Kachina Trail, Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff, Arizona is the home to the tallest mountain peaks in the state. The city offers a number of outdoor activities such as skiing, spelunking, and hiking. One option for visitors to Flagstaff is the Kachina Trail. The Kachina Trail is number 150 in the Coconino National Forest. Many of the trails in the national forest will take visitors around the tallest mountain in Arizona. This mountain was formed by volcanic activity that has since become extinct. The Kachina Trail breaks from the pattern of high summit hiking.

Instead the trail leads visitors on an easy course along the mountains more moderate topography. Even though visitors do not reach the highest altitude on this course individuals can still enjoy a moderate trail. The path is very easy to walk along, without huge boulders or rocks to be an issue. Instead the course gently rises or slopes as the path winds around the middle of the mountain. The trail remains on the inside of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness area.

On the hike visitors are able to see the whitebarked aspen and groves of conifer trees. Along the way a wildflower meadow or two can be found. Hikers who follow this path are going to be able to see much of the national forests wildlife. Elk, mule deer, squirrels, Clark's nutcrackers, and Steller's jays are just a few of the animals of the park.

The trail has several breaks from the trees where it is possible to look up the slopes towards the mountain or back down at the base that is littered with forest. While on the Kachina Trail some of Flagstaff can be viewed. Residents can try to pick out their residential area while they walk along. During the fall months the scenery will change. Instead of verdant forests some trees like the aspens will begin to lose their leaves and change colors. Reds, oranges, and yellows will greet guests. It is also a time for the bull elk to begin to show off to the harems. The elk will bugle for several weeks while the breeding season is in full swing.

Kachina Trail allows visitors to picnic along the trail. Visitors will want to bring a full lunch, their cameras, and binoculars to ensure they are seeing and recording everything that happened on the trail. It can be very cool along the trail during the spring and fall months. It is recommended to have layered clothing.

Kachina is a five mile trail. Hiking is moderate, but visitors not up for a five mile trek should turn back once they have enjoyed the trail for a few miles. It will take two and a half hours to hike the entire trail. It is recommended that plenty of water be brought on the trail. The trail is seasonal, meaning it is open from May to November. There is no mechanized equipment allowed on the trail or off. Hiking or camping off trail is only allowed at 11,400 feet. There is no Inner Basin camping.