Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Coconino National Forest
Length: One-Way: 2.4 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 4900 feet
Elevation Change: 1100 feet
Best Season: April to November
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Moderate

Description: Named for a local settler, Sterling Pass Trail leads over a high saddle from Oak Creek Canyon into nearby and equally scenic Sterling Canyon. The climb is steep right from the trailhead. The trail climbs up an unnamed drainage through a mixed conifer forest dominated by huge orange-barked ponderosa pines. Dwarf canyon maples are plentiful here too. They turn scarlet and peach in the fall, making this a great place to enjoy the most colorful of seasons. As you ascend the steep slope you’ll notice that, above the mosaic of tree limbs that form the forest ceiling, huge monoliths of deep red and buff sandstone tower toward the sky. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with these giants as you slide between them at the top of the pass and begin the descent into Sterling Canyon. The best overlooks are along the climb, so be sure to take a break every now and then to enjoy them. The view from the top is somewhat obscured by trees.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Length: One-Way: 1 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy

Description: This trail is very popular and is visited annually by thousands of people from around the world. The trail follows relatively level terrain to the very edge of the Mogollon Rim. There are excellent scenic vistas along the trail. A hike along this self-guided interpretive trail gives visitors a great appreciation of the characteristics of the Mogollon Rim and its uniqueness as the dividing line between the Colorado Plateau and the Gila-Salt River watersheds. It is likely more kinds of trees, bushes and shrubs can be seen growing side- by-side along this trail than any other area on the district. Pacific willow and Bebb’s willow, together with a wide variety of water plants and sedges can be found growing along an irrigation ditch which has an interesting history relating to pioneers in the area.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Trail type: Out and Back
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy

Description: Big Springs is a major source of crystal clear spring water flowing into Rainbow Lake. There is evidence the spring area was used for Indian ceremonial purposes, as many Indian artifacts have been recovered from the mud surrounding the spring. The stream and somewhat marshy area immediately below the spring is an excellent nature study and bird watching area, especially for marsh and waterfowl birds.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Coconino National Forest
Length: One-Way: 2.9 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 6400 feet
Elevation Change: 1800 feet
Best Season: April to November
Difficulty: More Difficult
Usage: Moderate

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Tonto National Forest
Length: One-Way: 3.3 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 5640 feet
Maximum Elevation: 7720 feet
Elevation Change: 2080 feet
Best Season: Spring to Fall
Difficulty: Most Difficult
Usage: Light

Description: The Bobtail Ridge Trail (#194) offers spectacular panoramic views, as the trail travels through several vegetation types. At the higher elevations, Ponderosa Pine, White Fir, Douglas Fir and large Manzanita can be seen. The trail can be difficult to pass after rain storms. From the trailhead, the Bobtail Ridge Trail gradually descends to the southwest along the spine of Bobtail Ridge. After 2.1 miles, the trail turns to the east and descends off of the ridge. After Hiking for about 2.9 miles, the trail meets a fence line. The trail continues parallel to the fence for 0.4 miles and ends at Forest Road 221. There is a gate at this point that should be closed after passing through. The return trip is back the same way. You can also return by way of Pioneer Pass via a series of jeep trails, or by Forest Road 221 via Doak Spring to Forest Road 651 at Madera Saddle.