From Timberline Lodge to Silcox Hut is as much of a desert as I ever hiked in Arizona. The young volcano's debris fields are composed of ash with lava boulders, and as occasional, dead tree. The trail climbs up for 1.5 miles and finally reaches Silcox Hut, which was a bit of a disappointment for me. The views from here are better than from the lodge, though.
Photos: Silcox Hut.
Built in 1936, Silcox Hut was originally the lodge at the top of the Timberline ski run, just below the permanent snowfield. Today, just 50 yards from the hut, stands a modern day-lodge and lift house. The shrinking snowfield is groomed by machines 12 months a year, and the lifts are open most of the year.
The hut is rustic, with thick, rock walls and shake roof. It was closed up tight and construction debris was piled on the ground around it.
There is a trail from the lodge, or you can follow a closed, dirt service road, or you can take a side trail from the Timberline Trail just west of the lodge, on the way to Zig Zag Canyon. The elevation gain is less than 1000'.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.