Snowshoeing Northern Arizona

"There's some neat places and a lot of flat areas just out in the forest," Bassett commented, adding that folks can just pick a direction out into the trees for quality Williams snowshoeing.

Take 4th Street south 4 miles and turn at FR 140, where a sign points to Dogtown Lake. It's another 4 miles on a graded, plowed road to the campground area.

Ponderosa and Davenport Hill Trails: Also taking off from Dogtown Lake, this system picks a 2.5-mile moderate path through the ponderosas. Bassett called this a pretty trail for snowshoeing. A signed trail map is posted at the east end of the Dogtown Nature Loop Trail for detailed information. Follow directions as above to find Dogtown Lake.

Benham Trail: "It goes up at a fairly gradual rate, so it's more doable than some of the steep ones," reported Duncan. Start at 4th Street in downtown Williams, which turns into County Road 173. Park at the signed trailhead and hike 4.5 miles along a moderately strenuous old road through the pines, ending at an interesting cinder pit.

Bill Williams Mt. Trail: Duncan suggested using clawed snowshoes on this trail, since it's steeper.

"The thing is, our snow doesn't last too long, so it's better to get up higher, off the Plateau," she said. "You definitely sweat during snowshoeing on this one."

This trail winds up the 4 miles along the slopes of Bill Williams, a 9,000-foot peak that stands prominently to the south and west of the San Francisco Peaks. Passes stands of aspens and nice viewpoints enroute. Outstanding views from the peak or from inside the Lookout Tower (if you are lucky enough to have it manned when you go).

...and the Grand Canyon

Why not appease your urge for grandeur at a time when the canyon is lonely and cool? Make this your winter to run and check out the rim trails (5 million yearly visitors can't all be wrong).

South Rim Trail: Miles of flat terrain clings to the south side of the Canyon for an out and back of any length up to 20 miles, from Yavapai Point to Hermit's Rest. The trail is paved between Yavapai and west to Maricopa Point. The trail is narrow, precipitous and unpaved from Maricopa to Hermit's. The Yavapai Point Observation Station is open all year, for a little detour into welcoming warmth.

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