Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash
Expert

Kaibab #172A

Sedona, Arizona · Coconino County · lwn · United States Forest Service · 172A

Kaibab #172A is a expert hiking trail near Sedona in Coconino County, Arizona.. Managed by United States Forest Service. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

🧭 Get Directions🗺️ Open in OSM
Advertisement
34.80677, -111.77069
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Kaibab #172A

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High98°F
Avg Low75°F
Peak Rain Chance10%
Humidity36%
UV (avg)9
Air Quality42 · Good
Today
☁️
Overcast
99°/76°
💧 10%🌬 18mph
↑ 5:32 AM ↓ 7:34 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
99°/74°
💧 4%🌬 15mph
↑ 5:33 AM ↓ 7:33 PM
Tue
🌦
Light Drizzle
97°/76°
💧 6%🌬 14mph
↑ 5:34 AM ↓ 7:32 PM
Wed
🌦
Light Drizzle
96°/73°
💧 3%🌬 13mph
↑ 5:34 AM ↓ 7:32 PM
Thu
☁️
Overcast
98°/76°
💧 3%🌬 10mph
↑ 5:35 AM ↓ 7:31 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Kaibab #172A

Kaibab #172A is a expert hiking trail near Sedona in Coconino County, Arizona.. Managed by United States Forest Service. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Expert” Means

Long backcountry routes (20+ miles), alpine grades, via ferrata, or extremely technical terrain. For experienced hikers with proper conditioning, navigation skills, and gear.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

See more expert trails →All Arizona trails →

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
    Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
  • 🩳
    Light shorts/skirt
    Loose-fit, breathable.
  • 🧢
    Wide-brimmed sun hat
    Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
  • 🕶
    Polarized sunglasses
    Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 9)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🔦
    Headlamp + spare batteries
    Long days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • ⛑
    Helmet (terrain-dependent)
    Expert routes may include scrambling or rockfall risk.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Arizona

Trail conditions in Arizona change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Kaibab #172A?

Kaibab #172A is rated Expert. Alpine, exposed, or technically demanding. For experienced hikers only.

When is the best time to hike Kaibab #172A?

Arizona has trail conditions that vary by season. High-elevation routes are typically best from late spring through early fall; expect snow at higher altitudes outside that window. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Kaibab #172A?

Kaibab #172A is managed by United States Forest Service as part of the lwn network. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.

Nearby

Other Trails Near Kaibab #172A

Closest trailheads, sorted by distance from this one.

All Arizona trails →
Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleysPhoto: Holly MandarichExpertAZ

Kaibab Trail

Sedona, Arizona
Ground
🥾🚲🐴
Sunlit footpath winding through a tall conifer forestPhoto: Jay MantriEasyAZ

Yavapai Vista #172

Sedona, Arizona
Hiking
🥾
Sunlit footpath winding through a tall conifer forestPhoto: Jay MantriEasyAZ

Yavapai Vista Trail

Sedona, Arizona
Ground
🥾🚲🐴
Sunlit footpath winding through a tall conifer forestPhoto: Jay MantriEasyAZ

Coconino Spur #172C

Sedona, Arizona
Hiking
🥾
Sunlit footpath winding through a tall conifer forestPhoto: Jay MantriEasyAZ

Coconino Spur

Sedona, Arizona
Ground
🥾🚲🐴
Sunlit footpath winding through a tall conifer forestPhoto: Jay MantriEasyAZ

Basalt #172D

Sedona, Arizona
Hiking
🥾
Guides & rankings

More on hiking in Arizona

View all posts →
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Arizona, Ranked

Arizona's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleysPhoto: Holly Mandarich
State Rankings

Arizona's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten Arizona trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Arizona

Ten gentle, well-marked Arizona trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Arizona

Arizona's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Going down the Grand Canyon. Seeing our destination from afar. So worth! If you find this picture useful, consider donating! Venmo: @diegonachoPhoto: Diego Lozano
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Arizona

Federal parks and recreation areas in Arizona ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in Arizona: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

Arizona's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min