Let's hike the 6th & 10th tallest mountains in Arizona with a car camp in between.
After we summit "Bill Williams Mountain" on Saturday, we plan to visit the "Historic Brewing Company" in Williams for a late lunch and something cold to drink before we head to "Kendrick Trail Head" for a car Camp.
If you've never been to the town of Williams, you may want to explore it a bit before you head to the car camp.
We plan to start Saturday at 9am at Benham Trail #38 (about 4 miles south of Williams).
We plan to start Sunday at 7am at the Kendrick's Mountain Trail #22 ( 30+ miles N/E of Williams).
Join us for one or both hikes.
Everyone should plan on hiking at their own pace and (if necessary) be comfortable hiking alone at times, best to have a hiking partner. We can meet up at the top or on the way down.
Saturday (9am); Bill William's Mountain (9,256') - Benham Trail #38 is about 8-9 miles RT (accumulated gain 2080'). The trail starts in ponderosa pine and oak thickets, and climbs into the mixed conifer forest on Bill Williams Mountain. At several places along the trail we will have a good view of the forest below and the distant peaks.
This hike has moderately difficult slopes going up the mountain, and easy down-grades coming back to the trailhead. We would rate the difficulty as moderate.
Access: from downtown Williams, turn south on Fourth Street (becomes Perkinsville Rd) and go about 4 miles to FR 140 (Benham Trail) and turn right (west); proceed about 0.2 mile to the trailhead.
There is no water along the way so bring plenty.
There is a pit toilet at the start of the trail and at the lookout at the top, bring your own TP.
After the hike we can meet at the Historic Brewing Company for something cold to drink and a late lunch or early dinner.
Then we plan to drive to the Kendrick's Trail #22 and disperse car camp near the trailhead. Feel free to join us. No water but there is a pit toilet near by, bring your own TP.
Sorry, fire restrictions in place - no campfires.
Sunday (7am); Kendricks Peak (10,418') - Trail # 22 is about 9 miles RT, (accumulated gain 2670'). We will have spectacular views stretching from Humphreys Peak to the Grand Canyon.
The trail begins in a quintessential ponderosa pine forest, travels up through a decades old burn area, and passes by a century-old historic cabin. At the very top, enjoy the scenery from the fire lookout built in the 60’s, or have a picnic in the sun on the platform just below. This is one of the largest volcanic cones in Arizona.
Although this trail has about 2670 feet of elevation gain it has long switchbacks and no sections that are super steep. The trail is usually in very good condition, so despite the elevation gain we would rate the difficulty of this hike as moderate +.
Access: From I-40 - take the Parks exit #178. Turn left (north) across the overpass, turn left (west) at the “T” intersection, then turn right (north) at the Parks store onto FR 141 and continue north for about 8 miles; turn right continuing north on FR 194 for about 4.5 miles to FR 171. Turn right onto FR 171 and go 2 miles to FR 190; turn left onto FR 190 and go 1 mile to the parking area.
There is no water at the trailhead or along the way so bring plenty.
There is a pit toilet at the start of the trail, bring your own TP.
Well behaved dogs welcome!
Please note the following:
• Meetup organizers are not first responders, tour guides or park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being.
• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event.
• All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests.
• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup Group.
