A red dirt hiking trail through grass toward the hillsPhoto: Coconino National Forest (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons

Outdoors · Rimrock

Trails in Rimrock

We list 22 trails around Rimrock and Lake Montezuma, about 105 miles in all. They come from the U.S. Forest Service’s own trail records, and all 22 are in the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest.

Short walks and long routes: the list pulls two ways. Half the trails, 11, are under a mile. Seven run longer than five miles. The longest is the General George Crook Trail, which the Forest Service measures at almost 39 miles for the part we list. Each listing gives the length for that one trail, so check how far you really mean to go.

What is underfoot: 14 are dirt and rock and one has a packed surface. The Forest Service doesn’t record a surface for the other seven.

Who can use them: the Forest Service doesn’t say, for these trails, whether bikes or horses are allowed. Read the signs at the trailhead before you ride.

We don’t rate trails as easy or hard, because the Forest Service doesn’t publish that for these trails either.

Is a trail here closed, or listed wrong? Use the correct or remove link on its page.

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22 places on the map.

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Trails

Apache Maid Spur Trail is a short path on public land near Rimrock, Arizona. It runs about 0.55 miles and is signed as trail number 15A. The tread is native material, meaning packed dirt and loose rock rather than gravel or pavement. Grades sit in the 5-8% range, so there is steady climbing in spots without long steep pitches. It carries a trail class of 1, the roughest build, so the path can be faint and footing uneven. Upkeep falls to the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest. Carry your own water, watch the weather, and check for fire restrictions before you drive out.

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Hikers looking for a long day near Rimrock, Arizona can follow Apache Maid Trail, which covers about 8.67 miles. It is signed as trail number 15. Grades fall in the 5-8% range, a steady pull rather than a scramble, and the walking surface is native material, so expect dirt and rock underfoot. A trail class of 2 means the route is built simply: a clear path, but few signs and no paving. The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest looks after it. Plan for sun and heat, carry more water than you think you need, and tell someone when you expect to be back.

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Bell Trail, Rimrock Coconino National Forest (CC0-1.0)
Trails

Bell Trail runs roughly 7.72 miles on public land near Rimrock, Arizona, and is signed as trail number 13. The walking surface is native material, so the tread is dirt and rock that can be loose after rain. Grades stay in the 5-8% range, which makes for a gradual climb spread over a long distance. A trail class of 2 puts it in the simply built group: the path is easy to follow, but the route is not paved or heavily marked. The Coconino National Forest holds this ground, through its Red Rock Ranger District. Start early in warm months and bring plenty of water.

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At about 2.36 miles, Blodgett Basin Trail is a steeper walk than most paths around Rimrock, Arizona. Grades run 8-10%, so you gain height quickly and should expect to slow down on the way up. The trail is signed as number 31, and the tread is native material, which means dirt and rock rather than a smoothed surface. Its trail class of 1 marks it as rough and lightly built, with faint stretches and uneven footing. The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest manages the route. Wear shoes with grip, pack water, and check the weather before you set out.

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Bruce Brockett Trail is a short route near Rimrock, Arizona, running about 0.87 miles. It is signed as trail number 185. Grades of 5-8% give it a gentle but steady rise, and the surface is native material, so you walk on dirt and rock. The trail class of 2 means a simply built path: clear enough to follow, without paving or heavy signage. Because of the short length, it suits an hour outdoors rather than a full day. The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest manages the trail. Bring water, and check current fire and closure notices before you drive out.

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Bull Pasture Trail is a very short path near Rimrock, Arizona, measuring about 0.26 miles. It is signed as trail number 1005C. Grades are 0-5%, so the route is nearly level and suits an easy stroll or a link between longer walks. Its trail class of 3 places it among the more developed paths in the area, which usually means a wider, smoother tread that is simple to follow. Upkeep falls to the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest. Even on a walk this short, bring water in warm weather and check current trail notices before heading out.

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Trails

Cedar Knoll Trail is an easy walk near Rimrock, Arizona, about 0.62 miles long and signed as trail number 1005. Grades stay in the 0-5% range, so the path is close to level for most of its length. The surface is native material, which means packed dirt and small rock rather than pavement. With a trail class of 3, it is one of the better built routes in the area, usually wider and simpler to follow than the rougher paths nearby. This is Red Rock Ranger District land, on the Coconino National Forest. Carry water, and check for seasonal closures before you go.

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Crane Trail is 0.37 miles near Rimrock, in the Red Rock Ranger District of Coconino National Forest, as trail number 94. Its surface is imported compacted material rather than native material, and its trail class is 4, the most developed class anywhere listed here. Taken together those usually mean a firm, well built tread rather than rough ground. The typical grade is 5 to 8 percent. The allowed uses are not posted, so ask before you ride. Short and firm underfoot makes this one of the more approachable trails in the set, but check the district for current conditions first.

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Trails

Elmore Wash Trail covers about 1.99 miles on public land near Rimrock, Arizona. It is signed as trail number 1006B. Grades run 0-5%, which keeps the walking close to flat and makes this a reasonable choice for a relaxed outing or a family walk. A trail class of 3 marks it as one of the more developed routes nearby, generally wider and simpler to follow than the rough paths in the area. The Coconino National Forest holds this ground, through its Red Rock Ranger District. Carry water, wear shoes you do not mind getting dusty, and check the weather before you set out.

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Trails

General George Crook Trail is a long route, about 38.83 miles, reaching the country near Rimrock, Arizona. Most people walk or ride a section rather than the whole thing. It is signed as trail number 130, and grades fall in the 5-8% range, steady rather than sharp. The surface is native material, so the tread is dirt and rock. A trail class of 2 means a simply built path with limited signs, so a map and some route planning help. The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest manages it. Plan water stops ahead of time and leave your route with someone at home.

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Trails

Golden Gulch Trail is a short walk near Rimrock, Arizona, about 0.75 miles long and signed as trail number 1005B. Grades of 0-5% keep it close to level from end to end, so the effort is low and the pace can be easy. Its trail class of 3 puts it among the more developed paths around, which usually means a clear, wider tread. This is Red Rock Ranger District land, on the Coconino National Forest. This length fits an hour outdoors or a warm up before something longer. Bring water in hot months and check for closures or fire limits first.

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Long Canyon Trail stretches about 10.89 miles on public land near Rimrock, Arizona, and is signed as trail number 122. Grades run 5-8%, which spreads the climbing out instead of stacking it into short steep pitches. The tread is native material, so expect dirt and rock and some loose footing. Rated trail class 2, the path is simply built and clear to follow, though signs are sparse. It sits in the Red Rock Ranger District, part of the Coconino National Forest. The distance makes this a full outing for most people, so start early, carry enough water, and turn back with daylight to spare.

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Trails

At roughly 0.31 miles, Mallard Trail is a quick walk on public land near Rimrock, Arizona. It is signed as trail number 1005A. Grades of 0-5% mean the path stays near level, so it works as a short stroll or as a link to longer routes. A trail class of 3 marks it as one of the more developed paths in the area, usually wide and clear enough to follow without much guesswork. The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest manages it. Shade can be scarce, so carry water in warm weather and check current notices before you drive out.

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Trails

Middle Verde Loop is a long route, about 12.23 miles, on public land near Rimrock, Arizona. It is signed as trail number 1021. Grades of 0-5% keep the climbing gentle, so the distance rather than the steepness sets the effort. Its trail class of 3 places it among the more developed paths in the area, which usually means a wide, clear tread that is simple to follow. It sits in the Red Rock Ranger District, part of the Coconino National Forest. Plan for several hours, carry water for the whole loop, and check the weather and any fire restrictions before you go.

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Trails

Middle Verde Loop Connector is a very short link, about 0.18 miles, on public land near Rimrock, Arizona. It is signed as trail number 1021A and exists mainly to join one path to another rather than to stand on its own. Grades are 0-5%, so the walking is close to flat, and the surface is native material, meaning dirt and small rock. Its trail class of 3 marks it as one of the more developed paths around, usually wide and simple to follow. Upkeep falls to the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest. Bring water and check current trail notices before heading out.

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Short and steady, Sacred Mountain Trail runs about 0.4 miles near Rimrock, Arizona. It is signed as trail number 83. Grades of 5-8% give a modest climb over that short distance, and the surface is native material, so the footing is dirt and rock. A trail class of 1 means the route is rough and only lightly built, so the path may fade in places and ankles get a workout. The Coconino National Forest holds this ground, through its Red Rock Ranger District. Sturdy shoes help. Carry water even on a quick outing, and check the weather and any fire restrictions first.

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Sunset Loop runs about 2.04 miles on public land near Rimrock, Arizona and is signed as trail number 1006. Grades stay in the 0-5% range, so the loop is close to level and manageable for most walkers. A trail class of 3 marks it as one of the more developed routes in the area, generally wide and clear enough to follow without a map in hand. Upkeep falls to the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest. The distance suits an easy morning or evening walk. Carry water, and check current closures or fire restrictions before you drive out.

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Walker Basin Trail covers about 6.91 miles on public land near Rimrock, Arizona, signed as trail number 81. Grades in the 5-8% range make the climbing steady rather than sudden. The tread is native material, so you walk on dirt and rock that can shift underfoot. With a trail class of 2, the path is simply built: easy enough to follow, but without paving or many signs. The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest manages the route. Treat it as a half day or longer, carry water for the whole distance, and leave word of your plan before you go.

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Weir Trail is a brief walk near Rimrock, Arizona, running about 0.5 miles. It is signed as trail number 85. Grades sit in the 5-8% range, so there is a light rise along the way, and the surface is native material, which means dirt and rock rather than a smooth path. A trail class of 2 marks it as simply built and clear to follow without being paved or heavily signed. This is Red Rock Ranger District land, on the Coconino National Forest. The short distance suits a quick trip outdoors. Still bring water, and check for closures or fire limits first.

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Well Overlook Trail is a brief path near Rimrock, Arizona, running about 0.45 miles. It is signed as trail number 1006A. Grades of 0-5% keep it nearly level, so the walking is easy and the time outdoors is short. Its trail class of 3 places it among the more developed routes in the area, which usually means a clear tread that is simple to follow. The Coconino National Forest holds this ground, through its Red Rock Ranger District. Shade is limited on most paths here, so carry water in warm months and check for closures or fire restrictions before you set out.

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West Clear Creek Trail, Rimrock Coconino National Forest (CC0-1.0)
Trails

Running about 6.99 miles, West Clear Creek Trail is one of the longer routes near Rimrock, Arizona. It is signed as trail number 17. Grades fall in the 5-8% range, and the tread is native material, so the walking is on dirt and rock with some loose patches. A trail class of 2 means a simply built path: followable, but with few signs and no paving. The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest manages it. Give yourself most of a day, carry more water than a short hike needs, and check the weather, since storms can change conditions quickly.

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Trails

White Mesa Trail runs about 1.18 miles on public land near Rimrock, Arizona, and is signed as trail number 86. Grades stay in the 5-8% range, giving a gentle, steady climb over a modest distance. The surface is native material, so expect dirt and rock underfoot rather than gravel or pavement. Rated trail class 2, the path is simply built and clear to follow, though signs along the way are limited. It sits in the Red Rock Ranger District, part of the Coconino National Forest. The length works well for a short morning outing. Carry water and check for fire restrictions before you drive out.

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