WILDLIFE WATCHING Elk, coyotes, deer and waterbirds are just some of the critters you might spot at Rogers Lake Natural Area. Located southwest of Flagstaff, the area has several trails that range from short and easy to long and difficult.
Getting There: From Flagstaff, go 1.9 miles west on Route 66 to Woody Mountain Road (Forest Road 231), turn left and continue 6.5 miles south to the big Rogers Lake Country Natural Area sign. Continue 1.3 miles past the sign to the trailhead. Parking lot is on the right (west) side of the road, and the trail begins at the green gate on the left (east) side. From the trailhead, hike roughly 50 yards to where three metal posts mark the loop junction. Go right for Gold Digger. At the 4-mile point, go left at a post to complete the hike on the east leg of the 2-Spot Loop Trail. An additional trailhead located 0.4 mile past the Rogers Lake sign provides access to the 2-Spot Trail. Woody Mountain Road is washboard-rough but passable by sedan. Length: 5.1-mile loop Rating: moderate Kid Friendly: YES Pet Friendly: YES Dogs: must be on leash Elevation: 6,878-7,650 feet Best Season: May-October Hours: day use only, no camping
Photo credit Mare Czinar/PHOENIX
