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ASCOT's Top Trail Picks

Searching for a great recommendation? Below, members of the Arizona State Committee on Trails (ASCOT) have compiled some of their favorite hikes with vivid trail descriptions. Think of these as product reviews by the people that advise Arizona State Parks regarding our State Trail System. Representing all voices from trail users to trail management professionals, these can give you a flavor for the variety of experiences available to you. Explore your state by trying out a recommended hiking trail today, then try another every month afterwards!

Black Canyon Trail (specifically the Little Pan Loop)

“The good: This is a beautiful single track trail built to IMBA standards. This segment winds above and across the Agua Fria River and highlights desert scenery at its best. It is quite popular with mountain bikers as well as horsemen. Horsemen, mountain bikers, hikers, motorized users and citizens of Black Canyon City have come together to re-route this entire trail from the jeep roads to newly built single track. The Black Canyon Trail Coalition has won two national awards for their work on this trail. For current info and maps, go to www.bctaz.org. The bad: The most usable trail head for the Little Pan is off of Table Mesa Road, an area that is extremely popular with shooters. The BLM is trying to restrict shooting within a quarter mile of the trail, but so far they have not been successful. Shooters sometimes even shoot right across the trail! This is so scary that I have sometimes been unwilling to even unload my horse. Hopefully, this issue will get more under control as the BLM develops the Table Mesa Recreation Plan. At the present, it is best to use this segment during the week.”

Linda Slay is avid trail rider and became interested in advocating for trails and open space in the North Phoenix area. She loves to haul her horses to different locations around the State to ride and camp out. Linda came to ASCOT through the Arizona State Horseman's Association, now known as the Arizona Horse Council. She is currently a board member and a member of the trail committee.

Bell Trail #13

“This trail is a wonderful trail opportunity in the Verde Valley. I highlight this trail for a couple of reasons. First, it has several amenities that most trail users like. Great views, proximity to water, historical significance and access to other trail offshoots. Secondly, it is a trail that is close to where I grew up, and where my parents still live, the Camp Verde area. Although I grew up in this area, I never knew this trail was there until a relatively recently. I was looking for new trail opportunities on a visit to my parents house and came across after searching the State Trails System list not long after I had joined ASCOT. Now I make sure that I visit this trail at least yearly. One of the wonderful things about trails, many great trails are right under our noses, and unless we get out to explore, we never know they are there. This is a great example of that.”

Kent Taylor lives in Casa Grande, is married (almost 30 years) and has 3 wonderful children. He is employed with Pinal County working with Strategic Planning and Park, Trail and Open Space Planning. Prior to working for Pinal County, Kent and his wife owned a retail bicycle business in Casa Grande for 16 years. He has been involved in trail advocacy with many groups including the Arizona Trail Association and was a founding member of the Pinal County Trails Association. Kent became affiliated with ASCOT at the invitation of Rob Young, Park Manager at Picacho Peak State Park.

Heritage Trail

“The Heritage trail is central to Gilbert’s multi-use trail system which offers 135 miles of accessibility, connectivity, & enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts.”

Daye Halling is a lifelong hiker, backpacker, and fat tire enthusiast. The preservation and coordinated utilization of open space is of great importance to him. Daye believes by making an effort to develop connected systems of open space areas with innovative strategies for environmental stewardship that we can help protect and conserve our natural, physical, cultural, and social resources for future generations.

Inner Basin Trail #29 - Coconino National Forest

“Some of my fondest memories include weekends camping at Christopher Creek on the Mogollon Rim or visiting a friend’s cabin at Mormon Lake near Flagstaff. I certainly appreciate the beauty of the Sonoran Desert but after growing up in Phoenix, I long for large fragrant pine trees and lush green meadows in the north country. One of my favorite experiences is hiking the Inner Basin Trail in the Coconino National Forest. A long weekend in August, perfect weather, and a base camp at Lockett Meadow provided ample opportunity for exciting day hikes around the San Francisco Peaks. As we started our ascent up the extinct volcano, we were shadowed by large stands of gleaming aspen, lingering wildflowers, and trickling streams. The moderate climb was well worth the effort as we discovered a series of “dry lakes” and stunning green meadows embraced by the surrounding peaks. It would be easy to imagine that we were transported to hills of Switzerland. The serene landscape in the basin provided a contrast to the mountains shrouded in clouds overhead. The views and scenery were breathtaking and if it were not for the impending thunderstorm, we would have spent the entire afternoon in the mountain. The journey back was just as enjoyable as we winded our way down the hill through the aspen groves carpeted with purple lupine. I can’t wait for my next trip and I highly recommend this hike for anyone visiting the Flagstaff area.”

Heather Wasgatt is technically a native Minnesotan, but now consider herself a naturalized Arizonan, since she grew up in the Phoenix Area. Heather always had a strong affinity for nature and the outdoors and knew that she wanted to grow up and be a ‘tree hugger.’ After graduating from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Resources, she set out to fulfill that dream. The first four years after college Heather had a varied career while working at local native plant salvage and reclamation firm as a global positioning systems (GPS) supervisor and ecologist. Her dream started to become reality after she was hired as a Park Ranger II with the City of Phoenix, Parks and Recreation Department. After four enjoyable years, Heather was promoted to Natural Resource Manager of the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area and the City of Phoenix Natural Resources Division. She have served on several state-wide committees during her 7 years with the city. Heather wanted to combine her personal interest in trails with her professional involvement with trail management. That opportunity became available with ASCOT! She is honored to serve on the committee and looks forward to a great year ahead!

Jumpup-Nail Trail #8

“This trail brings back such wonderful memories for me. It is in an isolated location which brings great peace and solitude. As with many Arizona trails the natural beauty is outstanding. Not many people go to hike off of the North Rim.”

Jim Horton is a retired staffer for United States Senators Barry Goldwater and John McCain. He presently provides advice on government relations. Jim has lived in Arizona on and off since 1965 with much joy. He is a graduate of Georgetown University. Jim believes the fun and pleasure of a good hike in the Arizona desert cannot be overestimated. He thinks ASCOT offers an opportunity to continue and increase hiking opportunities for everyone in Arizona.

Reavis Ranch Trail #109 - US Forest Service Mesa Ranger District

“During my time with the Mesa Ranger District I always enjoyed the opportunity to hike this trail. The various terrain features and changes in vegetation make this trail worth the walk to see what's around the next bend. From desert shrub to pines, rolling hills to scenic rock faces, and don't forget the apple orchard, make this trail one of my favorites to hike.”

Tom Fitzgerald came to Arizona in 1992 to work as a Wilderness Ranger for the Tonto National Forest Mesa Ranger District. Tom also worked several summers on the Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon and a summer on the Coronado National Forest before settling down on the Tonto full time in 1995. In 2000, Tom left the Forest Service to become the City of Phoenix's Urban Trails Planner. As the Trails Planner, Tom worked with communities and developers to identify and begin construction on over 500 miles of urban trails. In the summer of 2004, a new opportunity presented itself in the world of private consulting where Tom was able to use the skills and experience he acquired with both the City and Forest Service. Tom spent about a year and a half with the consulting firm before a dream job opened up close to home. Tom is now the Lands Administrator for the Central Arizona Water Conservation District where, among other duties, Tom is responsible for facilitating the construction of the Central Arizona Project (CAP) trail. The trail would run east to west from Lake Havasu 336 miles to an area just south of Tucson. Tom began his time with ASCOT in 2000 where he was selected to represent the City of Phoenix. Tom is now representing the CAP and has been part of ASCOT for a little over ten years.

Jimmy Harris Trail - Gila Community College

“This short, yet extremely enjoyable, non-motorized trail resides within the heart of Payson. Although it is easily accessible from the parking lot at Gila Community College and is adjacent to Hwy 260, it is secluded enough on the 40 acre parcel of college property that you feel like you are out in the forest. It is very easy hiking (and great for trail running!) and is shaded much of the time by Ponderosa Pines, junipers and oaks. It has seasonal running water with small riparian areas and provides interesting topography that you see in the Rim Country. Finally, there are many wild animals and waterfowl that frequent the two large water holes along the trail, so trail users will most often either see the animals themselves, or their tracks.”

Mary McMullen is currently the Trails and Outdoor Recreation Coordinator for the Town of Payson Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department and serve as a member of ASCOT until 2011.

Los Burros Trail #631

“Excellent trail for moderate level hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. 15 mile loop, with a 7.8 mile short loop. Great scenic views and opportunities to see wildlife.” Details at www.tracks-pinetop-lakeside.org

Nick Lund is President of TRACKS, a group of over 300 volunteers who work with the USFS to plan, build and maintain over 200 miles of trails for nonmotorized users in the Apache-Sitgreaves NF.

Arizona Trail #101, North Kaibab

“I like the North Kaibab because it is so remote and such beautiful country up near the north rim of the Grand Canyon. I’ve done several trail work events up there and have enjoyed the area so much. And my dogs really loved it too. Chevy found a positively disgusting cattle tank to muck around in and he was delighted!” —Anna Pfender

Beverly Canyon Trail - City of Phoenix South Mountain

“Park Beverly Canyon Trail is illustrative of the many challenges facing heavily-used public land trails near urban areas. Beverly Canyon Trail wasn't built as a trail but instead was an access road following a power line. The trail has significant errosion due to the steepness and fall line nature of the trail route. There are numerous social trails in the area so hikers wander pretty much everywhere. Trail reconstruction is being considered to make the Beverly Canyon Trail more sustainable and user friendly. Improving the trail will provide a quality trail user experience and will hopefully help reduce hiker impact to nearby areas by giving them little incentive to leave the trail. However, there is no money available to do the necessary trail construction and volunteer trail efforts are stretched thin by the many demands of the park's extensive trail system.” —Bruce Weidenhamer

Grandview Trail, Grand Canyon National Park

“Well, I have to be honest and say the task of choosing my favorite Arizona State Trail was quite challenging. After much thought the decision came down between two choices: the Grandview Trail out of the Grand Canyon National Park or the Two Bar Trail of the Tonto National Forest near Roosevelt Lake. Both trails offer stunning views and open space for hikers to lose themselves in the solitude and unique beauty of the desert scenes that surround them. In the end I had to fall back on my ‘ole reliable’ and pick the Grandview Trail of the Grand Canyon National Park.

Throughout a year of hiking every edge of the state of Arizona I try to make sure I set foot on the Grandview Trail at least once if not twice; once in winter and once in spring or autumn. The Grandview Trail is about 3 miles one-way to the Horseshoe Mesa and another mile to the end of the Horseshoe where hikers, trekkers, and backpackers get a bird’s eye view of the mighty Colorado River. The trail descends rather steeply from the start where the original Grand Canyon Lodge, the Grand View, stood before the Southern Pacific Railroad brought in the railroad and the Bright Angel Lodge was constructed. Prior to the railroad visitors would travel by stagecoach and would catch their first glimpse into the Grand Canyon from Grand View. The trail was constructed by the CCC in the early 1900s just as many of the other trails within the Canyon and leads not only to the Horseshoe Mesa but some minor caves, some mining shafts, and to the Tonto Trail that traverses from the eastern to the western boundaries of the Grand Canyon on the South Rim; some 70 plus miles. Much history, past and present, is associated with this trail in the National Park.

The Grandview Trail is short on distance but big on elevation and challenge. As stated before the Grandview is steep and loses over 3000 feet in it’s three mile length and is a rugged, undeveloped (offers no water* or facilities) trail in the Grand Canyon. (*Water is available using snow in the winter months and in early spring months springs may be running but they are not reliable sources on trail throughout the year.) The trail begins in the thickets of pine and juniper on a rock face where hikers immediately lose sight of the parking lot and descend into views up-Canyon towards the Vermillion Cliffs and down-Canyon to Yaki Point and the South Kaibab Trail and the multitude of smaller inner canyons within the Grand Canyon as they reach the desert terrain found on other South Rim trails. The Grandview trail is particularly beautiful under the rising of a full moon in late autumn. The Grandview Trail’s true beauty lies in the solitude hikers, trekkers, and backpackers can find on their journey as the Grandview experiences less traffic than the popular South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails. This is in part to the extreme distances to connect the Grandview to other trails (i.e. it is 28 miles to start the Grandview and exit the South Kaibab which is the next major trail to the west), although the lack of water is probably the driving force behind the lower use of trail in comparison to other trail options.

Anyone wishing to experience the Grandview should be at a minimum experienced in hiking rough, steep trail; should always carry enough water and adequate energy/food supplies, and should be ready to exercise their sense of adventure. Grandview hikers should always check in with the local ranger at the Backcountry office to let them know you entering the Canyon using Grandview and to get updates on trail conditions. Don’t forget your camera, perhaps you could be the lucky one who gets the action shot of a mountain lion in the Canyon of which so many of us dream to happen one day. Regardless of where you hike remember to get home safe: hike strong and hike safe always.” —Lisa Gerdl

Gila Box River Trail

“I find the Gila Box River Trail worth highlighting because it is one of the few trails that cannot be walked! This is a water-based trail that must be floatboated to enjoy. Winding lazily through a portion of the Gila River canyon, you'll see patchy mesquite woodlands, mature cottonwoods, sandy beaches, and grand buff-colored cliffs within the 23,000-acre Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. Cliff dwellings, historic homesteads, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and over 200 species of birds make this year-round watery desert refuge worth the short drive from Safford.”

Don Applegate is the Recreation Program Lead for the BLM public lands in Arizona. As a part of ASCOT, Don assists in planning, coordination and management of interconnecting trail systems that cross boundaries between federal, state, and local public lands.

Learn more about ASCOT

Share the Trail

Understanding shared-use trail etiquette can make hiking, biking, and riding trails more enjoyable for everyone. Learn some basic principles and tips for using shared-use trails. Learn more.

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To see a list of statewide trails for differing activities, visit the Arizona Office of Tourism

Enjoy detailed trail information from the Arizona State Trails Guide. This page gives you a few examples of great trails in the state; there are, of course, many other great trails to hike and explore in Arizona. The Arizona State Trails Guide is a geographically comprehensive set of trails in Arizona that provide trail descriptions and locations to 550 trails in the state. These are trails that have been accepted into the Arizona State Trails System, and can range in length, elevation, user characteristics, and location. Order a copy of the Trails Guide in our Gift Catalog. You may also learn more about the State Trails System.

Note: Click on the small maps to see a larger map for each trail.

Holbert Trail, South Mountain Park, Phoenix, Arizona

Trail Description:
The Holbert Trail is a difficult, fairly steep and long 2.5-mile trail. The trail heads north to the Gila Range over a rumply bajada terrain. Hikers should watch for petroglyphs on a boulder at mile 0.7. After momentarily joining the road at mile 1, the trail starts a climb up a scenic canyon with unique geological features — a rock cave at about mile 2, and an unusual formation at mile 2.2 near the Dobbins Extension Trail. The Trail ends at the National Trail where it looks at panoramic views of central Phoenix and of San Juan Valley to the west.

Flora and Fauna
The ecosystem in South Mountain Park is typical of the lower Sonoran Desert. With more than 300 species of plant life, you can see creosote, brittlebush, palo verde trees and many variety of cacti along the trail, just to name a few. The fauna in the desert is also typical of the lower Sonoran Desert so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for scorpions, chuckwallas and rattlesnakes. You may have the opportunity of spotting a javelina, cottontail rabbit or jackrabbit in the park as you hike along the trail. The bird population can vary throughout the seasons and include Gambel’s Quail, roadrunners, great horned owls and Harris’s hawks. Be sure to visit the South Mountain Environmental Education Center for more information on the Flora and Fauna of the area.

Directions to Trail Head:
From I-10 exit Baseline Road and head east, or from Central Avenue and McDowell Road in Phoenix, drive south on Central Avenue to the park entrance, 2 miles south of Baseline Road; turn left at first gatehouse; drive towards Activity Complex, and park on the south side of the lot for the parking spaces to access trailhead.

 

Coleman Trail #108, Verde Ranger District, Prescott National Forest

Trail Description:
Located in the pines on top of Mingus Mountain, this 2.3-mile trail offers good views of the Verde Valley, the Cottonwood area and the red-rock country above Sedona. At an elevation of approximately 7,500 feet, this trail passes through a ponderosa pine forest and includes plant species such as alligator juniper, turbinella oak and deerbrush. Leaving the parking area near the radio facilities, the trail descends gradually to the southeast, staying above the rim. At about 1.35 miles, however, the trail turns sharply to the south and begins a steep, twisting descent to where it ends on FR 413. Steep portions of this moderately used trail might be seriously eroded; equestrians should be especially cautious.  Leashed pets are per mitted on this trail.

Directions to Trail Head:
From Jerome, go west on Highway 89A to FR104, at the summit north of Mingus Mountain.  Take FR104 south for about 2.6 miles to the Mingus Mountain campground. Continue south from campground on FR104A (right fork at campground) for about 0.5 miles to trailhead near radio facilities. 

Little Elden Trail, Coconino National Forest, Peaks Ranger District, Flagstaff, Arizona

Trail Description:
This 4.7-mile long trail with an elevation change of approximately 600 feet. The  trail is rated as  easy by the Forest Service. Traveling south to north, Little Elden Trail winds along the north side of Little Elden Mountain through stands of Gambel oak and ponderosa pine, ending at Schultz Tank. From there, trail users can connect with the Dry Lake Hills/Mt. Elden trails to the south, or the Kachina Peaks Wilderness to the north. Little Elden Trailhead provides access to Little Elden Trail just south of its midpoint. A spur trail provides access to and from Little Elden Springs Horse Camp in the same area.  The horse camp offers 15 campsites and easy access for trucks pulling horse trailers. This trail is part of the Arizona Trail.  Trail users are asked to practice Leave No Trace techniques. Mountain bikers and hikers should be prepared to yield the trail to equestrians.

Directions to Trail Head:
Drive 5 miles northeast of Flagstaff on US 89. Turn west (left) on FR 556 and drive 2 miles to Little Elden trailhead located on the north (right) side of the road. Equestrian can park at the Sunset Trailhead or the trailhead just west of the Little Elden Springs horse camp on FR 556. The trail may also be accessed from Schultz Tank or via the Sandy Seep Trail.

Crosscut Trail #58, Tonto National Forest, Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction, Arizona

Trail Description:
This trail travels a fairly level route along the desert floor, dipping in and out of washes gouged along the western edge of the Superstition Mountains.  From Jacob’s Trailhead, the trail shows panoramic views of the Four Peaks, Goldfield Mountains, and the Phoenix metropolitan area.  The trail parallels Lost Dutchman State Park and intersects with both legs of the Treasure Loop Trail, ascends gradually to the junction with the Prospector’s View Trail, then passes the Siphon Draw Trail at about mile 2.  After a wet winter, this segment of the trail colors with a strong show of wildflowers.  At mile 4.2, the trail crosses a large ravine, then climbs to its highest point up a ridge.  The trail descends gradually and curves westward to its end at the Broadway Trailhead.

About the Superstitions
The Superstition Mountains have been a source of mystery and legend since early times. The area is dotted with ancient cliff dwellings and caves, many showing signs of former habitation by a number of different Native American groups, up until the 1800s. Even the name is inspired by Pima Indian legends.

During the 1840s, the Peralta family of northern Mexico supposedly developed a rich gold mine in the Superstitions. According to legend, an Apache ambush ended the family's last expedition, and the gold remained in the area. In the 1870's, Jacob Waltz ("the Dutchman") was said to have located the mine through the aid of the Peralta descendant. Waltz and his partner, Jacob Weiser, worked in the mine and allegedly hid one or more caches of gold in the Superstitions. Most stories place the gold in the vicinity of Weaver's Needle.

Directions to Trail Head:
From US 60 and Hwy. 88 in apache Junction, drive north 5.5 miles on Hwy. 88, and turn east (right) onto First Water Rd. (FR78); drive 0.7 miles to open area on right; trail sign is across the wash.  Or drive 0.9 miles east on US 60; exit north (left) at Royal Palm Dr. , and turn right onto Broadway Rd.; drive 3.4 miles to the trailhead.

Dos Arroyos Trail, Roper Lake State Park, Safford, Arizona

Trail Description:
This 1.75-mile loop trail includes three short loops. It starts at the picnic area and proceeds around the north side of the pond. On the east side of the pond, the trail divides into the first loop. The left leg takes the hiker down through a mesquite bosque and through the first arroyo. The right leg follows the east side of the pond, and proceeds through a stream area and outdoor classroom. The two legs of the loop join at the base of a mesa and the trail leads to the mesa top. From the mesa top, another loop trail spurs off to the north. This interpretive loop, Indian Village Interpretive Trail, describes various aboriginal cultures that have lived in southeastern Arizona. The trail continues down the east side of the mesa and divides into another loop that meanders through a second arroyo.

About the Lake:
Roper is a stocked lake, making it a great place for kids to catch their first fish. If you've always wanted to learn how to sail board, then this is the place to do it. Boats are limited to only small electric motors, creating ideal conditions to bring a sail board and hit the water. Five miles of trails throughout the park let you stretch your muscles and view the wildlife.

Directions to Trail Head:
The park is located off U.S. Route 191, six miles south of Safford. Dankworth Pond is located three miles south of Roper Lake. Trailhead is at picnic area. Learn more about Roper Lake State Park.

Buena Vista Trail #637, Lakeside Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Show Low, Arizona

Trail Description:
The Buena Vista Trail is a moderately difficult, 9 mile loop trail that follows portions of old logging roads through a hilly landscape covered with oak, manzanita, and pine trees. With an approximate elevation gain of 200 feet, the trail gives some impressive views of the Colorado Plateau to the north, as well as spectacular views of Mt. Baldy to the east. The route includes nine uphill sections and sections of loose rocks, which can be challenging on a mountain bicycle. Be sure to keep your eyes open for trail markers to help keep you on the trail as the trail utilizes and crosses many old roads and trails. Also keep a lookout for animal tracks in the sandy soil along the trail.  Some animals to look out for are elk, deer, bear, scorpions and beetles.

Directions to Trail Head:
From downtown Show Low, drive 4.8 miles west towards the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Pass the Summer Pines turnoff. Just after mile post 337 you'll see a sign, "Entering the White Mountain Apache Reservation." Turn left before the sign on to Forest Road 300 (Rim Road). Drive 300 yards. Trailhead is on the left.

Cave Canyon Trail #149, Nogales Ranger District, Coronado National Forest

Trail Description:
Cave Canyon Trail is a 2-mile, moderately difficult trail that leads from Cave Creek Basin to Florida Saddle and the northern end of the Santa Rita Crest. Florida Saddle is one of the two main trail hubs in the Santa Ritas. The climb up Cave Canyon Trail is relatively steep. From the trail’s high perspective, the smooth, bulging slopes of the Mustang Mountains stand out across the broad lower Cave Creek Valley. North of the Mustangs lie the Whetstones, and beyond is the San Pedro Valley. Farther south, the horizon is defined by the massive Huachucas capped by 9,466-foot Miller Peak. A loop can be put together using Cave Canyon and Gardner Canyon trails and various combinations of other high country trails (See forest service website for more info )

Flora and Fauna along the Trail
Vegetation on this trail ranges from scrub oak and pinyon-juniper woodlands in the lower elevations to pines and Douglas fir higher up. The diverse ecosystem provides excellent habitat for wildlife. Wildlife is abundant and diverse, from white-tailed deer and black bears to gray squirrels and songbirds.

Directions to Trail Head:
At an intersection 21 miles south of Interstate 10 and 4 miles north of Sonoita on AZ 83, turn west onto Gardner Canyon Road (FR 92). Keep to the left at three-quarters of a mile and take the right fork at 4 miles around a piece of private property. Continue a total of 10.3 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road. (Please note that the road leading to the Cave Creek Trailhead requires a high clearance vehicle, especially when the stream has water in it.)

Chinaman Trail #137, Nogales Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service

Trail Description:
For the most part, this trail follows the course of an old ditch used to bring water from Bear Spring to mining operations farther east in the historic Kentucky Camp area. The ditch and the original trail are said to have been constructed by Chinese laborers around 1900. This easy trail follows the level, circuitous course marked out for the waterway across the canyon-cut landscape. To get started, trail users must make a short scramble over a low hill through which a tunnel was cut to allow water to flow from Casa Blanca Canyon into Gardner Canyon. From the south end of the tunnel, the trail is easy to follow to Bear Spring in broad Casa Blanca Canyon.  Chinaman Trail #137 is part of the 790-mile, cross-state Arizona Trail.

Directions to Trail Head:
From Sonoita, drive 4 miles north on Highway 83 and turn west (left) onto FR 92. Go 6.3 miles to FR 785. Follow FR 785 about 3 miles to Tunnel Spring. (The site has a small, round watering trough next to a barbed wire fence.) Park there and scramble up and over the hill on the south side of the road to the trail. 

Rim Lakes Vista Trail, Black Mesa Ranger District, US Forest Service

Trail Description:
This trail meanders along the Mogollon Rim under the cover of pine and fir trees. The trail gets a look at spectacular views from the Rim at three vistas. Interesting rock outcroppings punctuate the path. 3.5 miles. Pets are allowed on the trail. The middle section of the trail at the trailhead access has a paved surface for disabled recreationists.

Flora and Fauna of the Mogollon Rim, Arizona:
Stretching from just southwest of Flagstaff to the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, the Mogollon Rim marks the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau in Arizona. The long escarpment, thousands of feet high in some areas, extends for nearly 200 miles across central Arizona. Average elevation of this undulating rim and plateau country is about 7000 feet.  

The Mogollon Rim is known for its stands of ponderosa pine, which comprise the largest ponderosa pine forest in the United States. Much of the gentle plateau country just north of the rim has been heavily logged. Timber production was a major part of the region's economy earlier this century, helping to establish a few towns in and near the vast pine forests of the area. Today, the United States Forest Service manages much of the region as part of four national forests: the Kaibab, Coconino, Sitgreaves, and Apache National Forests.

Directions to Trail Head:
From Forest Lakes, drive west on AZ 260 to FR 300, and turn north (right); trailhead is just west of the highway.

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