Crimson Road

In its day, Crimson Road was the main thoroughfare between Flagstaff and the Mormon Lake area. Bypassed by the paved Lake Mary Road, today it simply transports you quickly into the magnificent ponderosa pine woodland that is the heart of the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest. The well-maintained road meanders gently along the contours of an otherwise rugged landscape. After 11 miles, the forest gives way to Antelope Park, a large alpine meadow at an elevation of 7,000 feet. The meadow begs you to camp along its wooded edges to watch elk, deer, and pronghorn graze early and late in the lazy day. Crimson Road leaves the open meadow, plunging back into the forest and Newman Canyon. The road passes a picturesque old cattle corral, unused these days. Before you are ready, the road deposits you back onto the pavement.