Coconino FS Reports This route passes through an area that is colorful at all seasons of the year. In late Spring, alpine wildflowers such as lupine, rocky mountain iris, penstemon and paintbrush color the trailside meadows. Sunflowers add a slash of yellow in Summer and groves of aspen paint the slopes with crimson and gold during the Fall.
There is a chance to see a black bear here-perhaps the best chance you'll have in the area around the Peaks. Seeing sign of these big shy animals along either trail is not uncommon. Mule deer and elk are also plentiful. Common birds are juncos, Steller's jays and Clark's nutcrackers. In Spring and early Summer the forest's best singer, the hermit thrush, will serenade you along your way.
One-Way Notice: This hike is listed as One-Way. When you hike several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Permit $$
None
Directions
Road
FR / Dirt Road / Gravel - Car Okay
To Abineau Trailhead From Flagstaff, head north on SR 180. Follow about twenty miles to the second turnoff for FR151 at mile marker 235.2 FR151 is Hart Prairie Road. This is a great loop to drive in the autumn. You can see aspen leaves turn golden yellow alongside the road. Anyhow back to task, follow FR151 just over a mile and a half. Take a left on FR418. Follow just over three miles to FR9123J. Turn right onto FR9123J and follow just over a half mile to the trailhead. The parking is area is large. There is a small walk to the trail signage, but it's within view. On the drive in I noticed several homes along the way, must be nice!
Misubri writes: From Flagstaff go north on US Highway 180 for approximately 18 miles. Turn right on Forest Rd. 151 (well maintained). Then continue 1.6 miles and turn left on Forest Rd. 418. Drive 3.1 miles to the signed turnoff for Abineau Trail. Turn right and go .3 miles to the trailhead.
You can also reach the trail head by going north on US Highway 89 and instead of turning right into Sunset Crater National Monument, turn left to come to Forest Rd. 418. Then it is about 8 miles to the trailhead.
From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 174 mi, 3 hours 6 mins From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 279 mi, 4 hours 46 mins From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 26.7 mi, 45 mins
