Abineau Bear Jaw Loop

Up in Flagstaff, Arizona this loop trail is located on the North side of Humphreys peak, the drive to this trailhead is off road for about 6 miles, high clearance vehicle not needed, I did it in my Toyota Camry. There may be some cattle along the road so be cautious of that, peoples homes are along this road too which is neat to see. If coming from the valley and driving up to do this hike, I recommend camping the night before, first because it is remote and provides great camping and secondly because it helps adapt to elevation to one’s who are not used to 9,000+ feet of elevation. There are two route for the loop, the abineau trail is the one I did up which is the steeper but shorter option by about 2-3 miles. The trail the entire time is easy to follow, on the way down the bear jaw trail there is an okay option for some trail running the first 1-2 miles and about the only time there is for this hike. Dog friendly however after almost 8 miles round trip of not the best terrain your dog may not like you. No water along the trail. When you get to the highest point of the loop, there is a very visible, very off trail, very steep option to try and get to the north side ridge line of Humphreys and attempt to summit Humphreys. Summiting Humphreys this way is the hardest route, don’t let someone tell you differently, borderline mountaineering steep getting to the ridge, after the ridge there is still up to be climbed to the summit so just be aware. Flagstaff is in higher elevation, therefore afternoon storms can stir in. If you choose to summit attempt watch your footing and it is going to be windier than it was on the trail. The trail itself the route I took was very scenic, different style of Arizona trails, wildlife is common, bears are not but also not uncommon. Total loop length is about 8 miles regardless of what that sign will try and tell you, and not quite even 2,000 feet of climbing but if you take the abineau trail all of that climbing is under 3 miles so you will feel it a little.