Doney Trail #39, AZ

If you're interested in a short scenic walk in desert volcano country, with a great view of the painted desert and the San Francisco Peaks at the trail's end, you'll want to check out the Doney Trail. This half-mile hike begins at the Doney Picnic Area and climbs gradually up the side of a volcanic cinder cone to a panoramic overlook. Interpretive signs posted along the way tell you about the unique ecology of this rugged area and about the adventures of Ben Doney who prospected these hills for gold. You'll even see one of Doney's old digs along the way. Also along the trail, you'll see two prehistoric ruins with signs interpreting their role in the local community and how they related to prehistoric farming practices.


If you don't have lunch at the picnic area, you might want to pack it along. There's a bench at the top of the climb where you can savor your snack while you enjoy the scenery. An interpretive sign there gives you the contemporary as well as the Hopi names of all the landmarks in the view. It provides interesting mealtime reading. (Don't forget to pack out everything you brought in. You wouldn't want to spoil the dining room for the next person.)

2008-06-11 HAZ_Hikebot