Dane Ridge

Located in the eastern reaches of the vast Coconino National Forest, Dane Ridge cuts through a deep forest of Ponderosa pines. Near the higher southern end of the trail, spruce and fir trees join the pines evoking an alpine forest more reminiscent of Colorado than Arizona. Elk, deer, and turkey sightings are commonplace along the delightful track. As its name implies, Dane Ridge rides along the ridgeline between Dane Canyon on the west and Yeager Canyon on the east. The ridge narrows in several places where travelers are simultaneously looking down the wooded slope of each canyon. A highly recommended side trip is to Dane Springs and Dane Cabin. At Waypoint 5, FR 321A goes off west to some fantastic camping and a small parking lot with a wood rail fence. A short hike west down into Dane Canyon ends at Dane Spring and the remnants of Dane Cabin. The spring, flowing from under a huge boulder, is one of the most reliable and tastiest water sources in the area. The spring has been boxed and now flows out a short pipe. The cabin nearby was once the Fall hunting base for renowned western novel author Zane Grey. Dane Ridge ends at the iconic Rim Road and a spectacular view off the edge of the Mogollon Rim. There are several campsites nearby right on the edge of the Rim for a night under the stars where you feel like you are on top of the world.