Seven hikers left Phoenix at 6:30 and convened with seven more hikers at Target in Flagstaff about 8:30. We got into three cars and drove north on US 180 to FR 245, where we turned left and then followed the directions to the Kendrick Peak trailhead. After the usual group picture and introductions, we started up the almost 5 mile trail with 2700' elevation gain to the fire lookout tower at the top of the peak. At an elevation of over 10,400 feet, it is the highest lookout tower in Arizona.

Given the steep unrelenting climb, the group quickly got spread out. The trail is easy to follow and there are no intersecting trails until you get very near the top, so the hikers went at their own pace. It is a long tough climb and for some of us it was difficult to get our legs to do their job.

The temperature was in the 60s and 70s the whole way and there was ample shade along the trail. The views from the trail were spectacular. Lots of wildflowers and ferns mixed in with the mostly pine forest.

As we approached the top we could see scattered rain showers developing in the distance, but no thunder or lighting yet. We passed two fire lookout volunteers who were carrying heavy packs to sustain them during their shift in the tower. We learned that they were the crew to open the tower for the day. The fast hikers reached the top, had lunch and started down before the tower crew arrived. The slower hikers arrived just before the crew, so after a much-needed lunch snack, we got a nice tour of the tower by two very friendly and knowledgeable volunteers.

After the tour, us slower hikers started down and found it much easier. The clouds thickened, and when we were within a mile of the trailhead we heard our first thunder. Just as we reached our cars, it started to rain lightly. We packed up and headed back to Flagstaff and did not encounter any more rain. Some of the group left earlier so the rest of us decided to not stop as a group for eats and drinks.

It was a challenging but satisfying hike of 9.8 miles and over 2700 feet elevation gain. It took us between 5 and 6 hours to do the hike. Note: we drove out on FR 193, that intersects US 180 at MP 233. This route avoided about 3 miles of unpaved road, so the trip description will be undated accordingly.