An infrequently used trail that has a true remote feel. It is shady, and can be hiked in summer. Begin on Dry Creek Trail. Its signed trailhead is west of the parking area across a wash. The trail immediately enters Wilderness Area and turns right as it meets Dry Creek and follows along this usually dry streambed.
It climbs out briefly and there is a good view of the area. At .75 miles, there is a junction of two drainage ditches. View along the Bear Sign Trail/Dry Creek continues ahead. Go left past the trailhead sign for Bear Sign. The trail climbs gradually parallel to the drainage with views of the red rock walls of this rugged canyon. later, the trail narrows and becomes less distinct, but is never far from the dry streambed and is marked by cairns. At 3 miles, the trail crosses a large wash, bends right and soon ends in a carpet of ferns with views of white Coconino sandstone cliffs. Return by the same route for a 6.5 mile hike.
Rating: Moderate
Hiking Time: Allow 4 hours roundtrip
Uses: Hiking and Horses; Bicycles are prohibited in the Wilderness Area
Location: 38 miles south of Flagstaff in scenic Red Rock Country.
Access: From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 89A west 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road on the right. Go 1.9 miles to FS 152 on the right. Take this unpaved road 4.4 miles to trailhead parking at its end. Forest Road 152 very rough - high clearance vehicles recommended. This road should be avoided in wet weather.
