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Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking Guide
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If a hike through a forest canyon with good views along the way is for you, then you will like this hike. This hike is located near Flagstaff, AZ. From the Phoenix area, take I-17 North to the Munds Park exit (#322). Take the exit East through the pinewood subdivision. After about 2.2 miles of driving, the pavement ends. Look for a sign on the right showing the distance to Casner park. If you look carefully, you will see the Crystal Point trailhead on the right just past this sign. Drive another 0.2 miles to the parking area on the left and backtrack to the Crystal Point trailhead. Be Aware of: not much solitude. Neat registration at the point. 30 yr old Recommendation: The views always seem to be just out of reach, hiding behind the forest trees. This is an easy hike.
Elevation change: about 400 ft gradual climb to the point. Distance: 2.5 miles round trip. Time: It took us about 1.25 hours. Time of year: Spring to Fall Solitude: We saw about 25 other hikers. This isn't such a good hike to choose if you are looking for solitude. The hike starts from the well signed trailhead for Crystal Point. The trail itself is a bit rocky, but easy to follow. The forest starts out a little sparse, but quickly thickens as you get closer to Crystal Point. One view opens up about halfway to the point of the far wall of Oak Creek Canyon. You can also see Munds Park from here, but the thickness of the forest blocks some of the views. After this point, the hike climbs more steeply, but not excessively, towards Crystal Point. There is a pick nick table here with two ammo cans filled with hiker journals. It's worth resting here to read a few and write your own. Again, the views at Crystal Point are partially obscured by the forest. Regardless of the big picture view, this hike is still an enjoyable hike through a pleasant forest. When ready, return the way you came.
[Views of Sedona and Munds Park from the trail]
This hike was completed in May of 2005. |
