WHITE MOUNTAINS TRAILSYSTEM

The White Mountain TrailSystem is a multi-use system located in the beautiful White Mountains of Arizona. The trail system, which includes 180 miles of trail, extends from Pinedale to Pinetop and on to Vernon. With elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,300 feet, the White Mountains TrailSystem provides a variety of opportunities for trail users. In the lower elevations, trail users enjoy the juniper forests, warmer temperatures and trails that can be used year round. The trails in the middle elevations are surrounded by pine forests, cooler temperatures and many grand views. The higher elevation trails provide the opportunity to enjoy pines, oaks and aspen as well as spectacular fall colors, and cross country skiing. The trails in the White Mountains TrailSystem are a combination of single and double track trails where users may encounter birds and wildlife.

The White Mountains TrailSystem primarily consists of loop trails, allowing users to enjoy a trail without backtracking. These loop trails vary in length and difficulty, and most are joined by connector trails making longer trips possible. The White Mountains TrailSystem was carefully designed so that each trail takes maximum advantage of the features of the area, with extreme care given to preserving the land, vegetation and wildlife. The White Mountains TrailSystem started in 1987 and was developed with persistence and a love of the White Mountains, along with partnerships between the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, the City of show Low, TRACKS, the White Mountain Horseman's Association, the Forest Service and a grant from the Arizona Heritage Fund.

To fully experience the ambiance of the White Mountains is to become one with the environment. Hiking on one of the many miles of trails is an appropriate introduction and it might be all that is needed to convince you that you are no longer in Kansas.

Click Here for More Information:  Trails & Areas

• For the beginner the Mogollon Rim Nature Trail is recommended. It is an easy hike, 1 mile in length and offers scenic vistas of the Colorado Plateau. The trailhead is located off Highway 260, approximately 3 miles west of Pinetop-Lakeside. Look for the Mogollon Rim Overlook sign.
• For a glimpse of wildlife the East Eagle Trail #33 offers frequent big game and turkey sightings. This is a moderate hike on a well maintained trail and is 13.5 miles in length. It is easily accessible in good weather. Located off Eagle Creek Road about 5 miles south of Strayhorse Campground in Hannagan Meadow.
• The Phelps Trail #95 is a great trail for a summer hike. It is in the Mount Baldy area and extends to the Little Colorado River and connects with the Sheep Crossing Trail. This is a 7 mile hike with moderate difficulty. Located off 273 south of McNary and Greer at Phelps or the Horse Corrals.
• Another trail for the moderate hiker is the Bear Canyon Lake Trail #112. This 2 mile trail, although a little rocky in places, affords incredible views of the Bear Canyon area. Look for the trailhead located near the Bear Canyon Lake Dam off of Forest Road 89.
• If you're up for the challenge of a difficult 7 mile hike, the Salthouse Trail #18 is for you. This trail is well marked and in good condition. Wildlife sightings and magnificent scenery make this hike worth the effort. The trail begins at Eagle Creek Road off of US191.

Trail Signage - All of the trails in the White Mountains TrailSystem are marked with blue diamond trail markers. Green dots indicate a connector to another trail in the White Mountains TrailSystem. Yellow dots on trail markers indicate a short route back to the trailhead. Red dots indicate a vista trail.

Trail Etiquette - The White Mountains TrailSystem is a multi-use trail system for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use. All users are asked to follow trail etiquette: Mountain bikes should yield to all users. Hikers should yield to horses. Horses always have the right-of-way. Stay on the trail to reduce erosion and other damage to the area around the trail. Trail etiquette allows for safe and enjoyable use of the White Mountains TrailSystem.

Safety - All trail users should take the following precautions: Carry adequate water. Carry food/snacks. Cary White Mountains TrailSystem maps. Be aware of the trail difficulty - difficulty ratings take into account the trail length, elevation changes and type of terrain. Be aware of the dot signage system. Dress appropriately and be aware of changing weather conditions.