Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Coconino National Forest
Length: One-Way: 2.4 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 7360 feet
Maximum Elevation: 8215 feet
Best Season: April to November
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Moderate

Description: Though this trail has a humble beginning at an old roadblock, it quickly reveals itself to be one of the Coconino National Forest’s premier day hikes. Actually an old jeep track, now used solely as a foot trail, this 2.4 mile climb is a gradual but steady ascent along a wide gravel track to some of the best views on the forest. Interpretive signs along the way add a bit of educational interest by naming trailside species of trees and shrubs. Near the top of the climb, the path spirals up the mountain’s narrow summit like a stripe up a barber pole. The effect is as if you were riding past some of the Forest’s most spectacular scenery on a huge lazy Susan. The San Francisco Peaks, Kendrick Mountain, Red Mountain, the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, you can see them all, just by turning your head, from the top of Slate Mountain.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Tonto National Forest
Length: One-Way: 5 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 4400 feet
Maximum Elevation: 4900 feet
Elevation Change: 500 feet
Best Season: Spring to Fall
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Light

Description: The Grapevine Trail provides access to Sierra Ancha Wilderness. The trail has several overlooks of the Cherry Creek drainage paralleling the eastern escarpment of the Sierra Ancha. Most of this trail was originally an old jeep trail. The trail generally contours under the high bluffs of the Sierra Ancha. There are campsites at the old Pueblo mining area and at Billy Lawrence Trailhead.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Coconino National Forest
Length: Round Trip: 3.5 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 4500 feet
Elevation Change: 600 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy

Description: A short, easy hike along the bottom of Sterling Canyon. The drainage is dry most of the year. Shade is available, but it would be wise to carry some water in the warm months. The trail dead-ends at a bronze plaque place in memoriam for Gerard and Sylvia Vultee who lost their lives in an aircraft crash on January 29, 1938. The actual crash site is more than a mile north and at a much higher elevation, on East Picket Mesa. On the north side of the canyon across from the plaque is the sandstone arch named for Vultee, an early aircraft designer from California. Just before the plaque site there is a junction with the Sterling Pass Trail which continues over into Oak Creek Canyon.

Activities: Mountain Biking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Tonto National Forest
Length: One-Way: 9.9 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 760 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: 3B
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Cave Creek Trail (#4) is one of the easiest trails in this area. Located west of Horseshoe Reservoir and north of the towns of Carefree and Cave Creek, the trail makes for a splendid Hiking opportunity. The trail stays near Cave Creek, a perennial stream, for its entire length. The stream is habitat for longfin dace, fathead minnow, green sunfish and the endangered Gila top minnow. The Cave Creek Trail is also very popular with mountain bikers. There are 31 miles of trails throughout the Cave Creek Trail System. Several of these converge along the Cave Creek Trail, call ahead for detailed maps and camping information. Treat the water before drinking, or be safe and bring in your own.

Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Tonto National Forest
Length: One-Way: 3.3 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 5678 feet
Maximum Elevation: 5841 feet
Elevation Change: 163 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Usage: Moderate

Description: The Cienega Trail is a moderate 3.3 mile trail that begins at 5,678 feet elevation providing views of scenic Reynolds Creek Canyon. There are old mining sites along this trail. Some of these mining structures on or near this trail are dangerous, use caution around these areas. The trail can be used year round, except when closed by snow. There is water and campsites at Cienega Spring Trailhead.