Pumphouse Wash Hike

Route Description for Pumphouse Wash Hike

The Pumphouse Wash is an underappreciated route through an interesting wetland habitat near Kachina Village, Arizona. While you shouldn’t confuse this trail with the very popular Pumphouse Wash hike in Sedona, this one is worth a visit in its own way. Located near Raymond Park, a popular area for wildlife viewing, the Pumphouse Wash hike travels along a wash in a rich wetland habitat.

These wet meadows support a wide range of plant and animal life. With Oak Creek flowing from here to Sedona, this is one of the most varied riverside habitats in northern Arizona. The hike through the wash is very relaxed, with smooth footing and no significant elevation gain.

If you can time this hike for the late spring or early summer, you’ll enjoy a stunning variety of wildflowers on the trail. As the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department puts it, “hike on the brown, stay out of the green.” In a habitat like this, it’s very important that both people and dogs stay only on the designated trails to avoid trampling the plants beside them.

From the trailhead, the route heads off before splitting. Stay right, hiking through the wash as it twists and turns. Enjoy the trees, the wildflowers (including sunflowers, blue flax, and fleabane), and the songs of the birds.

You’ll hike along pine-shaded banks for most of the route. Keep an eye out for an interesting layered rock deposit perched up on the hill.

The trail ends where the Woody Wash intersects from the northwest. Although you might be tempted to go further, beware that there’s poison ivy up ahead, so it’s best to turn around here.

Retrace your steps back to the trailhead on the same route you used to come out.

Hiking Route Highlights

Wildflowers

In the late spring through midsummer, this hike is a beautiful place to see wildflowers. The most noticeable blooms you’ll see are yellow sunflowers, blue Lewis flax, and pretty pink and white fleabane. True to their name, fleabane do actually repel fleas, good news for dogs on the trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pumphouse Wash Hike dog-friendly?

Dogs on leash are welcome on this trail.

Is the Pumphouse Wash hike open?

This hike does not close, so it can be hiked all day and all year.