Raptor Hill Trail

Bones Trail is 6.05 miles long on native material, so the tread is dirt and rock rather than gravel or pavement. Grades run 5 to 8 percent, which is a steady pull rather than a sharp climb, but the length adds up. It is rated trail class 2, meaning a built path that stays rough in places. The route is numbered 180 and falls under the Red Rock Ranger District of Coconino National Forest. Carry more water than you think you need, since there is no posted water along the way, and check with the ranger district for closures and current conditions before heading out.

Thumper Trail covers about 2.3 miles and is numbered 131. Its surface is native material, so dirt and rock rather than gravel or pavement. Grades run about 5 to 8 percent, a steady pull rather than a scramble. It is rated trail class 2, which means a simple path with few built features and less signing than a busier route. The Coconino National Forest manages it through the Red Rock Ranger District. Take a map, since a class 2 path can be faint in places. Water, sun protection and sturdy shoes matter on open ground. Check with the ranger district for closures before you set out.

Raptor Bones Connector Trail is short, about 0.18 miles, and it links other paths rather than going anywhere on its own. It carries the number 181B. The tread is native material, so dirt and rock underfoot. Grades run around 5 to 8 percent, which is gentle. Trail class 3 points to a clear, well defined path. The Coconino National Forest looks after it through the Red Rock Ranger District. Because this is a connector, look at a map of the whole loop before setting out so you know what it joins. Check with the ranger district for closures, and bring water even on a short walk.

Rustbucket Trail covers 3.3 miles on native material, with grades of 8 to 10 percent, so the climbing is steady for the distance. It is rated trail class 2, which means a built tread that stays rough and uneven in places rather than a smooth path. The route is numbered 181A and falls under the Red Rock Ranger District of Coconino National Forest. Bring water, because none is posted along the way, and wear shoes with grip for the loose sections. Conditions change with weather and with fire restrictions, so ask the ranger district what is open before you drive out.

Tuzigoot National Monument sits at 25 Tuzigoot Rd in Clarkdale and is run by the National Park Service. It opens 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. every day and closes on Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and New Year's Day. Entry is $10 for one adult aged 16 and over, and the same ticket covers Montezuma Castle for 7 days. Listed activities are guided and self-guided walking tours, hiking, museum exhibits, a bookstore and park store, birdwatching and a Junior Ranger program. The phone number is (928) 634-5564 and the email is moca_tuzi_info@nps.gov. Check nps.gov for directions.

Bill Ensign Trail runs about 1.76 miles and is numbered 182 in the national forest trail system. The tread is native material, meaning dirt and rock rather than gravel or pavement. Grades along the route run roughly 8 to 10 percent, so expect steady climbing in places. It is rated trail class 2, which points to a simple path with little in the way of built structures. The Coconino National Forest manages it through the Red Rock Ranger District. Conditions change with weather and season, so check with the ranger district before heading out. Carry water, and wear footwear with grip, because loose ground on a native surface moves underfoot.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park is at 675 Dead Horse Ranch Road in Cottonwood, managed by Arizona State Parks. The features listed are lagoons, fishing, canoeing, hiking trails, a campground and camping cabins, which makes it the park in this valley you can stay at rather than just visit. Entry is $10 per vehicle for one person, $20 for two to four people, and $5 to walk in or cycle. The visitor center is open 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily. Call (928) 634-5283 about camping, which books up, or see azstateparks.com.

Raptor Bones Connector Trail is short, about 0.18 miles, and it links other paths rather than going anywhere on its own. It carries the number 181B. The tread is native material, so dirt and rock underfoot. Grades run around 5 to 8 percent, which is gentle. Trail class 3 points to a clear, well defined path. The Coconino National Forest looks after it through the Red Rock Ranger District. Because this is a connector, look at a map of the whole loop before setting out so you know what it joins. Check with the ranger district for closures, and bring water even on a short walk.