Expect lots of ladybugs on Bill Williams Mountain
After the hike, do not miss Bearizona

Stan Bindell/NHO<br>
Not only will you see bears at Bearizona, you will see other wildlife, including this bobcat.

Stan Bindell/NHO<br> Not only will you see bears at Bearizona, you will see other wildlife, including this bobcat.

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - There aren't many mountain men left in Arizona, but hikers may feel like one after trekking up Bill Williams Mountain.

This is a good workout hike that is matched by the beauty of the mountain and everything on it. During this past summer, the mountain trail was filled with an abundance of flowers and several types of butterflies and moths.

The beauty of this trail has not gone unnoticed as most notable hiking books about Arizona include the Bill Williams trail. Those who hit the trail during the right time of year can find gazillions of ladybugs at the top. Those willing to touch the ladybugs can scoop them up by the hundreds. It's quite a site to see the blur of orange with the ladybugs everywhere.

This hike is best done during the summer to cool off or during the fall to enjoy the colors of the aspens.

However, while living in Williams for a few years in the mid 1980s, I hiked the mountain several times including once with Williams Publisher Doug Wells. We went up one side of the mountain that was totally clear of snow, but when we came to the other side of the mountain it was totally covered with snow. Feeling adventurous, instead of turning around, we decided to tough it out. Much of the way down involved sliding down and catching ourselves on trees. Ah, the memories.

The memories and the mountain make this an easy hike to return to even if it doesn't get any easier to hike to the top.

The beauty of this mountain with the trees, flowers and ladybugs make it well worth the climb. This hike starts at 7,000 feet so folks from the valley may feel a huff and a puff before they start.

Then the seven mile climb rises more than 2,400 feet for the promised workout on the legs, calves and knees. The climb is the reason why most hiking books rate this trail as strenuous.

The summit sits at 9,256 feet with a lookout tower offering even a bit more of a climb for the highest view on the mountain.

Pine and oak trees are found toward the beginning of the trail. Spruce, fir and aspen are more abundant toward the top.

There is no water on this trail. The trick is to take enough water to be happy and yet not too much water because hikers don't need extra baggage for the climb.

For more information, telephone 928-635-5600 or log onto fs.usda.gov/kaibab.

Directions

From Flagstaff, take I-40 west for 35 miles to Exit 161. Go south and follow the signs a little more than one mile to the Williams Ranger District Station. The well signed trailhead is just east of the station. There is no fee. The site offers toilet facilities and a picnic table.

Don't forget to visit Bearizona

Those who make it to Williams for the hike and like wildlife can have more fun at Bearizona, a drive-through wildlife park that opened its door just a bit more than a year ago since they had their first anniversary in May.

The current species during a recent drive through included bighorn sheep, brown bison, black bear, bobcat, Alaska tundra wolf, American burro, red fox, skunk, white bison, dall sheep and a mini-farm that includes mini-goats.

The future plans call for adding arctic wolf, armadillo and badger.

Bearizona states that its mission is to promote conservation through memorable and educational encounters with North American wildlife in a natural environment.

Bearizona's literature states that research shows that a connection to nature is necessary for healthy development of children and adults. The wildlife is found in packs and herds so births, courtships, mating and socializing all go on.

The vision is to connect visitors to wildlife and the land they inhabit while using the best practices for economic, environmental and social sustainability.

Bearizona works with area veterinarians for preventive and acute care. Discounted admissions are available for the area's school groups.

Bearizona plans to use rainwater collectors, solar energy, geothermal heating and xeriscaping with native plants.

Bearizona was started by brothers Sean and Dennis Casey.

The end of the drive-through has a walk-through where more wildlife can be viewed. The walk through portion includes cliffs and waterfalls. A gift shop is also available.

The park is found at the intersection of I-40 and Arizona Highway 64, an hour south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, making this a great stopping point for those going to or from the Grand Canyon.

For more information, telephone (928) 635-2289 or google Bearizona.

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