The Bear Jaw Abineau Canyon Loop hiking trail 21 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona is a six-mile, strenuous hike.
The Bear Jaw Abineau Canyon Loop hiking trail 21 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona is a six-mile, strenuous hike. It's lightly used and open from May to November of each year. The hike typically takes 4.5 hours to complete. No motorized vehicles are permitted on the trail. Bicycles are also not permitted on the trail. Elevation is 8500' to 10,400'. The Bear Jaw Loop suffered extensive damage in 2005 due to an avalanche. The damage was so severe that parts of the trail were closed for quite a while. Although currently open, damage of the avalanche is still visible.
The Bear Jaw Loop is on the north slope of the San Francisco Peaks. Those hiking the trail will be able to see the Grand Canyon that's 90 miles away. The hike is very scenic. Hikers will get a chance to walk through forested canyons and climb the sides of steep and steady cliffs among mixed Conifer and Aspens. Nature lovers will appreciate this hike in late spring when Alpine flowers like Lupin, Rocky Mountain Iri, Penstemon, and Paintbrush are in full bloom. In the summer Sunflowers bloom. The fall is also a lovely season to hike this trail since the Aspens turn attractive gold and red colors.
Animals hikers are likely to see on the Bear Jaw Loop include black bears (most likely around the Peaks), mule deer, elk, Juncos, Steller's Jays, Clark's Nutcrackers and the Hermit Thrush. Water is not accessible on this trail. Some experts warn that lightening can be a hazard along the pipeline road.
