WILLIAMS — In the winter there are plenty of places to play in the snow. Oak Hill snow play area is about six-miles east of Williams and people line south road to find their favorite slide place. The spring melts the snow to create the creeks running through Williams bringing life-giving water. This leads to spring flowers and a summer of fishing, hiking and camping.
In autumn, however, the changing leaves of the aspens, oaks and other trees bring an incomparable beauty. There are still good places to hike and get photographs. There are still deer and elk running about, so caution while driving the roads is highly recommended.
The sad part is that the aspens did not fill out this year as they have in years past even with the heavy monsoon season. There are still some nice examples along Bill Williams Mountain road. There are still even some flowers blooming along the way.
The entrance to Bill Williams Mountain Road—officially FR 111—is located about four-miles out Perskinsville Road which runs past Santa Fe dam. Along FR-111 you can stop off at Finger Rock for some good photographs from the trail.
Speaking of Santa Fe dam, you can stop there and walk the trail along the reservoir. Two-miles down Perkinsville Road is the turn off for Dogtown road. On the opposite side is Benham Trail. The trail runs all the way to Bill Williams Mountain road. This is a beautiful, somewhat strenuous, hike.
The Aspens and Buckskinner Park usually make a nice photograph, but they did not fill out as usual. At the park area, the Buckskinner trail head lead to a number of trails which make for great hiking and photographic opportunities.
About six-miles east of Williams is the Oak Hill Snow Play area. Across Route 66 from there is a mile trail to the Keyhole Sink where you can enjoy the autumn hike to see the petroglyphs. This is an easier hike than most. Most family members should be able to make it with relative ease.
This season is, indeed, a beautiful time of the year. The trees in and around Williams are showing their fall colors. The weather is still warm enough to take to the trails for hiking and camping is still open. One should remember that, while wildlife is available for photographs, the hunting season is starting. You should keep your animals reigned in.