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Slapped into existence on a cold, snowy evening in February 1987, the new TRAILSYSTEM was born of trauma at the first meeting of what was to become the White Mountain Horsemen's Association. Twenty-five horsemen from the mountain, met to commiserate on (read that as 'gripe about') the closing of an increasing number of long-time riding areas. This problem a result of increasing population growth and un-caring developers, seemed destined to limit access to the forest for native and visitor alike. |
But it's not nice to mess with 'mountain folk'! Once challenged, they act: with reason, with persistence, with group effort, and above all, with a true love of these magic mountains!
HERE IT IS .... strong, full of life and growing like a beautiful tree, the White Mountains TRAILSYSTEM.... a system of twenty-five to thirty interconnecting, multi-use, trail loops ranging from the community of Vernon on the eastern edge and stretching to the community of Clay Springs in the west.
The trails are cleverly designed. Each trail takes maximum advantage of the beauty and vistas of the area with extreme care given to preserving the land, vegetation and wildlife. Land-scaped urban trails have multiple entrance points to ease the access of residents and visitors. |
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Listed below are many but certainly not all the trails in the area. For more information, email or call the Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, (928)367-4290 or 800-573-4031.
Click Here for all White Mountain Arizona Trail Maps!
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
P.O. Box 640
Springerville, AZ 85938
Phone: (928) 333-4301
Fax: 928-333-5966
www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf
White Mountains - Traveling the White Mountains by bike offers a unique experience. The views seem closer as do the sounds and scents of the forests and grasslands that make the area a prime destination for visitors and residents alike.
A variety of trails offer options for everyone from the novice tot he expert cyclist, whether on a road bike or mountain bike.
Before you head on Forest Service roads or the area's highways, make sure you have good equipment. Especially for mountain biking, a sturdy bike that can take everything the terrain can dish out. A bike equipped with at least a front suspension system will make the ride more enjoyable and be easier on your body. It's important to carry a spare time, tools and plenty of water. Helmets are recommended and, in some of the cycling events, required.
Layering clothing will help ensure you are warm in the early morning but don't get overheated during the heat of the day. Although the White Mountains don't reach the temperatures of the desert areas, afternoon temperatures can reach the 90's, sometime even higher. Cyclists should also be prepared for the monsoon rains, especially later in the summer. They can hit without warning, usually in the afternoon.
Mountain bikers who want to head into the National Forest can stop at the Lakeside Ranger District to pick up a copy of the White Mountain Trail System Guide. It may not be essential but it will give you a good overview of trails to help avoid problems and frustrations later on. It also rates trails, based on length, change in elevation and type of terrain.
For questions about trails or forest closures, call the Lakeside Ranger District at (928) 368-5111
The snow may be gone from the slopes at Sunrise Resort but the fun is still there for mountain bikers who want to do downhill mountain biking. Besides having some of the best downhill courses in the state, the resort offers the use of the lift so you don't have to ride uphill.
To get to Sunrise, take State highway 260 east of Pinetop to the Fort Apache Reservation. After several miles of forested land, you will see a large sign for the resort at the intersection of State Highway 273. Take 273 south and follow the signs.
Throughout the summer, the lifts, with special bike carriers, are open every weekend and holiday for mountain bikers and hikers. Lift passes are $15 a day. For more information check out the website at www.sunriseskipark.com.
If you want to bike with others, Tom Barrett, the owner of Cycle Mania, leads a group on a tour every Saturday morning and on Tuesday nights when the moon is full. The Tuesday night rides will be more frequent, probably weekly, after Memorial Day. Riders should be of intermediate or advanced skill levels. The road rides are about 30 miles and the mountain rides are 10 miles.
Besides going out informally by yourself or with family or friends, you can participate in several organized events, although almost all require advance registration and have restrictions on the number of cyclists who can participate.
The 10th annual Tour of the White Mountains, sponsored by the Navapache Regional Medical Foundation will be held September 10th at Thunderhorse Ranch. Proceeds will be used to purchase equipment for the patient rooms in the tower that will be started this summer.
The rides, which start and end at the Thunderhorse Ranch on Porter Mountain Road, are 10, 35, 41, 52, and 66 miles in length so people can choose the one they are most comfortable with. All the rides are along some of the best mountain biking trails in the state.
Riding isn't the only attraction of the tour. Snacks and beverages will be available along all the routes. Music, massages and a barbecue are also part of the event.
Because of its increasing popularity, the tour will be limited to 300 cyclists and preregistration is required.
For more information, log onto the Navapache web site at www.nrmc.org, which has a link for tht tour, or call Cynthia Clements at (928) 537-6319 or email her at cclements@nrmc.org.
As part of the Valle Redondo Fiesta in Eagar, the Fat Tire Fiesta will be held August 26-28. According to organizers, it's guaranteed fun. The event is limited to 50 riders and is an adults-only event. Those under 15 years are are to be accompanied by and adult at all times. Dogs aren't allowed.The Dave Fruend Memorial White Mountain Bicycle Tour, July 9-10, has earned the reputation of being one of the best cycling tours in the Southwest.
Participants will gather at Blue Ridge High School in Pinetop and cycle down State highway 260 to Springerville and then return to the starting point the previous day. The 200 cyclists will end their day at the Round Valley Middle School with the meal provided by Springerville residents. Cyclists can sleep on the gym floor, pitch a tent outside the school or rent a nearby motel room to rest before heading back the next day.
Registration is limited to 200 riders so early registration is recommended. Entry forms can be obtained from local bike shops. Once contact shown on the website is J. Arle at jfarle@cox.net.
The final bike event of the season will be the Bucket of Blood road race on September 17th in Holbrook. It is held as part of the city's Old West Days. Organizers of that event decided, this year, to hold it in conjunction with the Navajo County Fair.
Length: 8.7 Miles
Description: Follows Billy Creek and winds its way through ponderosa pines to the top of volcanic Blue Ridge Mountain. Portions follow old logging roads and connector trails head southeast to Springs Trail and northwest to Ice Cave Trail.
Access: From Lakeside Ranger Station, south on 260, left on Bucksprings Road, north on FR 182, and west on FR 187 to trailhead #2. Continue on FR 187 to reach trailhead #1.
Click Here for Trail MapLength: 3.5 Miles
Description: Winds its way along Porter Creek and the south side of Scott Reservoir before connecting to Blue Ridge Trail. Midway along the trail is the Ice Cave, which is really a lava tube with a constant flow of cool water (about 52 degrees) leaving the cave. The cave is fenced off and is not accessible.
Access: From Lakeside Ranger Station, south on 260, left at Porter Mountain Road (FR 45). Drive 1 mile, trailhead is on the right.
Click Here for Trail MapLength: 11-Mile Loop
Description: Passes through beautiful canyons and over Ecks Mountain with long distance views to the east and north. Trail also has a short cut that cuts the distance nearly in half.
Access: From the Show Low intersection of Hwy. 260 and 60, drive east on US 60 towards Springerville 19.4 miles. Turn right at the Midway Store on Forest Road 224. Drive 5.3 miles through Vernon to Forest Road 5. Turn right on FR 5, drive 0.6 miles to trailhead on the right.
Click Here for Trail MapLength: 13 Miles
Description: Beginning at the former site of the Los Burros Ranger Station, this trail winds its way through aspen country along old roads and single-track trial, and passes numerous natural springs. There are also many wildlife viewing opportunities.
Access: From Lakeside, south on 260 to McNary. Drive 8 miles north on Forest Road 224. Turn right into Los Burros Campground. The trailhead is at the far end of the campground.
Click Here for Trail MapLength: 5-Mile Loop
Description: Loops thru the Ponderosa Pine forest and along Whitcom Springs meadow following single track trail and old roads. The terrain is fairly level.
Access: From Lakeside, south on 260, left at Bucksprings Road. Drive .5 miles, turn left on Forest Road 182. Drive 2 miles, turn on Forest road 185. Trailhead is immediately ahead.
Click Here for Trail MapLength: 3.8 Miles
Description: A cool, refreshing trip along Billy Creek and Thompson Creek riparian areas. Trail can be extremely muddy during the spring and monsoon season. Connector trails head north to Blue Ridge and Country Club Trails.
Access: From Lakeside Ranger Station, south on AZ 260, left at Bucksprings Road. Drive .5 miles, turn left on Forest Road 182. Drive 2 miles, turn on Forest road 185. Trailhead is 1.1 miles ahead.
Click Here for Trail MapLength: 10-Mile Loop
Description: Loops between Porter Tank, South Tank, base of Porter Mountain and the Twin Knolls. Trail follows old roads and single track trails, and on a clear day views as far as the San Francisco Peaks can be seen from top of the first Twin Knolls.
Access: From Lakeside Ranger Station, south on 260, left at Porter Mountain Road. Drive 6 miles, turn left at end of pavement. Drive 75 feet to cindered trailhead parking lot.
Click Here for Trail MapLength: 6 Miles
Description: Trail follows top edge of the mesa and loops back along the Chimneys Fire Road. Views include Jaques Marsh and Pinetop-Lakeside. Mesa top trail is very rocky. Two connector trails head east to Panorama Trail.
Access: From Lakeside Ranger Station, south on 260, left at Porter Mountain Road (FR 45) for 2.2 miles. Turn left at the cattle guard and continue to the trailhead on the right.
Click Here for Trail MapLength: 9 Miles
Description: Follows single track trail and old roads winding its way through oak, pine and manzanita. Elevation rises from 6560 to 6800 with vista points affording spectacular views to the east.
Access: From Show Low, south on Hwy 60 about 4.5 miles, turn left on Forest Road 300. Trailhead is to immediate left.
Click Here for Trail MapLength: 18 Miles
Description: Winds its way through open Pine Juniper country with scenic views to the south off the Mogollon Rim.
Access: From the Show Low intersection of Hwy 260 and 60, drive 2 miles west through Show Low, turn right on AZ 260 towards Payson. Drive 2.9 miles to Forest Road 136, FR 136 is NOT marked. Cross Bagel Draw and pass mile marker 337. Turn left on FR 136, drive 0.6 miles to the trailhead on the right.
Click Here for Trail MapLength: 16-Mile Loop
Description: Trail winds its way through the lower Manizanita/Pine country with spectacular views of Juniper Ridge. A walk up to the top of Juniper Ridge Lookout is an added treat.
Access: From the Show Low intersection of Hwy 260 and 60, drive 2 miles west through Show Low, turn right on AZ 260 towards Payson. Drive 9.9 miles, past the Linden Fire Department and the Burton Road turnoff. Turn left on Old Highway 160, drive 2 miles to the trailhead on the right.
Click Here for Trail MapLength: 16 Miles
Description: Follows portions of old logging roads through pinon-juniper forest and offers many vista points. Trail passes many tanks providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, however it can be long, hot and dry during the summer.
Access: From the Show Low Post office, travel west on AZ 260 for 8.1 miles to Burton Road. Turn north and the trailhead is 1.1 miles ahead on the left.
Click Here for Trail MapDescription: Tennis courts, softball fields, hiking trails, equestrian trails, mountain biking, fishing, ramadas, family picnics, peaceful lunch times, old friends, new friends, group gatherings, volleyball, charcoal grills, boating, playgrounds, bird-watching, people-watching.
To reserve a ramada please call the Parks & Rec. Department (928) 368-6700.
Click Here for Trail MapDescription: Four Springs Trail connects Los Burros Trail #631 and Land of the Pioneers Trail #629. The trail winds between 4 springs and Hidden Lake. Dipping Vat Spring is the site of a historic sheep camp. Remnants of the dipping vat can be found in the meadow several hundred feet to the north of the tank. Several outstanding views of the White Mountains can be seen from the spur trail to Lake Mountain. p> Click Here for Trail Map
Description: A dramatic 200 mile long uplift split Arizona into two greatly different regions, after the seas withdrew. At the Mogollon Rim you are on the edge of the Colorado Plateau, a flat landscape broken here by the volcanic White Mountains. Looking below you see mountain ranges and lowlands known as the Basin and Range Region. The flavors of both regions are woven together here, creating surprising variety.
Click Here for Trail MapBelow are Connector Trails
Length: 4 Miles
Description: Both connector trails (636 A and 636 B) cross the top of Timber Mesa, one to the north of Porter Mountain and one to the south. The sawmill Connector passes the old sawmill at Frost Canyon. The Flume Connector is named for the flume (pipe) which carries irrigation water. The flume is visible on the south side of FR 45 just east of the Timber Mesa Trailhead turnoff.
Access: From the Lakeside Ranger Station, travel south on AZ 260. Turn left on Porter Mountain Road (FR 45) for 2.2 miles. Take a left at the cattle guard for Timber Mesa Trailhead or continue on Porter Mtn. Road for 3.8 miles to Panorama Trailhead.
Click Here for Trail MapLength: 2.5 Miles
Description: Both connector trails (636 A and 636 B) cross the top of Timber Mesa, one to the north of Porter Mountain and one to the south. The sawmill Connector passes the old sawmill at Frost Canyon. The Flume Connector is named for the flume (pipe) which carries irrigation water. The flume is visible on the south side of FR 45 just east of the Timber Mesa Trailhead turnoff.
Access: From the Lakeside Ranger Station, travel south on AZ 260. Turn left on Porter Mountain Road (FR 45) for 2.2 miles. Take a left at the cattle guard for Timber Mesa Trailhead or continue on Porter Mtn. Road for 3.8 miles to Panorama Trailhead.
Click Here for Trail MapLength: 1.3 Miles
Description: The trail connects the Country Club and Springs trails. The trail is fairly flat but somewhat rocky. The trail crosses the abandoned Apache railroad bed. Watch for traffic as the trail crosses FR 182 near the Springs Trailhead.
Access: From the Lakeside Ranger Station, travel south on AZ 260. Turn left at Bucksprings Road and left again on FR 182. Drive 1.1 miles to the Springs Trailhead or continue 1 mile to the junction of FR 185. Turn right on FR 185 to the Country Club Trailhead.
Click Here for Trail MapLength: 6.5 Miles
Description: The trail connects the Los Burros and Country Club trails. It winds along old loggin roads, around Brushy Mountain, and through several interesting drainages.
Access: From Lakeside Ranger Station, travel south on AZ 260. Turn left at Bucksprings Road and left again on FR 182. Country Club Trailhead is 2 miles ahead on the right at the junction of FR 185. Or you can travel south on AZ 260 from Lakeside to McNary. Go north on FR 224 for 7.1 miles. Turn right into Los Burros Campground and the trailhead is at the far end.
Click Here for Trail Map
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