Sob Canyon Trail

Parsons Trail runs 3.3 miles on native material, with grades of 8 to 10 percent, so there is real climbing packed into a fairly short distance. It is rated trail class 2, a built path that still holds loose rock and uneven footing. The route is numbered 144 and is managed by the Red Rock Ranger District of Coconino National Forest. Footwear with grip helps on the steeper pitches. Carry water, because none is posted along the route, and plan turnaround time so you are not finishing in the dark. Check with the ranger district for closures and conditions first.

Packard Trail covers 5.34 miles near Clarkdale, in the Bradshaw Ranger District of Prescott National Forest. It is trail number 0066. The typical grade is 10 to 12 percent, so there is real climbing spread across the distance. The tread is native material; the class is 2. Hiking and horses are listed as allowed uses, and bicycles are not, which usually makes for a quieter trail. At this length, plan for water and for the time of day you will be out in the open. Trailhead directions are not posted or parking details for it, so check with the district office first.

Lower Smasher Trail is a short route at 1.5 miles, with grades of 8 to 10 percent, so it climbs steadily without going on for long. It is rated trail class 3, a more developed class than most paths nearby, which usually means a clearer and wider tread that is easier to follow. The route carries number 88 and is managed by the Red Rock Ranger District of Coconino National Forest. Its length makes it workable as a quick outing or as a link to a longer day. Check with the ranger district for closures and current conditions before you go.

RR Draw Trail runs 3.27 miles near Clarkdale, in the Bradshaw Ranger District of Prescott National Forest. It is trail number 0068. The typical grade is 10 to 12 percent, so expect sustained climbing rather than a level walk. It is class 2, on native material. Hiking, horses and bicycles are all listed as allowed uses. A draw is a drainage, which means this is a route that follows low ground and can change after storms. There is no listing for conditions or trailhead details, so check with the district office before heading out, especially in monsoon season.

Copper Spike Cafe is at 300 N Broadway in Clarkdale, at the train depot. It is a stop for coffee and a bite for people heading out on a ride or waiting to board, and it also draws visitors from Cottonwood, Jerome, Camp Verde and Sedona. The number is (800) 582-7245. Hours follow the depot rather than a standard daily schedule, so call or check before driving out, especially outside of train departure times. Ask what is being served that day and whether seating is limited when a train is loading, since the platform gets busy around departures.

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.

Deadman Pocket Trail runs 5.2 miles through the Bradshaw Ranger District of Prescott National Forest, near Clarkdale. It is trail number 0117. The typical grade is 12 to 20 percent, which is the steep end of what we list anywhere in the area, so treat the distance as slower than it looks on paper. Native material underfoot, class 2. Hiking and horses are the allowed uses. Bicycles are not listed. Carry more water than you think you need for a climb this sustained, and check the forest for closures before heading out, because district conditions change with weather and fire.

Deadman Trail is short and steep. It covers 1.59 miles on native material, with grades in the 12 to 20 percent range, so the climbing is sustained for its length. The route is rated trail class 1, the roughest built class, meaning a faint and narrow tread in places where route finding matters. It is open to hiking, horseback riding and bicycles, and is numbered 29 under Kaibab National Forest. Sturdy footwear helps, and a trail map is worth carrying because a class 1 path can be easy to lose. Check with the forest for closures and conditions before you drive out.