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') losing an increasing number of long-time riding areas. This problem, a result of increasing population growth and uncaring developers, seemed destined to limit access to the forest for native and visitor alike.

But it's not nice to mess with the 'mountain folk'! Once challenged, they act: with reason, with persistence, with group effort and above all, with a true love of these magic mountains!

So it began, the long sometimes frustrating process of growing a TRAILSYSTEM.

While some communities continue to build multi-tiered freeway systems, people in Arizona's White Mountains have chosen to develop a 180 mile system of interconnected, multi-use trails. The White Mountain TRAILSYSTEM is accessible to hikers, equestrians, cross-country skiers and mountain bike riders.

As the concept gained momentum, other formidable entities realized the great recreational potential of such a system. The Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, USDA Forest Service, Arizona Game & Fish Department, Audobon Society of the White Mountains, City of Show Low and Navajo County opened discussions with the Horsemen's Association. Even non-use people jumped on the band wagon. The beginning of an enduring partnership was born.

A trail-users group, the Pinetop-Lakeside TRACKS Organization was formed under the direction of the Parks & Recreation Department. As this town sponsored committee took shape, the group evolved as the construction/maintenance leg of TRACKS. The ball, or should we say rocks, McLeods, Pulaskis, cinders and signs, was rolling! As a trail was designed, redesigned and accepted, construction work began. Specifications must be met and a Trail Boss, as devoted as any parent, is assigned to oversee all aspects of the project. As of September, 1993 over 65% of the White Mountain TRAILSYSTEM was completed. When a loop trail is finished, a map is developed and a dedication is held. Many tired, tanned and sore-muscled people beam with excitement, and discuss which trail is next.

The multi-use trails themselves are clearly 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. Landscaped urban trails will have multiple entrance points to ease the access of residents and visitors.

The unique feature of the TRAILSYSTEM is the trail loop. Most trails, traditionally go from point A to B, requiring a return trip over the same terrain. The TRAILSYSTEM loop goes from point A and returns to A. Additionally, loops are joined by connector trails making longer traverses possible. Loops vary in size allowing a pleasant evening's walk, a day hike with a stop at selected picnic type area, a several day horseback ride, and adventurous backpack trip, or a scenic mountain bike tour. Winter opens selected trails to cross-country skiing.

The White Mountains TRAILSYSTEM is more than trails, it is really people...dedicated, caring people who want to preserve the very reason they chose the mountains to call home: a love of nature.

The TRAILSYSTEM is still evolving and, although 120 miles are now ready for use, no end appears in sight to this marvelous trails creation. In its evolution, the TRAILSYSTEM is already filling countless lives with golden days!