Bill Williams Fire Lookout

full-limited Icon
4.3/5 (8 reviews)
Williams, Arizona (Coconino County)
Last Updated: 08/24/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Bill Williams Mountain marks the traditional boundary of the lands once inhabited by the early ancestors of the Hopi people. The mountain is currently home to several radio towers but offers several scenic vantage points along the route to the summit. The trail begins in lush ponderosa pine and oak thickets, offering numerous points to stop in the shade to enjoy the scenery.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.3/5 (8)
User Avatar
Official Crew
inline-aa Icon
65800
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/10/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Great drive to the top of Bill Williams. Switchbacks caused a few 4 point turns in the Power Wagon. Views at the top were fantastic even with the rains showers and thunderstorms around.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 06/11/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Camped at the WP4 as 5 was taken, a lot less overhead over but still amazing views and quiet other then the occasional traffic going to the peak. Wind was a factor most the mid morning to evening but for us late evening was calm enough to have a small fire. The road itself is easy enough until you get to the last 3-4 hairpin switchbacks then becomes a bit more aggressive with large rocks and washes. Not a huge deal but was loaded with all my camp/gear and wasn’t accounting for the sudden terrain change and lack of passing area. Overall some amazing views, some wildlife, and little traffic make it a nice place to relax.
Trail Review: Bill Williams Fire Lookout - Richard Burke
Trail Review: Bill Williams Fire Lookout - Richard Burke
View More Images
User Avatar
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 05/03/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Very pleasant drive, a few easy switchbacks here and there. Plenty of room to pass other vehicles. Camped at #5 and it was a nice site. Hard to see the views because the brush was so heavy towards the edge but there are some trails around that allow you to access them. Super windy all day and all night, be prepared.
User Avatar
inline-aa Icon
15100
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 11/04/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This is the type of trail that needs an additional qualifier ... it's a 1-1 for difficulty, but it's a 10-10 for scenic vistas. The forest is closed on the north side of the trail, but the trail itself is open. We talked to a couple of radio repair guys at the top. They mentioned that a new gate has been added at the last turn before the top ... too many vehicles were parking at the top and interfering with workers. Luckily we were the only vehicle at the top and they had no problems with us driving all the way. The top is about 2500 feet above Williams, so the views across the country side seem to go on forever.
Trail Review: Bill Williams Fire Lookout - Tom
Trail Review: Bill Williams Fire Lookout - Tom
View More Images
User Avatar
Official Crew
inline-aa Icon
77300
Open
Visited: 07/07/2021

Arizona National Forests and State Lands are back open for travel. There are still some very important fire restrictions in place. These restrictions can often change by specific areas.

From the Community

Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail guide
Start Free Trial