FR 226

3.3/5 (6 reviews)
Flagstaff, Arizona (Coconino County)
Last Updated: 01/04/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Immediately you are ensconced in tall pines and an abundance of campsites. That's just what you'd expect from a well-groomed trail in the Coconino National Forest with easy access off the interstate. But just a few miles into Forest Road 226, you begin to find silence broken only by the wind singing a soothing melody in the tops of the Ponderosas and the crunch of your tires on the dirt. Squirrels scamper across the road, and that might have been an elk in the shadows watching you pass by. At picturesque Bar M Canyon, named for an old ranch that once operated in the area, is an unexpected one-lane bridge. Just beyond the bridge is a campsite snuggled up to the canyon. An enterprising camper cut large pine logs into camp furniture fit for Paul Bunyan. The site makes for a cozy overnight camp or perhaps just an amusing and timely picnic spot. With links to a complete network of other fun trails, Forest Road 226 might be a pivotal segment of a longer overland journey. But even alone, it is worth checking out.


Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

3.3/5 (6)
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 09/10/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Nice easy trail that connects to plenty of others. There is also plenty of spots to camp along the way
4700
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 08/23/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We used this trail as a connector trail on an overland route from Sedona to Flagstaff. This trail was used to connect up with FR228A and FR700 as part of the overall route. Some large camping spots - however, most of them were VERY boggy from the recent monsoon rains. Check the forecast before you go camping. Not the most private places to camp either - lots of SxS traffic and large groups camping. The road was in pretty good shape, but recent rains have left it bumpy/rocky in sections - airing down will help your back.
Seasonal Closure
Visited: 01/16/2022

Exit 320 east off I-17 was blocked off and closed. There is still accumulated snow at that elevation.
Official Crew
60100
Open
Visited: 07/09/2021

Coconino National Forest has lifted the Stage 3 closures. Trails are now open.
Official Crew
60100
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.

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