A winter wonderland, a hikers paradise. Kingman, Arizona, may best be known for its connection to legendary Route 66. But for the hiking or mountain biking enthusiast Kingman is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the American Southwest.

An acclaimed series of urban trail systems offers some of the most scenic hiking trails you’ll ever encounter. Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area trails and the trails developed in the canyons that shadow the historic White Cliffs Wagon Road range from moderate, and even wheelchair accessible to challenging.

The Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area Trails

The Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area (CFRA) bisected by Coyote Pass is a sprawling expanse of natural beauty, featuring rugged desert landscapes, intriguing rock formations, and breathtaking vistas. A Phoenix based travel writer called the Monolith Gardens area a miniature Monument Valley.

The trails here cater to hikers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned trekkers. Popular trails include the Monolith Garden Trail, a moderate 7.3-mile loop that showcases fascinating rock formations and serene desert flora. For a more challenging hike, try the Castle Rock Trail, a 2.2-mile trek that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Cerbat Mountains and Sacramento Valley.

This trails system also provides access to picturesque historic sites. In Coyote Pass, the course for US 93, and soon I – 11, trails follow several historic roads. These include the mid-19^th century Mohave Prescott Road, a “highway” built in about 1913, and the 1930s US 466 that had an eastern terminus at Route 66 in Kingman.

Beale Springs is a true desert oasis. It was also the site of Camp Beale Springs, a military outpost in the 1870s, and an internment camp for clans of the Hualapai tribe during the Hualapai Wars. A hotel complex was built here in the 1890s.

Directions to Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area

Coyote Pass Trailhead: Follow I-40W to US-93 N/W Beale St. in Kingman. Take exit 48 north from I-40W. Continue on US-93 for 5.9 miles, use the Agua Fria Drive crossover to proceed back south on US-93 toward Kingman. Continue on US-93 for 4.1 miles. Using the turn lane, turn right into the Coyote Pass Trailhead parking area.

Metwell Trailhead: Follow I-40W to US-93 N/W Beale St. in Kingman. Take exit 48 north from I-40W. Turn left on Metwell Drive and quickly veer right, continue 0.3 miles. Turn right at the Monolith Gardens trailhead sign.

Camp Beale Loop Trailhead: Follow I-40W to US-93 N/W Beale St. in Kingman. Take exit 48 north from I-40W. turn right on Fort Beale Drive, continue for 1.3 miles and turn left up the steep paved hill for 0.3 miles, parking is on the right.

Badger Trailhead: Follow I-40 W to US-93 N/W Beale St. in Kingman. Take exit 48 north from I-40W. Continue on US-93 for 4.2 miles. Turn right into the Badger trailhead parking area located just after the US-93/ST Route 68 interchange.

Hiking Trails at White Cliffs Wagon Road

Built in the late 19^th century, the White Cliffs Wagon Road connected the mining camp of Stockton in the Stockton Hill Mining District to the railhead in Kingman. This is one of the points of interest for Kingman Tours, the innovative QR code based narrated self guided tour of historic Kingman.

Ruts worn deep in the stone beneath towering cliffs set the tone for adventures on this trail system. The trail along the old wagon road is 2.5 miles long. This makes it a perfect option for a leisurely hike while soaking in the rich history and scenic beauty of the area.

But there are miles of trails in this system. Each has a unique character, and they can easily be linked for diversity.

Some follow the canyon floors, others climb to the summits and provide panoramic views of Kingman, the Cerbat Mountains, the Hualapai Mountains and the Hualapai Valley.

Directions to White Cliffs Wagon Road

From Beale Street, one block off Route 66, turn north on Grandview Avenue. Metcalf Park is on the right, and Arizona Inn on the left.

Turn right on Lead Street, which becomes which turns into White Cliffs Road. Continue about a quarter mile to the trail head.

There is also a trail head next to the Elks Lodge, 900 Gates Avenue, and the golf course driving range. But I also highly recommend the trail head at the end of Fourth Street behind the historic Mohave County Courthouse. This trailhead is also a small picnic area and is a scenic overlook with stunning views of the city.

So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your water bottle, and hit the trails of Kingman, Arizona.

Jim Hinckley’s America Sponsors

A special thank you to the sponsors who make Coffee With Jim, our weekly podcast, Jim Hinckley’s America possible. Our sponsors share our passion for the American story, and for inspiring road trip. Without their generous support, our explorations, stories and shared adventures in a winter wonderland would not be possible. So, with that said, let me introduce you to our advertising sponsors:

• Roadrunner Lodge Motel, Tucumcari, New Mexico: A nostalgic Route 66 motel offering 1960s vintage charm with modern comforts. It’s the perfect place to rest, relive the glory days of the Mother Road with neon lit nights, and for discovering the magic of Tucumcari.
• Cactus Inn Motel, McLean, Texas: This quaint, family-owned, renovated 1950s motel provides a cozy and friendly atmosphere, ideal for travelers seeking genuine Route 66 experiences. As a bonus it is next door to the delightful Red River Steakhouse that offers hearty meals served in a setting that is a tribute to the Texas ranching industry.
• Wagon Wheel Motel, Cuba, Missouri: One of the oldest continuously running motels on Route 66, this gem provides guests with a delightful blend of history, comfort, and hospitality. A Jim Hinckley’s America travel tip. For dinner I recommend Weir on 66, a few blocks west at the junction of highway 19 and Route 66. And for breakfast, Shelly’s just down the street or Huddle House out at the junction with I-44.
• RouteTrip USA: A travel agency specializing in bespoke road trip planning across the USA and Canada, ensuring travelers have unforgettable and personalized adventures. This is your one stop shop for memory making odysseys. Aside from the team’s intimate knowledge of the special places found only on the back roads, they retain the services of folks like Jim Hinckley as consultants to ensure you have the best possible road trip adventure.
• Enchanted Trails Trading Post and RV Park, Albuquerque: A historic 1940s Route 66 trading post blended with a modern, fully equipped RV park that offers a unique stay with a touch of Southwestern history and charm. This is the legendary Enchanted Trails Trading Post and RV Park on Route 66 at the top of Nine Mile Hill west of Albuquerque. Be sure to check out the vintage travel trailer display, and the legendary hubcap tree. And if you need someone to tell you where to go, talk with Vickie Ashcraft, the owner. She is also the president of the Route 66 Association of New Mexico.
• If you would like to become an advertising sponsor, and put your business or community in the spotlight to an international audience of road trip adventurers, drop us a note for details.

Coffee With Jim

For road trip inspiration check out our website – www.jimhinckleysamerica.com – or join us every Sunday morning for Coffee With Jim. Our podcast, “Coffee With Jim,” is live streamed on Podbean. Archived programs are available on a special Jim Hinckley’s America Podbean website.

In each episode, with fascinating and inspiring guests, and audience participation, we delve into fascinating tales of the American road trip. And we share insights about historic routes, and bring the stories of the past to life.

There is an embedded player for archived programs on several websites, including Jim Hinckley’s America.

A world of stories and shared adventures awaits you with Jim Hinckley’s America. Sharing America’s story and inspiring road trips, it’s what we do.

Happy trails from Jim Hinckley and the Jim Hinckley’s America team – Jim Hinckley