Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Biking
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest has many mountain biking opportunities. All of the logging roads are open to biking, though you gotta be careful about running into logging trucks chugging in from around the bend. (You won't even have a chance to say"Oops, didn't see that one!)If you don't mind sharing the trail with hikers and the occasional horse, biking becomes a more relaxing proposition. Perhaps some of the best runs are the several excellent trails available in the Alpine Ranger District. The White Mountain Trail System also offers scores of possibilities. Indian Springs and West Fork trails are no slouchers either. If you want to sneak in some wildlife viewing, check out Willow Springs Horsetrap Wildlife Habitat Area in the Heber Ranger District.
Biking In The Alpine Area
Alpine,"The Alps of Arizona," is located in the majestic White Mountains of east-central Arizona. In this region you'll experience crisp air mingling with vast stands of aspen, steep mountains draining shimmering ribbons of clear water and 41 miles of breath-taking mountain biking on developed trails. And don't forget the hundreds of miles of Forest Service roads.
The town of Alpine, neatly seated at the intersection of Hwy. 191 and Hwy. 180, hosts small town conveniences with a wooden-floored market, quiet motels and chatterbox cafes. Chances are you will need some of these services, because Alpine is 250 miles from Phoenix, 250 miles from Tucson, 210 miles from Flagstaff, 230 miles from Albuquerque and 130 miles from Silver City.
Before leaving home for your trip to our neck of the woods, keep in mind that Alpine is not a booming metropolis and the nearest bicycle shop is in Eagar, some 30 odd miles away.
Terry Flat Loop
High mountain meadows surrounded by wavering stands of aspen and thick forests of spruce and fir will keep your interest perked to, "see what is just around the next bend!" Also, don't overlook the ample opportunities for vista-viewing off into the "Punchbowl" and New Mexico. Deer and elk are common in the area, as well as large raptors and bears. If the bike loop and high elevation is not enough to wipe you out, then take a walk on the wild side and stroll to the top of Arizona's third highest peak, Escudilla Mountain; remembering of course, that bikes get left behind at the trailhead because Escudilla Mountain is a wilderness!
Williams Valley Loops
During the winter, Williams Valley is covered with a fluffy blanket of snow that makes this one of the Southwest's premier winter recreation areas. After the snow melts away, the established skiing trails are used as one of Alpine's best mountain biking areas. This non-motorized area is prime for exploring large meadows and some of the finest aspen forests in the state. Most of the trails are smooth and rolling, but there are two hills which will make you grunt on the way up, and scream all the way doooooooooown!
George's Lake Trail
The George's Lake Trail has a few fairly hard uphill grunts and some quick descents. Although the trail is located on a bumpy old logging road, the scenery is quite wonderful. George's Lake is a good location for lunch or a quick breather and, if you are lucky enough, some waterfowl might be seen at the quiet little lake. Even though this trail begins right outside of Alpine, it has the reputation for being the least used route.
Luna Lake Loops
The trailhead is a short distance from the Luna Lake Campground, making this a convenient ride when the fishing is slow at the lake. These two ponderosa pine clad loops offer fantastic opportunities for watching out-of-water wildlife. The two loops are also located adjacent to the George's Lake Trail, which allows for an adventurous bicycling route to and from Alpine.
Hannagan Meadow Loop
This is a great route for encountering wildlife and for spinning those knobbies on a pleasant ride along meadows, through tall-treed forests and groves of aspen. There is plenty of camping in the area and opportunities for more biking are close at wheel on the Ackre Lake Trail. Also, don't forget that the Blue Range Primitive Area, just across Hwy. 191, offers hundreds of miles of waffle-stomping good times for your walking shoes! Remember please the Blue Range Primitive Area is managed like a wilderness and bicycles are not allowed!
Ackre Lake Trail
Mountain bikers will find this single-track trail especially enjoyable since it was designed with bikers and skiers in mind. This winding path meanders through aspen stands, broad cienegas as well as thick conifer forests. Opportunities to spy elk and deer are endless as well as a quick glimpse of a bear or woodland hawk. There is also an interpretive brochure for the trail. While it may raise your adrenaline level to go fast, you may want to slow down a little and learn about mixed-conifer ecology and forest management in a high elevation forest.
Indian Springs and West Fork
The West Fork Trail is a 3 mile destination trail. The trailhead is located on Forest Road 68 1-1/4 miles south of the 249E and 68 road junction. This trail offers spectacular views along the rim of the West fork of the Black River with the trail ending at the river.
The Indian Springs Trail is a 7.5 mile loop with the trailhead located on Forest Road 249E. This trail passes through mixed conifer timber stands, opens up into grassy meadows, and utilizes a portion of the Old Apache Railroad Grade. A 1/2 mile diversion off of the main Indian Springs Trail takes you to the Big Lake Lookout. The lookout may be open for visitor tours during the summer.
You may also access the Indian Springs Trail using the trailhead parking lot for the West Fork Trail on road 68. Campers at Rainbow Campground can access a spur of the trail from Loop D near bathroom #8.
For a less arduous ride on the Indian Springs trail go south from 249 E trailhead towards Spillman Springs. There are fewer inclines to climb by going in this direction.
The Indian Springs Trail No. 627 and the West Fork Trail No. 628 are intended for use by hikers and mountain bikes only. We ask horseback riders and motorized vehicle users to utilize other trails and logging roads rather than the hiking/biking trail to avoid user conflicts and safety hazards.
These trails are not signed for fast riding. Fast riders may prefer to use existing logging roads in the Big Lake Area to avoid collisions with other trail users.
White Mountain Trail System
Trails are marked with blue diamonds, often bearing directional arrows, trail numbers, or colored dots. Yellow dots indicate a short route back to the trailhead. Green dots indicate a connector trail. Red dots indicate a side trail to a point of interest or a particularly scenic vista.
The trails frequently make use of and cross existing roads and travel ways. It's very easy to miss a trail marker and lose the trail. Expect this. If you become confused, backtrack to the point where you lost the trail. Portions of the trail system use forest roads. Be aware of possible vehicle traffic.
Partnership with the Forest Service, Pinetop/Lakeside TRACKS and the Arizona State Parks Heritage Trails Fund have helped build these trails. Volunteers have built the majority of the White Mountain Trail System. If you or your community service group is interested in volunteering, contact the U.S. Forest Service or Pinetop/Lakeside Parks and Recreation Department.
All of the trails in the White Mountain Trail System are open to bicycles.
#107 Blue Ridge Trail
Length: 8 miles
Rating: Difficult
Use: Heavy
Elevation: 6,950-7,656 ft.#608 Blue Ridge Cave Trail
Length: 3.5 miles
Rating: Difficult
Use: Moderate
Elevation: 6,700-7,200 ft.
#629 Land of the Pioneers
Length: 11 miles
7 miles short loop
Rating: Difficult
Use: Light
Elevation: 7,220-7,866 ft.
#631 Los Burros
Length: 13 miles
Rating: Moderate
Use: Light
Elevation: 7,800-8,370 ft.
#632 Country Club
Length: 3.5 mid"
Rating: Moderate
Use: Moderate
Elevation: 7,190-7,612 ft.
#633 The Springs
Length: 3.8 miles
Use: Moderate
Heavy
Elevation: 7,140-7,190 ft.
#635 Panorama
Length: 8 miles
Rating: Moderate
Use: Moderate
Elevation: 6,750-7,300 ft.
#636 Timber Mesa
Length: 6 miles
Rating: Difficult
Use: Moderate
Elevation: 6,640-6,960 ft.
| #637 Buena Vista
Length: 9 miles
Rating: Moderate
Use: Moderate
Elevation: 6,520-6,773 ft. #638 Los Caballos
Length: 14 miles
Rating: Difficult
Use: Moderate
Elevation:6,300-6,940 ft.
#640 Juniper Ridge
Length: 14 miles;
7.2 miles short loop
Rating: Difficult
Use: Light
Elevation: 6,370-6,998 ft.
#641 Ghost of the
Coyote
Length: 16 miles
Rating: Difficult
Use: Light
Elevation: 6,200-6,600 ft.
Woodland Lake Park
Length: 1.25-4.0 miles
Rating: Easy
Use: Heavy
Elevation: 6,950-7,000 ft.
#140 General Crook Connector
Length: 6.0 miles to
Heber District
Rating: Difficult
Use: Light
Elevation: 6,370-6,900 ft.
#631 A Country Club;
Los Burros Connector
Length: 6.5 miles
Rating: Moderate
Use: Light
Elevation: 7,000 - 7,800 ft.
#635A Timber Mesa
Length:
Panorama Connector 2.5 miles;
Flume Connector (635A)
Sawmill Connector (635B)
4.5 miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation: 6,800 - 6,900 ft.
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Check with Lakeside Rangier Station for current information on trail conditions.
Willow Springs Horsetrap Wildlife Habitat Area
This area is closed to motorized vehicle use in order to provide a"quiet" area for wildlife. Elk and deer are often observed, especially in the summer. In October, the leaves of aspen and oak trees change to a golden yellow. Trails are located on old logging roads Trails are not marked. A ride to the edge of Chevelon Canyon, ends in a beautiful view of the canyon. Riding the loop trail provides a view of Willow Springs Lake.
Elevation: 7,600 feet
Access: West of Heber on Highway 260 approximately 22 miles. Turn north on Forest Road 237. Travel one-half mile to Forest Road 236, a closure gate is across this road.
Restrictions: Overnight camping is not allowed within one-fourth mile of Willow Springs Lake. Smoking and campfire restrictions may be in effect during the summer months.
There are no facilities or potable water. Summer thunderstorms occur from July through September. Roads can become muddy during this time.
Seasons: May through October
Nearby Services: Telephone, gas and food available in Forest Lakes, 3 miles east of the 237Road and Highway 260 junction.
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