We were on the Fire Lookout on top of Kendrick Peak at sundown. This is the view looking east at the San Francisco Peaks - Mount Humphreys and Mount Agassiz and the Snow Bowl Ski Resort north of Flagstaff. Some monsoon action today.
I backpacked the Pumpkin Trail - Bull Basin Trail loop up to the Kendrick Mountain Summit and camped northeast of the old Ranger Cabin.hikearizona.com/x.php?I=4&ZTN=195&UID=21152
From the USFS
www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/kentrick-mtn-w...
Kendrick Mountain Wilderness encompasses Kendrick Peak, one of the
many peaks of the vast San Francisco mountain volcanic field located
on the Coconino Plateau in north-central Arizona. Reaching an
elevation of 10,418, the summit affords excellent views of the
surrounding plateau, including the San Francisco Peaks to the east,
the distant red rock of the Oak Creek/Sycamore Canyon country and
Sitgreaves and Bill Williams Mountains to the south, Red Butte and
distant views of the north rim of the Grand Canyon to the north. A
fire lookout was first established on the summit in the early 1900's,
and continues to be staffed to this day. In 2000 a majority of the
wilderness was involved in a large wildfire. Dramatic vegetation
patterns were created by burn intensities ranging from light to very
severe, most evident on the west, north, and east slopes. On-going
natural recovery processes may be observed, with early seral species
becoming established in the severely burned areas. Characteristic
montane coniferous forests, aspen stands, and high mountain meadow
grasslands will re-establish with time. Unstable volcanic soils have
undergone recurring severe erosion on the steeper slopes within burned
areas, causing damage to the trails and access roads. Soils in the
burn area will take many more years to re-stabilize.
Three maintained trails totaling 14 miles offer access to the wilderness. The Kendrick Mountain Trail, Pumpkin Trail, and Bull Basin Trail all lead hikers to the top of Kendrick Mountain and to the fire lookout tower. When the lookout tower is open during summer months, the lookout operator usually welcomes visitors to visit the top of the tower to enjoy the views.
There are no reliable water sources on the mountain, so pack in plenty. All of the trails are considered to be challenging due to the lack of water, impressive elevation gains, and the effects of the wildfire, including numerous fallen/falling snags and recurring trail erosion damage which can make route-finding difficult.
southwest girl, Jim Purcell, Pegster22, BCooner, and 27 other people added this photo to their favorites.
View 5 more comments
Beefus 46 months ago | reply
The beetle damage looks very ominous.
Jill's Junk 46 months ago | reply
Amazing view and fantastic sky.
dtedesco 46 months ago | reply
Great shot - its amazingly green this year!
♥ Annieta Off / On 46 months ago | reply
Very beautiful picture! Great light..:))
Jim Purcell 46 months ago | reply
So very cool.
zoniedude1 46 months ago | reply
Wonderful view of the Peaks!
jhaskellus 46 months ago | reply
Great shot. The clouds are amazing, and the greenery too.
Pegster22 46 months ago | reply
Grerat shot!! My Dad built the "original" Ski Lift Lodge, before you turn to go up to Snow Bowl in 1963. I think they still have the original sign up, if not it looks very close to the original.
Amazing photo, thanks for sharing.
Al_HikesAZ 46 months ago | reply
Thanks everyone
Pegster - I know exactly the Lodge you are talking about. And it has an old lift chair in front of it.
Steven Blewett 46 months ago | reply
Beautiful Photo Al.
rdng tchr 46 months ago | reply
Great shot, Al. We stayed at the base of the Snow Bowl while out there...and traveling from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon.
JaneJHJ 46 months ago | reply
YES
Eddie Engel 46 months ago | reply
YES Also :0
DM Weber 46 months ago | reply
A very nice view indeed. We all profit from your hard work to get this, so thank you!
Larry Zimmer Photography 46 months ago | reply
Awesome view! I have to get up there soon!
Al_HikesAZ 46 months ago | reply
Thanks everyone
@Larry - best during a good monsoon season when there are wildflowers and clouds. Should be some mushrooms if I looked for them :)
Az~Kate 46 months ago | reply
Oh my, that sky! ;o)
NaturalLight 46 months ago | reply
My kind of vista.... gotta love those clouds.....
subynut 39 months ago | reply
Awesome!
ArneKaiser 16 months ago | reply
Awesome picture!