Kachina Trail,
Coconino National Forest
One of the most popular places to hike and ride horses within the Coconino National Forest is the moderately challenging Kachina Trail, especially during the fall. The changing colors of the Aspen trees from green to gold as well as the beauty of dense forest, open meadows and views of Humphreys Peak make this trail one of the most scenic to hike within the region.
The trail crosses several canyons and descends to a lava cliff which is now covered with fern and other vegetation — there is also an abundance of wildlife here which includes black bear, elk and deer.
Elevation
The Kachina Trail has a maximum elevation of 9,367 ft., a minimum elevation of 8,779 ft. and an elevation range of 588 ft.
Metrics
| [ A to B ] or [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Length 2 | Min Ele 3 | Max Ele 4 | Range 5 |
| 5.8 mi | 8,779 ft | 9,367 ft | 588 ft |
| [ A to B ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time 6 | Floors 7 | Gain 8 | Loss 9 |
| 2.6 hrs | 12.1 | 145 ft | 629 ft |
| [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Floors | Gain | Loss |
| 2.7 hrs | 52.4 | 629 ft | 145 ft |
Calories
The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.
Topo Maps
Download the PDF Kachina Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.
Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend
- Northwest Topo Map: Kendrick Peak, AZ
- North Topo Map: White Horse Hills, AZ
- Northeast Topo Map: O'Leary Peak, AZ
- West Topo Map: Wing Mountain, AZ
- Topo Map: Humphreys Peak, AZ
- East Topo Map: Sunset Crater West, AZ
- Southwest Topo Map: Bellemont, AZ
- South Topo Map: Flagstaff West, AZ
- Southeast Topo Map: Flagstaff East, AZ
Difficulty
The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the Kachina Trail compared to two other trails. The x-axis is cumulative elevation gain and the y-axis is maximum elevation. The length of the trail is reflected in the size of the bubble.
FAQ
Is this trail known by any other names?
Yes, this trail is also known as Kachina Trail #150.
What is the length of the Kachina Trail?
The length of the trail is 5.8 miles (9.3 km) or 12,728 steps.
How long does it take to hike the Kachina Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 2.6 hours in one direction and in 2.7 hours in the opposite direction.
Warnings
Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
(cdc.gov)
- The Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) may be present in this area. The Brown dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Footnotes
- Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
- Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
- Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
- Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
- Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
- Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
- Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
- Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
- Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.