The Arizona Trail is an 800+ mile recreation trail from Mexico to Utah that connects mountain ranges, canyons, deserts, forests, wilderness areas, historic sites, trail systems, points of interest, communities, and people. It serves day hikers, backpackers, equestrians, mountain bicyclists, trail runners, nature enthusiasts, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and mule and llama packers.

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The Arizona Trail travels through the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest and offers opportunities to view a variety of vegetation types -- from ponderosa pine and Gambel oak to pinyon-juniper, sage and grasslands. The trail also offers some tantalizing views of the San Francisco Peaks, Grand Canyon, Upper Basin, Coconino Rim and the Painted Desert.

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For several months of the year, there may be no water sources along these segments. Russell Tank, the most dependable water supply, is a very important source for wildlife and livestock. All water sources should be considered unsafe for human use unless properly treated. 

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The Arizona Trail runs from the southern boundary of the Tusayan Ranger District north and northwest to Grandview Lookout Tower. Then, the trail heads west from Grandview to Tusayan. From there, the trail exits the Tusayan Ranger District and enters Grand Canyon National Park.

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There are many ways to access the Arizona Trail on the Tusayan Ranger District depending on exactly where you are seeking to enter/exit the trail. For complete Arizona Trail information, please visit the Arizona Trail Association website.

Suggested access points:

• Access #1 (in Tusayan): From Highway 64 at Tusayan, go north three tenths of a mile past Tusayan to FR 605 on the west side of the highway. This is the trailhead for the Tusayan Bike Trails and access to the Arizona Trail. Coming south from Grand Canyon National Park on Highway 64, the trailhead is four tenths of a mile south of the Tusayan Ranger District sign on the west side of the highway.

• Access #2 (Grandview Lookout Tower): From Highway 64 at Tusayan, turn east on FR 302 (0.8 miles north of the Grand Canyon Airport entrance). Follow the signs along this road for 16 miles to Grandview Lookout Tower.

• Access #3 (Grandview Lookout Tower): Via Highway 64 in Grand Canyon National Park. From the South Entrance Station, drive north 4 miles to a right turn on AZ 64. Drive east on AZ 64 approximately 8.7 miles where you will see a left turn sign for Grandview Point. Continue driving east on AZ 64 for 2 more miles. An Arizona Trail sign indicates a right turn onto a gravel road. Drive 0.5 miles on this road to the Grand Canyon National Park/Kaibab National Forest boundary. There is an old cabin at this point. Continue on this road, FR 310, for 0.8 miles to Grandview Lookout Tower.

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Road Conditions: Highway 64, FR 302, FR 301 and FR 311 are suitable for sedans. On the rest of the roads, a high clearance vehicle is recommended.

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Here at Whispering Winds Ranches, we are adjacent to the Coconino National and Kaibab National Forests.  Both of the National Forests and the Arizona Trail are perfect for Horseback Riding, Hiking, Off Road vehicles and Biking.  We offer maps, resources and accomodations for you and your equine and/or equipment to visit all three locations and have easy access.

 

  Contact us for more information.

 

The Grand Canyon Mesa Preservation Foundation, our 501 (c) 3, supports projects and preservation activities in and arround the surrounding areas. Donations of time, material and monetary donations directly impact these areas and are key to keeping these areas natural for all of us to enjoy. Ask us how you can help our Mission!

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