Williams, Arizona - Mountain Bike Trail Reviews
Williams, Arizona - Mountain Bike Trail Reviews
Williams is in Northern Arizona, 60 miles south of the Grand Canyon. Also known as the "Gateway to the Grand CanyonŽ," Williams was the last town in America on Historic Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40.
Boasting seven area fishing lakes, hiking and biking trails up Bill Williams Mountain and down Sycamore Canyon, an alpine ski area and cross country ski trails, four seasons weather, and an abundance of wildlife, Williams offers unlimited recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast.
Williams Race Course
The course's average elevation is 7000 feet. It starts out heading north then gradually turns west and crosses over 4th street and towards the singeltrack climb up Bill Williams mountain. It is a pretty smooth gradual climb until you hit the swtichbacks near the top. Then it gets pretty steep. The climb is beautiful as the singletrack snakes it way through the forest and some beautiful fern areas. The climb ends and comes out onto a fireroad. Take the fireroad downhill hitting speeds of 30+ MPH. Make sure to stop and take in the view from up there. It then turns off to the right down into some fast, loose, rocky singeltrack. This turn is hard to see if it is not marked. It should be about 3 or 4 miles from where you started on the fireroad. I don't know if it is marked when the race is not there. This section continues on some singletrack and doubletrack until it dumps you out on a fire road. Follow this fire road east and just as you cross the cattle gaurd turn left onto the singletrack. This singletrack will lead you to cross 4th street again. Follow the doubletrack across 4th street up and over some hills. This is a pretty rocky climb. Then you will hit a fast downhill singletrack section that will lead you to another fireroad. Turn left onto the fireroad and follow the fireroad until there is a doubetrack to your right. Follow this up and then down to back to where you started.
Directions:
From Phoenix take I-17 north to I-40. Take I-40 west 30 miles to exit 165. Turn south (left) at 4th street in town. Follow 4 miles to Dogtown Lake Rd. (#140) turnoff. Turn left (east) 1.5 miles.
Rating:
Skill: Beginner
Effort: Moderate
Type: Loop/Singletrack
Season: Summer
Mileage: 10
Rating: 4 of 5
Bill Williams Mountain
This route uses some of the same trails as the race course, but goes in a clockwise direction instead. Park at the Williams Ranger Station on Route 66 in town. Follow Route 66 east to 4th street. Turn right and follow for 6 miles all on pavement to lookout road (FS111). Turn right and climb the fireroad for 6 miles until the singletrack (Camp Clover Trail). Follow this twisty steep singletrack for 4 miles down to your car.
Directions:
From Phoenix take I-17 north to I-40. Take I-40 west 30 miles to exit 161. Park at the Ranger station in town on Route 66.
Rating:
Skill: Intermediate
Effort: Moderate
Type: Loop
Season: Summer
Mileage: 20
Rating: 3 of 5
