Three weeks ago, my son and I decided to head north from Phoenix and get out of the heat for a day, and spend some time on the trails. We decided on the Kinder Crossing Trail, not far from Happy Jack, AZ & north of Strawberry.

Most trails here in the Valley are a peak trail, where the elevation goes up from the beginning of the trail, and you reach a peak, and then head back down as you finish the trail.

Kinder Crossing was the opposite, and it was pretty intense when we started the climb back out. There was 200’ of elevation gain in the first .2 of a mile once we left the creek side.

Summary from AllTrails (link):

This trail gradually descends until it reaches Clear Creek. At this point, you can choose to cross the creek and continue or turn back. The trail is not well-marked, so it's best to download a map. Along the trail, you'll enjoy lovely views of rock walls and swimming holes, but be prepared for some areas that require bushwhacking.

Length: 2.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 715 feet
Estimated time: 1.5-2 hours
Type: Out & back

Forest Road 95 is usually well groomed and easily passed in a regular passenger car. This time, it was a bit more rough than the previous times I had been down it, but it was still manageable in my station wagon.

Once we turned off the main road, there was an open area to park your car, the road/trail does continue down further if you have an appropriate vehicle for a rougher road.