SCENIC DRIVE

Woody Mountain Road
If Woody Mountain is what catches your eye about this drive, you won’t be disappointed. You won’t find a folk-music icon, a neurotic filmmaker or a heroic toy cowboy along its 23.3-mile route, but you will find plenty of woods. And the forest frequently gives way to vast, unspoiled wetlands and meadows, which are ideal places to see flowers or wildlife. (Technically, cows aren’t wildlife, but you’ll see those, too. Lots of them.)

The drive begins on the west side of Flagstaff, where Historic Route 66 intersects with Woody Mountain Road — also known as Forest Road 231. The road passes the Arboretum at Flagstaff, so follow the signs for the arboretum to get started. Soon after you cross over Interstate 40, FR 231 transitions from pavement to dirt, and you’ll see the road’s namesake (8,025 feet) on your left. From here, the road quality varies, especially after rainstorms. Tread lightly.

Four miles in, you’ll pass the arboretum. By now, you’ll be deep into the ponderosa pines of the Coconino National Forest. Soon after, you’ll come to Rogers Lake, but don’t let the “lake” part fool you. It’s more of a wetland, and this time of year, you might see elk, mule deer or pronghorns there. You’ll also see huge swaths of showy goldeneyes and other wildflowers. It’s been designated a Coconino County natural area, and it’s a perfect place to stop for a picnic lunch.
 

Ponderosas dominate the landscape as you continue on, but there are several smaller grasslands along FR 231, and many of them are unfenced cattle pastures. Don’t be surprised to find an adult cow and her calf blocking your path. Resist the urge to honk your horn or otherwise scare them off. Instead, take the opportunity to make a few photographs. Eventually, the cattle will move aside. It might take a while, but you wouldn’t be making this drive if you were in a hurry, right?

If you continue along FR 231, you’ll cross the West Fork of Oak Creek, but that’s a route for another day. About
14 miles from the start of the drive, keep an eye out for Forest Road 536, which will be on your left. This road is primitive, so take it slow. Avoid standing water whenever possible — when it’s muddy, you might not notice that a large puddle you’re about to drive through is more like a small pond. FR 536 ambles past Fry Lake, another gorgeous wetland, before meeting up with Forest Road 535.

You’re almost done, but make sure to stop along FR 535 and look south, toward Oak Creek Canyon. The rolling, tree-covered landscape is one of the best views of the trip, and it’s a nice reminder that Arizona’s forests are as impressive as its deserts. Woody Guthrie would have loved it. You will, too.

ADDITIONAL READING: For more adventure, pick up a copy of our book Arizona Highways Scenic Drives, which features 40 of the state's most beautiful back roads. To order, visit www.shoparizonahighways.com/100scenicdrives.
 

Tour Guide
Note: Mileages are approximate.

LENGTH: 23.3 miles one way

DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of Milton Road and Historic Route 66 in Flagstaff, go west on Route 66 for 2 miles to Forest Road 231 (Woody Mountain Road). Turn left onto FR 231 and continue 14 miles to Forest Road 536. Turn left onto FR 536 and continue 3.7 miles to Forest Road 535. Turn right onto FR 535 and continue 5.6 miles to State Route 89A. Turn left onto SR 89A to return to Flagstaff or turn right to continue south to Oak Creek and Sedona.

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS: A high-clearance vehicle is required. Four-wheel-drive is recommended, especially during or after inclement weather.

WARNING: Back-road travel can be hazardous, so be aware of weather and road conditions. Carry plenty of water. Don’t travel alone, and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

INFORMATION: Flagstaff Ranger District, 928-526-0866 or www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino

Travelers in Arizona can visit www.az511.gov or dial 511 to get information on road closures, construction, delays, weather and more.