ASPEN OVERLOAD
For fall color in Flagstaff, it doesn’t get better than the Abineau-Bear Jaw Loop. Ascending the north face of the San Francisco Peaks, the trails wind through aspen territory.
Getting There: From Flagstaff, go north on U.S. 180 (Fort Valley Road) to milepost 235.2 and turn right onto Forest Road 151 (Hart Prairie Road, north access). Continue 1.6 miles on FR 151 and connect to Forest Road 418. Drive 3.1 miles on FR 418 to Fr 9123J (signed for Abineau-Bear Jaw), turn right and go 0.6 mile to the trailhead. Dirt and cinder roads are rutted but passable by carefully driven sedans.
Length: 7.2-mile loop
Rating: difficult
Kid Friendly: NO
Pet Friendly: NO
Elevation: 8,500-10,400 feet
Best Season: May-October
Photo credit Mare Czinar/PHOENIX
