Trails in the forests around Munds Park cater to visitors of many ilks.
The slice of Coconino National Forest 20 miles south of Flagstaff is home to the Munds Park Trail System and the Kelly Motorized Trail System. Both systems of looped trails fill the space between Interstate 17 and the Sandys Canyon area on Lake Mary Road with over 100 miles of recreational routes.
Whether used for hiking, mountain biking or off-road motorized travel, the system’s menu of short and long loops makes for an ideal outdoor fun destination. The Munds Park Trail System has several convenient trailheads just a few miles east of Interstate 17.
The Iron Springs trailhead offers quick access to the area’s most popular trails, the Mud Tank Trail and the Frog Tank Loop. Also departing from the same trailhead, the Iron Springs Connector is a rocky two-track that’s open to hikers, bikers and smaller OHVs.
The mile-long route may be used as the first leg in any number of out-and-back or loop hikes. The trailhead kiosk has maps showing the layout of both systems.
The Munds Park trails are mostly rated as easy to moderate and are short, while the Kelly trails are designed for OHV use and are longer and more difficult. All the trails wander through ponderosa pine forests with patches of sunny meadows and lots to see.
How to hike the Munds Park Trail System
For a moderate out-and-back day hike, follow the Iron Springs Connector to the Frog Tank Loop junction. Go right at the junction and follow the trail (it's also open to motorized use) downhill to where it crosses a drainage replete with summer wildflowers and tiny pools.
At 0.2 mile from the Frog Tank Junction, the trail meets a three-way intersection. Continue straight onto the Leap Frog Trail #246, also known as the Buried Cable Trail. The trail is not signed here, but utility posts along this 0.3-mile segment serve as identifiers.
At the 1.5-mile point, the trail reconnects with the Frog Tank Loop. Leap Frog trail continues north, but for a scenic detour, head left and make a 0.4-mile round-trip walk to Frog Tank. The watery enclave is a wildlife magnet at the edge of a sunny green swale. The pretty site attracts waterfowl, birds, elk and meandering domestic cattle.
Leap Frog Trail is a 9.5-mile route that twists north, roughly paralleling I-17, before swinging east to connect with the Rocky Road Trail, which leads to Mud Tank and back to the Iron Springs trailhead. But for those not looking to do a half-marathon-style trek, Forest Road 78A is a good turnaround point for a hike under 5 miles.
We ventured about a half mile beyond the junction where the Leap Frog trail continues across FR78A at a nondescript Kelly Trail signpost and begins a moderate climb through the Horse Park forest thinning project.
The Coconino National Forest logging project is part of an effort to reduce fire danger by removing fuels, restoring habitats and improving forest health. Cut trees and log piles are visible along this segment. The thinning project has also opened mountain vistas.
The silhouettes of 8,456-foot Mormon Mountain and 7,307-foot Apache Maid Mountain peek out from a fringe of tall pines and Gamble oaks, a sampling of what the higher elevations might have in store for strong hikers and brave ATV drivers.
Hiking the Munds Park Trail System
Length: 4.6 miles out and back to Forest Road 78A as described here with a side trip to Frog Tank.
Rating: Moderate.
Elevation: 6,565-6,625 feet.
Getting there: Use the Iron Springs trailhead. From Interstate 17 in Munds Park, take Exit 322 for Pinewood Boulevard/Forest Road 240 and go 0.8 mile to Crestline Road. Turn left and go 0.8 mile (road will turn into Oak Drive) to Iron Springs Road. Turn right and go 0.5 mile to the trailhead. Trailhead road is maintained dirt suitable for all vehicles. There are no fees or facilities.
Details: Munds Park Trail System, mundsparktrailstewards.com. Coconino National Forest thinning information, www.fs.usda.gov/coconino.
Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at arizonahiking.blogspot.com.
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