Casner Mountain Trail #8

Originally built to maintain power lines, Casner Mountain trail offers spectacular views of the Sycamore Canyon and Red Rock/Secret Mountain Wildernesses and the Verde Valley. The trail follows an old jeep road which still provides access to the power lines.

The trail begins in high desert vegetation and switchbacks up the side of Casner Mountain. Once on top of the mesa, Pinyon/Juniper with open grasslands are the norm. The ascent is very strenuous and accounts for about 2 miles of the total length. However, once on top the hike is really quite easy to moderate. Take lots of water especially during the Summer months.

Wildlife is abundant, particularly in the winter months. Watch for elk and deer. An occasional bear and even mountain lion are spotted.

Length: 7 miles one way

Rating: Moderate to strenuous

Use: Light

Season: All year. Snow may be present in winter. The "Special Program" listed below is seasonal. All other use is year-round.

Hiking time: Plan on a full day/overnighter.

Special Program for 4x4s

The forest service is offering a program for full-size four-wheel-drive vehicles (over 50" wide) for use on this trail between May 16th and October 14th. A permit is required. Permits will only be issued for groups with at least three vehicles and not more than ten vehicles. Group size may not exceed 25persons. Only one permit will be issued per calendar-week. Allow two to six weeks for permit processing. Permits will not be issued for commercial use and not for overnight camping. The gates are closed and locked, but permit-holders will receive the combination.

USGS Maps: Loy Butte

Location: About 48 miles south of Flagstaff (17 miles west of Sedona) on paved and graveled roads.

Access: Drive 30 miles south from Flagstaff through Sedona on US 89A. Five miles past Sedona turn north on FR 525 and follow the signs to Sycamore Pass. Turn west on FR 525C and continue for seven miles to the trailhead. Watch for the trailhead sign on your right where the power line crosses the road.

Access from Flagstaff via Woody Mountain Road: (FR231) to 231A, to FR538 to FR538B at the junction with Taylor Cabin Trail.

For more information contact:
Red Rock Ranger District, P.O. Box 20429, Sedona AZ 86341, (928) 282-4119