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Apache Maid Lookout
Camp Verde,
Arizona
(Coconino County)
Last Updated:
12/23/2022
Trail Information
Highlights
The Apache Maid fire tower arguably has the best views in central Arizona. Be kind to the fire watch in the tower, and you will likely receive an invitation to the top. Getting there requires climbing the 30-foot scaffold holding up the tower's cab, and negotiating over 2 miles of narrow shelf road. The views are definitely worth the effort. From the summit of Apache Maid Mountain at 7301 feet, the entire topography of the heartland of Arizona surrounds you. Vistas of pine forests, open grassland meadows, the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff, the red rocks of Sedona, the Mogollon Rim, and Mingus Mountain all lay at your feet. Both the road and the tower were completed in 1961. The drive up switchbacks along the southern side of the mountain provide stunning views at each turn. A picnic table at the summit makes for a sweet place to grab a bite. Enjoy!
Trail Difficulty and Assessment
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Wade May
Official Crew
Trail Navigation
Trail Reviews
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 07/15/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
This trail up the mountain is worth doing for the fabulous views. But fyi the Lookout tower was not open to visitors. We ran this today and same time last year to find the final section gated off to stop visitors. The view from the gate is still very good. You can see ****** Creek, Mingus mountain and Sedona valley very well. In contrast, we visited the Moqui Lookout tower on every trip and it was always open with the same friendly Ranger.
Open
Visited: 07/09/2021
Coconino National Forest has lifted the Stage 3 closures. Trails are now open.
Temporary Closure
Visited: 06/22/2021
The Coconino National Forest has issued a closure order for all recreational use of the Coconino National Forest due to extreme fire danger. This order will be in effect at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, and shall remain in effect until September 1, 2021, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.
Partially Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 08/21/2020
Came in from Cedars Flat trail and left on the Apache Maid trail towards Lake Mary Rd. Lookout trail is partially open; you can ride up to the main gate and stop for a lookout over the valley and towards Sedona; however, the lookout tower is closed due to Covid. Beautiful views at turnaround/gate and the drive up is stunning overview.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 09/23/2019
Gorgeous and an easy / quick trip. Heads up, the fire tower closes today for the end of fire season; won’t open again until roughly March.
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