Brins Mesa Trail

Jennifer Stefanow • July 11, 2024

Decisions, decisions, decisions. You’ll face them if you head north on 89A to uptown, arriving at the multiple trailheads off Jordan Road. You’ll park in a lot that’s home to four of them: Jim Thompson, Brins Mesa, Cibola, and Jordan Trails. Jim Thompson greets you as you enter — proceed to the secondary parking area to access the other three. 


Whichever entryway to Red Rock Country you choose, you’re in for some amazing views. All of uptown lies at your feet, surrounded by soaring peaks like Thunder Mountain, Coffee Pot/Eagle, and Steamboat Rock, to name a few. 


While some of the trails allow mountain bike traffic, others do not. Please obey all relevant signage. Those that forbid the practice are hot spots to visit when festivals come to town if you want to get away from the 2-tired set. 


This trail is moderate, with just enough up and down to get your heart pumping. There are a few good climbs, so bring your trekking poles if you need a little extra knee or lumbar support to make it up steep grades. 



You’ll find a few spots to stop and enjoy a picnic if you bring some snacks with you. However, this trailhead’s proximity to uptown dining makes it a snap to stop for a casual lunch or dinner after your trek. Try the Cowboy Cafe or Sound Bites Grill for gourmet lunch burgers in a laid-back atmosphere or make reservations at Elote for a south-of-the-border-inspired dinner you’ll rave about to the folks back home. 

A forest with trees and a mountain in the background.
A forest with trees and a mountain in the background.
A tree in the middle of a desert with a mountain in the background.
A sign is sitting on top of a wooden table in the middle of a forest.
A tree in the middle of a forest with a mountain in the background.
A dirt road in the middle of a desert with mountains in the background.
A dirt road in the desert with mountains in the background.
A wooden sign on a post in the middle of a field.
A dirt path in the middle of a forest surrounded by trees.
A wooden sign that says red rock secret min wilderness coconino national forest
A mountain surrounded by trees with a moon in the sky
A tree with a twisted trunk in the middle of a forest
A sign that says trail 123 brins mesa on it
A wooden sign with two arrows pointing in opposite directions is sitting on top of a pile of rocks.
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