Casner Mountain #8

Originally built to maintain power lines, Casner Mountain Trail offers spectacular views of the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness and Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness and the Verde Valley. The trail follows an old jeep road which still provides access to the power lines and off-highway opportunities for motorized vehicles. Wildlife is abundant, particularly in the winter months. Watch for elk and deer. An occasional bear and even mountain lion are spotted.

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. Take lots of water especially during the summer months.

Hikers and mountain bikers
The ascent is very strenuous and accounts for about 2 miles of the total length. However, once on top the hike/ride is really quite easy to moderate.

Motorized vehicles
Casner Mountain Trail is designated as a motorized trail with very rugged conditions along a narrow ridge with limited opportunity for two-way traffic. Gates are closed year round.

ATVs/dirtbikes (vehicles less than 62 inches wide)
The trail is open year-round between the FR 525C/9529 intersection at the bottom of the mountain, and FR 538B, where the trail enters the Flagstaff Ranger District at the top. There is room to go under or around the gates. During wintertime FR 538B and other roads in this region of the Forest are closed. Check the Red Rock Ranger District Road Status for the status of the gates at either end of Casner Mountain Trail #8 and do not pass the upper gate onto FR 538B when the area is listed as closed for the winter.

OHVs/modified 4-wheel drive vehicles (vehicles more than 62 inches wide)
A permit is required. The road is only open for permitted access between mid-May and mid-October. Exact dates vary each year. Please see additional details below.