Recreation planner Brady VanDragt in Coconino National Forest is moving on a proposal to reroute 18 miles of the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
An upgrade to the Arizona National Scenic Trail
The stated purpose of the reroute is to maximize scenic beauty and separate the trail from traffic in this section.
“The purpose of the AZNST Reroute Project from Hay Meadow to Gooseberry Trailhead is to locate and reroute the trail off of existing roads and provide necessary improvements to the trail to enhance the visual aesthetics and improve the user experience for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders on the national trail. By removing the current alignment from Forest Roads to a non-motorized single-track, the trail will be more sustainable and more desirable to use and easier to maintain.”
Proposed Action by Brady VanDragt, Recreation Planner Coconino National Forest
The reroute would take place in what currently lies between Hay Meadow Trailhead to Gooseberry Springs Trailhead.
The AZNST Project’s proposed action
The Proposed Action from the Mogollon Rim Ranger District in Coconino National Forest comprises the following elements:
- Establishment of the Arizona National Scenic Trail through New Construction and Alignment:
- A new trail, designed for pack and stock purposes, will be built, spanning approximately 18 miles. This will enhance the quality of non-motorized trail experiences in the project area.
- The new trail route will harmonize with the natural terrain, making the most of its topography and vegetation.
- Construction will primarily involve a combination of machine and hand crew efforts. Machine construction will occur outside of Mexican Spotted Owl (MSO) and northern goshawk breeding seasons in areas where the new alignment intersects with or is close to Protected Activity Centers (PACs) for MSO or post-fledgling family areas (PFAs) for northern goshawk.
- Construction and the new alignment will be carefully planned to steer clear of any archaeological or heritage sites.
- Removal of Signage and AZNST Markings Along Forest System Roads:
- Existing trail-related signage and markings along Forest System Roads will be removed in areas where the trail is being decommissioned.
- This removal applies to various Forest Service Roads (FSRs), including 9727H, 93D, 93, 697, 93J, 6082, 93A, 294, 135D, and 92A. Signage may also be removed from other “closed” but signed roads to prevent confusion.
- Decommissioning of Unnecessary Segments of the AZNST:
- Approximately a quarter-mile of the existing trail will be decommissioned near the Pine Springs Trailhead to connect with the new trail construction and alignment.
- Another quarter-mile of the existing trail will be decommissioned north of FSR 6048 to link with the new trail construction and alignment.
- Repair, Replacement, or Construction of Range Fence Lines and Gates:
- As necessary, repair or replacement of around 15 gates will be carried out at range fence line crossings to facilitate trail user access.
- Gate specifications will be designed to accommodate the passage of stock animals and will be constructed using materials consistent with the adjacent fence. In certain instances, metal gates may be employed.
- Reconfiguration of the Pine Springs Trailhead in Proximity to the New AZNST Alignment:
- The Pine Springs Trailhead sign and register box will be relocated to align with the new trail at FSR 294 near Bargaman Park.
- This adjustment will meet the requirements and preferences of both trail users and management.
- Construction of an Educational Kiosk and Hitch Rail at the Gooseberry Springs Trailhead:
- A three-panel educational kiosk will be installed, featuring information about forest wildlife, local history, and the AZNST.
- Additionally, a hitch rail will be set up to accommodate pack and stock users.
- The existing parking area will be improved with an aggregate surface.
- The current trailhead is situated on FSR 92 near FH3.
This kiosk post will be updated with dates, and news on closures and construction.
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