Waterline Road Out-and-Back

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Commonly Bikepacked · Views

Waterline Road is closed to public vehicles, and in some sections, feels more like a trail. It's the path followed by Flagstaff water supply from springs within the Inner Basin. This route can be ridden on either a mountain bike or a gravel bike. Fall colors are stunning in late September and early October.

Starting at Schultz tank trailhead, find Waterline Road across the pass and follow it north around the Peaks. The road is a continuous grade, similar to that of a rail trail. As it traverses and climbs northward, views open up far across the Painted Desert to the east.

Eventually you'll enter the aspen forest of the Inner Basin, where you'll want to stop and enjoy. After passing the Inner Basin Trail and some waterline infrastructure, the trail becomes more rugged and steeper. It wraps to the far north side of the Peaks, ending at the wilderness boundary in Abineau Canyon at 10,350 feet. The views looking out toward the Grand Canyon from this high elevation are stunning! This is the highest point that can be reached by bicycle in the region. Return the way you came. Enjoy the fast downhill, but be careful on blind corners for hikers and other cyclists.