White Cliffs Wagon Trail: A Step Back in Time

The White Cliffs Wagon Trail, located a short distance from downtown Kingman, Arizona, is a historic trail that once served as a vital route for transporting ore and tufa stone from nearby mines. Built around 1870-1890, the trail was primarily used to haul ore from the booming mining operations at Stockton Hill to the railroad. Tufa stone was also transported from an adjacent canyon and used to construct several buildings in Kingman.The trail's most distinctive feature is the deep ruts etched into the soft volcanic bedrock by the heavy wagons. These ruts, along with the holes used to stabilize support poles for the wagons, serve as a tangible reminder of the area's mining past. The wagons themselves were massive, measuring approximately 16 feet long and 14 feet tall, with rear wheels standing 7 feet high, enabling them to carry up to 9 tons of ore.As you walk along the trail, you can imagine the challenges faced by the wagon drivers as they navigated the steep terrain. The trail declined in use after a new road was built around 1910, and it was ultimately abandoned after a flood in 1925. Today, the White Cliffs Wagon Trail is a popular hiking destination, offering a blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The White Cliffs Trail System contains 9.7 miles of trails. The Wagon Wheels Trail is a moderately easy trail that features wildflowers and historic western culture.