Oaks and Willows Trail

Description:

• From the south trailhead this trail travels through the heavily wooded George Wood Canyon, that provides a gateway to the Juniper Mesa Wilderness. By connecting with other wilderness trails, the traveler has several options for exploring this remote part of northern Arizona.

  The trail works its way up from the north fork of Walnut Creek, offering a view of Aztec Pass, an important early pioneer route. Heading for George Wood Canyon, the trail enters the Juniper Mesa Wilderness and climbs up the edge of Juniper Mesa to the mesa top. Continuing across the top, the trail intersects Trail #20, which runs east across the top of Juniper Mesa to Juniper Springs about 6.5 miles. From the intersection with Trail #20, Trail #3 runs down the Pine Creek drainage to FR 7.

  For the easiest hiking available in the Juniper Mesa Wilderness, follow directions given above to the east trailhead; then hike up the two-track trail past the wilderness boundary. This is Trail #3.