Snowshoeing Northern Arizona
where you came up. It's remarkably easy to forget where to go back down. I spent three hours trying to return to my car, one dark and stormy night.
Lockett Meadow:
Although you'll probably need four-wheel drive to access the meadow, shoeing up into the Inner Basin - and beyond - is a popular activity, said local sportsman Scott Reiner.
"I've done it several times. I've got the old wood and cat gut frames," he admitted. "It's nostalgic. We've gone upon the peaks several times last winter."
Head east on Route 66 through east Flag as it becomes Highway 89. Drive 12 miles to mile 430.3 and turn left, opposite the sign pointing to Sunset Crater. Follow the signs to Lockett Meadow several miles up FS 552. Park at the top of the parking loop and grind up the pine-blanketed 1.5-mile trail to the junction with Waterline Road. From here it's another .5-mile into the awesome grandeur of the bowl behind the peaks. It's up to you if you want to keep tracking into the mountains. Check the weather before you go, and retreat if it starts to storm; serious conditions can roll in fast at 9,600 feet.
Nordic Center: Really not too crowded and a great place if you're not too familiar with Flagstaff. With 40 kilometers of trails in the Hochderffer Hills, the NC offers beginner, intermediate and advanced trails, half of which are reserved for snowshoers only. Other trails offer classic skiing and skating tracks, or you might see people skijouring with dogs of all breeds!
Snowshoe passes are $5, half the price of a ski pass. Children seven and under are free. Trails are open 9a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Snowshoe rentals cost $9. Call for group rates. Head north on hwy 180 through town, and turn right just past Milepost 222.
For more info
Arizona Snowbowl and Nordic Center: 928-779-3019, or http://www.info@arizonasnowbowl.com/ Peaks Ranger Station: 928-526-0866 Stoneman Lake Lodge: Coconino Natinal Forest:
Williams
Williams Ski Area is complete with lifts and groomed trails for beginners and families. But to get away out into solitude and the pure powder, there are plenty of options, said Kaibab Forest Service employee Laura Duncan.
Dogtown Lake Trail: Nice meadows and an easy lake trail with 1.8 miles of fairly flat terrain. Trail starts just west of the picnic area at Dogtown Lake. Williams Visitor Center Assistant Manager Earl Bassett said that Dogtown Campground maintains one open
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