Ariel Point, AZ

The Walhallo Plateau offers several viewpoints: Manzanita Point, Komo Point, Obi Point, Francois Matthes Point, and Ariel Point. This is supposedly the best view, as you will end up on a rocky outpost, not within a forest with some glimpses between the trees. It is possible to combine several of the viewpoints in a trip; however, the direct route is very pleasant as you simply stay on the high point of the ridge with minimal ups and downs. Crossing over between the points adds crossing some 200' valleys. Route finding on the way out is fairly simple as you can just stay on the highest point of the ridge you find yourself on. However, for going there a gps track is highly recommended once you leave the road.


Follow the road from the trail head. At times you have to cross burned logs and might lose the road, but it is easy to find it again. You'll also see occasional old trail markers at the trees, but in the burn area these disappear.After about 3 miles in a forested area, look for an obvious cairn where you want to turn right. The road appears to continue straight and so do the trail markers, but there might be a few branches across it. The right turn is much less obvious but also marked by trail markers once you're on it. If you were to miss this turn, the road starts fading.

A couple of miles further down the road, you want to leave the road towards the left and follow the correct ridge all the way down to Ariel Point. This is where a gps track proves very valuable, as there are very few landmarks to orient yourself by. Please note that this route and the road are marked on several maps, including the NPS parks map, but usually incorrect. However, you can't really get too lost. As you get to the rim, you would eventually be able to make your way to Ariel Point, just with a lot more ups and downs and off-trail travel.

2013-09-18 John_seJerman