Area. All pretty well maintained trail the whole way up. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. I love that area and have been thru there a few times. After crossing the road, the trail continues for another half-mile to the top of the mountain and the Bill Williams Lookout Tower, which is open to visitors during the fire season. Love the trail head parking area with pit toilet. Sign posted June 13, 2020 stating closure would remain in effect until the area receives enough rain for fire risk to decrease. Close to the Grand Canyon. I got chased off the top of BW mountain and just barely made it down before the deluge began. Off I … Oh, well. just did a rebuilt on the klr. Great hike , wish I would have stopped when I got to the road . It's a gentle grade up until the last mile. Ehrenberg Sand Bowl. Had a great day !!! The view at the top was interesting. Was all set to climb Humphreys and the fire hit. I have an X /C too, we stayed in Williams awhile back and did the B.W. Total Distance: 18.7 miles Elevation: 6,381 – 7,179 feet Technical Rating: 1 Scenic Rating: 8 Season: April – December <= | => AZ | AZ PAVED | AZ CN AZ NE | AZ NW | AZ SO <= | => Warning: The user is solely responsible for safe navigation and the prudent use of … need some nice road to break in the parts. It’s best to turn around or take Bill Williams Mountain Trail north. Further south is the Stage Station Loop Bike Ride which I did not do. The description/directions for the Bill Williams Trail is the described on the front page.... Off if I40-exit 161/Frontage Road head west again past Day's Inn until you reach a sign for the Bill Williams Ranger Station. Ranger was in the look out to answer questions. It’s wonderfully scenic, taking you through Oak Creek Canyon, past towering red rocks. Date of experience: August 2016. Both of our Garmins said it was 4.2 miles to the lookout tower. Hi 2 SPOT ... saw the post by azredline so know you got off the maintained roads to at least have a look at Sycamore Point. I started @ 7am on 5/9 when it was nice and cool. Letter on the ranger station door is dated 8/13/2020 and states the trail will be closed until they receive enough rain. Just got back from Williams. The gods of good traction must've been smiling on you. An unexpectedly wonderful hike - did this on a whim as I headed back to Phoenix. Super beautiful, peaceful, nice views from the top. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This trail was seriously awesome. He either had the covid or some harsh dank bud haha! Round trip is about 7.5 miles. The Loop Road takes you there by way of a route that passes through scenic forests and wide open prairies. There’s also a nice little mountain bike ride called Devil Dog Loop that follows Historic Route 66. Trail is closed again, Parking lot and trailhead closed off with barricades and caution tape. Overall great trail, had a lot of fun on it. The drive takes one to two hours to complete and provides breathtaking natural views for some 30 miles. Kind of killed the ambiance. Trailhead completely taped/blocked off. The signed/mapped trailhead is … I will have to look you up when we head that way this winter. Mo and I just camped in that area for a week. We too, got caught in quite a bit of rain but once the trails dried out, it was a blast. The building and "look out point" were interesting, I felt like I stumbled upon one of the other's stations from Lost. A snow storm had already started so I didn't see much, but the whole thing was still beautiful. Lots of sticks, rocks, and loose soil so watch footing on the way down. Hiked on Oct 12; amazing fall colors all along the trail. Bill Williams Mountain Closure Reduced. My husband and I both slid cartoon-like a few times. Almost a perfect trail. I loved this hike and would do it again if I lived here! MAP: Kaibab National Forest – South PERMITS: none DESIGNATION: Kaibab National Forest BEST SEASONS: spring, summer, fall DISTANCE: 7.6 miles round trip WATER: none reliable ELEVATION: trailhead ~6,900ft – summit ~9,256ft (gain ~2,300ft) ACCESS: paved roads to trailhead DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From Williams AZ, drive west on Railroad Avenue for about one mile. Very deep snow. The views from the platform are superb, but even from the base of the tower, they’re impressive. Route overview. We hiked the Bill Williams Trail to the summit yesterday. Bulldog Canyon OHV Area. Chevelon Crossing Road. We made it to the top, but were trekking through snow the last 1000ft of elevation gain. Trail was nicely varied with gradual climb and tough switchbacks. At the end of the offramp take a left onto Route 66, … This trail was originally built as a "toll road" in 1902. It was quiet and peaceful, I didn't see anyone else on the trail. cheers. Very challenging. A road and a pair of good trails lead to the top, which has a manned lookout tower and numerous communications equipment. Either way, the last bit and the top are a bit anticlimactic. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. So don't quit when you hit the road. Trees were magnificent! No snow to speak of or cross. Zillow has 39 homes for sale in Williams AZ matching Bill Williams Mtn. Clover Spring : 0-2 miles away: Clover Springs Loop Trail #46. Bill Williams Mountain Fire Lookout : Along this hike: Bill Williams Mountain : Along this hike: Williams Microwave Relay Station : Along this hike: Williams Microwave Relay Station : 0-2 miles away: Clover Springs Loop Trail #46. Altitude change-738 ft. Altitude min. The Bixler Saddle Trail climbs past majestic rock formations and good viewpoints on the west side of Bill Williams Mountain, then joins the Bill Williams Mountain Trail about half a mile from the top, six miles roundtrip total to the summit. This trail was originally built as a “toll road” in 1902. The final 1/2 mile is pure snow. Nice RR CapeMan! My 6th and fastest time up. From buffed singletrack among the pines of Flagstaff to technical red rock Sedona country, this ~250 mile loop is a grand tour of Coconino Country. What a beautiful hike through the woods. I either lost the trail when it crossed the last road or the trail just turns into a dirt road for the last half mile or so. Once on top, you have excellent views of the San Francisco Peaks, the Prescott/Chino Valley areas, and the Grand Canyon to … ). Great views and a really beautiful forrest. I’d definitely hike this again. Download the free Williams South topo map. Hey capeman,,, we did get back off the main rds,,, however the bad mud and stuck rider was actually on perkinsville rd. Worth it. After exploring the National Forest areas south of Williams, I decided it might be fun to figure out a different way south. What day didi you go up? Bill Williams Mountain Road Scenic Drive takes you right to the top of the mountain. Went on a Monday, only saw 4 people. Amazing birch stand near the top. I used a Garmin gps and it was 8.2 miles round trip from the parking lot. Bill Williams Mountain Loop Road. Also there is a road at the top and you can hear trucks or atvs from the trail as you approach. It is mostly packed down, but when my foot sunk in a few times it went past my knee so that way crazy. Bill Williams Mountain marks the traditional boundary of lands inhabited by the early ancestors of the Hopi people. Gorgeous hike that isn't too difficult, despite the elevation gain. Nice steepness reminded me of Ut. Hiked on October 12th. Took Bill Williams trail down. Crown King. I did a loop from the Ranger Station around to Benham, rode that up until the first fire road crossing, and took the fire road all the way to the radio station at the very top. Turn left on Frontage Road and continue for ab… Parking lot completely blocked off and trailhead completely blocked with caution tape. The peak is riddled with towers and there isn't much of a view. The road was OK until the last 5 miles, but I made to the 40 and back to town OK. PS , you are only 1 year older than me, it's great to act like a kid. For that reason, they view the area as sacred. 3 hours up, 1.5 hours out. Leaving Williams, head … Worth the hike to beat the lowland heat. It was hunting season, so I was a quiet as could be when I saw hunters! The first half was quite lovely, very doable. Bill Williams Mountain marks the traditional boundary of lands inhabited by the early ancestors of the Hopi people. My pedometer read 6.2 miles in because I could only take 8 inch steps! We just hiked this trail on April 1st, 2019. I am also glad I downloaded the map because I didn't realize that the last part of the "trail" was just following an actual dirt road before turning back and doing the whole thing backwards. Your respectful use of this area while you are visiting here will be appreciated. This did not disappoint. Bill Williams Closure 2011 (1) Bill Williams Closure 2014 (1) Bill Williams Mountain (7) Bill Williams Mountain Loop (1) Bill Williams Mountain Trail (4) Billy Creek (3) Bismarck Lake (5) Bixler Saddle (1) Black Bears (1) Black Canyon City (7) Black Canyon Heritage Park (1) Black Canyon Trail (9) Black Canyon Trail: Antelope Creek Segment (1) Closed due to fire danger as of June 13th. All microwave towers and electrical equipment. Did not enjoy the top as much as I had hoped simply because of all the antennas, cell phone towers, etc. The road walk at the top was actually sort of nice--gave us a chance to not watch our footing as much and breath easier. Black Canyon Trail. Perfect summer hike in AZ! When you reach the summit it is industrial. Builder Esau Lamb charged hikers and horseback riders a … Please check here for updates: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/kaibab/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=11666&actid=50, Arizona Office of Tourism, 2702 N. 3rd St., Suite 4015 , Phoenix, AZ, 85004, Phone: 888-520-3434, Fax: 602-240-5432, mfioritt@pni.com. I’d definitely rate this one moderate rather than hard; there is some nice elevation gain but none of the terrain is in any way difficult. Sounds like to the weather just right. This trail is definitely hard. Thank David K . The ban’s been lifted. I look forward to going back. This hike was more beautiful than I imagined. Bill Williams Mountain Trail [CLOSED] is a 8.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Williams, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail is up, up, up. The downed tree trunks were cleared from the trail and both outhouses, at the TH and at the Lookout, are open. If the ranger hadn't already done this hike and another couple of in front of us, we would not have done it. It is a good trip to take in the fall when the leaves are changing. Four Peak Rolls OHV Area. And there it is, the gate's unlocked and the road is lookin' good. This trail is probably easier in the summer! The snow can get up to your knees if your foot goes all the way through. I would rate this hike as moderate not difficult or hard due to the somewhat short length. Exhausting for sure. After the first mile and a half we hit snow. Road loop around Bill Williams Mountain It was okay hope to see more of the mountain Need a 4 wheeler to access mountain. Epic hike! This trail/road is an attempt to link several trails to form a route. The Bill Williams Road (fire road) segment leading southeast along the east side of Phoenix Lake is variously noted as 0.5 miles and 0.7 miles. Perfect lung-buster hike due to elevation and the gain. Beginning in the center of Williams, the drive circles Bill Williams Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 9,170 feet. A lovely, shaded forest to keep us cool during our climb. Williams, Ariz., November 20, 2020 — For Immediate Release – Forest users can now access certain areas and trails on Bill Williams Mountain, as the Kaibab National Forest William Ranger District has reduced the closure that had been in place since fire restrictions were implemented this summer. The trail is primarily used for hiking, horses, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. Check Kaibab National Forest website for updates before trying to hike. http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/east-of-phoenix-riders-group.630792/page-412#post-30248045, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. ... More Stats for bixler to bill williams loop mountain bike trail trail. Arizona ATV/SUV Trail Files: ArizonaTrails.kmz (0.2 mb) ATV and SUV trails throughout the four regions of Arizona. This is a difficult one way trail in Kaibab National Forest. Go about 29 miles and get off at exit 161 for Golf Course Dr., last exit for the town of Williams. Viewing routes for driving: Popular routes for viewing fall colors include Forest Road 111 to the top of Bill Williams Mountain, County Road 73 and Forest Roads 105, 110, 140 and 354. A few things tend to make my review a bit negative. The Bill Williams Mountain Loop makes a short, easy drive through some of the most beautiful ponderosa pine forest in Northern Arizona, with opportunities to see wildlife and learn a little area history. Also, bring a change of socks and shoes to change into when you complete this round trip hike! softening. Follow the signs to the trailhead. It’s 4 miles, not 3 miles from the ranger station up Bill Williams trail to the summit!! Still a super great trail and some nice views on the way up! There’s an easy and beautiful route to take from Interstate 40 to the Sedona area: Arizona Route 89A. Check out Kaibab National Forest website for all rules. Not hard to stay on the trail (besides near the top and the snow storm was a bit out of control), the green diamonds were easy to follow. The Coconino Loop seeks to highlight the best of Northern Arizona mountain biking. Please wear proper footwear. good report. Bill Williams Mountain Loop Road provides striking views of its namesake peak in the distance. At the saddle, Bill Williams Trail crosses the road and continues straight up the mountain, but reconnects with it after about 100 yards and then follows it the rest of the way to the tower. Bill Williams Mountain marks the traditional boundary of lands inhabited by the early ancestors of the Hopi people. We started early to finish before the heat of the day. The trail is primarily used for hiking, horses, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. There was a guy in the Lookout Tower who was coughing his ass off. A beautiful hike. It was t-shirt weather by mile 2. 6,535 ft. Altitude start. The trail steadily gains elevation but the last mile is where a lot of it comes from. Nice ride. mountain loop. FYI: the distance to the lookout written on the TH board is off by a mile, at least! Different climate zones. The sign says 3 but that only gets you to the where there’s a turn off to a trail heading down the other side. USGS Topo Maps The official government … Nice pics, wish I could have made the ride with you. Closed due to extreme high fire danger. The Lariat trail built by “Cement Bill” Williams is a 4.6-mile switchback of 56 curves including seven hairpins that rise 2,000 feet from 19th Street to Buffalo Bill’s Grave. It was a great way to spend my day and I would do this hike again in any season. Overall beautiful. Town is just 10 miles away from dry camping, and has great food, shops, and atmosphere. Thanks for the report and pics. Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area. Some downed trees to climb over. The distances reported by all trails seems to be off or my satellite device is wrong. NOTE: As of August 2020, this trail is closed due to extreme fire danger. All in all, great hike. Thanks, going give this route a shot this weekend. There is a small parking lot directly east of the Ranger Station. Heading back down was what I imagine skiing to be like since I just slid on the snow most of the way while more dip and dots fell from the sky. Directions from Williams: Go west from the downtown on Bill Williams Avenue about one mile; turn left at Clover Hill and proceed along the frontage road to the turnoff to Williams Ranger District office. Bill Williams Mountain Loop road, 30 miles For those interested in a scenic fall drive, the Bill Williams Mountain Loop road is not to be missed. Gardner Canyon. Ponderosa pines and scrub oak at bottom and mid and upper forests. Surprised that some hikers going up after us had very little water and simple athletic shoes. 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