Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
2,395.00 ft (730.00 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
29.40 mi (47.31 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

AZT Passage 28: Happy Jack is a 29.4-mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This moderately rated section runs from Highway 87 to the Gooseberry Springs Trailhead and is located south of Flagstaff, AZ. This passage is accessible for hikers, trail runners, long-distance backpackers, equestrians and mountain bikers. 

Passage 28 continues through Coconino National Forest and traverses across the Mogollon Plateau. This section begins at the Hay Meadow Trailhead and heads north, stretching across forests of ponderosa pine, piñon and juniper trees. The trail is smooth and soft and the miles are fairly flat and easy. The trail drops into Jack’s Canyon, passes by stock ponds and springs, and crosses rocky flats where you might catch a glimpse of wildlife such as pronghorn and elk. 

DIRECTIONS
Follow Arizona National Scenic Trail Signs/Trail Markers.
Hay Meadow Trailhead (south of Highway 87) to Jack’s Canyon. 
Continue to follow signs for the Arizona National Scenic Trail. The route crosses many forest roads and passes by several tanks.  

Important Note From The AZTA:
The fences and water tanks in this section are maintained for the purpose of cattle. Give the cows and wildlife unfettered access to the tanks by camping at least a quarter-mile from them. The trail goes through eighteen of the iconic AZT steel gates; please be sure to close them all (https://aztrail.org/explore/passages/passage-28-happy-jack/).

WATER
Water may be found in some stock tanks. The trail also crosses some drainages that may have seasonal water.

Check the Arizona Trail Water Report for current information at: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INFORMATION

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall
Summer

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Fragrant Pine Forest. Soft Trail Tread. Scenic Meadows.

Cons

Scenery unvaried.

Trailhead Elevation

6,831.00 ft (2,082.09 m)

Highest point

7,707.00 ft (2,349.09 m)

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Wildflowers
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking

Permit required

No

Location

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