Summary: A short but steep hike up the east side of Oak Creek Canyon leading to an amazing "window" rock formation
Challenge Level: Hard (Note: the trail is VERY steep in places, with loose sand and rock. Do not attempt in wet weather or if there is snow on the trail.)
Hiking Distance: About 1.3 miles to the end of the trail on top of the east side of Oak Creek Canyon. You'll be climbing up 1000 feet. If you hike north, you can go cross-country and intersect the Harding Springs Trail (see below) which adds another 2.3 miles.
Trailhead Directions: From the "Y" (the intersection of State Route 89A and State Route 179), drive north on SR 89A toward Flagstaff for 10.9 miles to mile post 385.1 and park on the east side of SR 89A on a paved shoulder beneath a 25 foot high cliff. The parking area is 0.4 mile north of the turn to the West Fork parking area at GPS coordinates 34° 59.457' N; 111° 44.150' W. Walk north along SR 89A for 475 feet to the trail sign on your right. The sign is a dark rust color with the corners painted pink (yes pink!).
If you are going to connect to the Harding Springs Trail and make this a two vehicle hike, park the second vehicle 0.7 mile further north to the Cave Springs Campground and park at GPS coordinates: 34° 00.888' N; 111° 44.259' W.
Description: The trail begins by following along north-bound SR 89A under a telephone line (hence the name of the trail). After 0.3 mile you turn away from SR 89A and begin a series of steep ascents and come to several nice ridges. Along the way there are some very nice rock formations and scenic views of Oak Creek canyon. At 0.6 miles you'll come to a series of "window" or "keyhole" rocks. This would be a good place have a snack, take some photos and turn back if you don't want to continue on the very steep trail ahead. If you continue on, watch your footing. The trail ends when you reach the top of the east wall of Oak Creek Canyon.
You can hike cross-country for about 2.3 miles and intersect the Harding Springs Trail, near the scenic overlook on that trail. But if you attempt this, I strongly recommend use of a portable GPS with the route between the trails loaded in. The way between the trails is available here. Once at the intersection with the Harding Springs Trail, turn left and proceed about 500 feet southwest to the overlook. If you parked a second vehicle at the Cave Springs Campground, hike down the Harding Springs Trail to SR 89A and your vehicle.
Photos:
For those of you who have a GPS unit, I have GPS data available for the hike which include "tracks," the route and waypoints.