The U-Bar Trail leads into an area of forests, grasslands and canyons as rich in history as it is in scenery and wildlife. Before the current system of Forest Roads was installed, trails such as this one served as the equivalent of forest highways. They made it possible for Forest Service personnel, ranchers and hunters to move across the many canyons that carve this landscape into a series of rocky escarpments and grassy riparian areas. Portions of the old trail work, including piled rock berms are still visible along steeper sections of the route.
Today, the U-Bar offers forest visitors the best means of access into this area of quiet canyons and ridges. The trails are excellent for hiking or horsebacking. The U-Bar Trail can provide an enjoyable day hike, if you arrange a car shuttle with a hiking friend, or you may want to take a week off and hike the whole Cabin Loop.
Rating: Moderate
Notes:
No motor vehicles are permitted.
There is no apparent footpath on sections of the trail, only blazed trees show the way.
At a Glance
Open Season:
April - November - weather permitting
Usage:
Light
Closest Towns:
Happy Jack, AZ
Operated By:
Mogollom Rim District - 928-477-2255
General Information
Latitude: 34.506332
Longitude: -111.194438
Area/Length: 6.5 miles
Elevation: 6986 at north trailhead
Directions:
USGS Maps: Dane Canyon
GPS: at Cabin 34° 30.386', -111° 11.677'
Location: 80 miles southeast of Flagstaff on roads that are either paved or graveled and suitable for passenger cars in most weather.
Access: Drive 55 miles south of Flagstaff to Clints Well on FH 3 (Lake Mary Road). Turn northeast on AZ 87 for 10 miles to FR 95. Follow FR95 for 16 miles to the trailhead which is at the Pinchot Cabin. (FR 95 is closed during winter.)
