Fern Mountain is quite unlike any of the other hikes in and around the Flagstaff area. It is a short and sweet, steep, punchy climb that’ll set you back no more than 30 minutes to reach the summit. You may be thinking, why drive all the way out to Fern Mountain if it’s only going to take 30 minutes? My question to you is, why not do another hike afterward? Upon completion of this beautiful hike, many people tend to double up and attack another mountain about 10 miles away called Saddle Mountain.
Although Fern Mountain is very quick and small, the views it offers will not disappoint. At the summit of the 8776 ft peak, you’ll be able to see the entire left side of the Kachina Peaks (Humphrey’s Agassiz, Doyle, Fremont) as well as the Snowbowl Ski Resort. In addition, you’ll be able to see an endless abundance of evergreen trees, part of the city of Flagstaff and gorgeous plains of open fields.
Directions:
- Head west on W Riordan Rd toward Riordan Ranch St for 0.1 mi
- Turn right onto S Milton Rd and continue for 0.7 miles
- Continue onto W Historic Rte 66 for 0.1 miles
- Turn left onto N Humphreys St and continue for 0.6 miles
- Turn left onto W Columbus Ave and continue for ~300 ft
- Continue onto US-180 W/N Fort Valley Rd for 9.4 miles
- Turn right onto Hart Prairie Rd to 151 and continue for 4.8 miles
- Park on the side of the dirt road and begin your hike