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OCOTE TRAIL
White Mountain Grasslands Wildlife Area
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| Stock pond at White Mountain Grasslands Wildlife Area. |
Have you ever wondered where
money from the Arizona Lottery ends up? Besides lining the pockets of
a few lucky winners, lottery proceeds also support numerous public
programs including the Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Fund
Program for threatened, endangered and sensitive species and their
habitats. For the past 20 years the fund has made many positive
contributions to the state's wildlife and natural areas conservation
efforts while preserving public access and recreational
opportunities.
One success story is the White Mountain Grasslands
Wildlife Area near the town of Eagar. The 2,850-acre site is
comprised of two former ranch properties acquired in 1999 and 2000.
The 2.6-mile Ocote trail (named for one of the ranches) wraps around
pinion-juniper woodlands, riparian habitat, ponds, a wet meadow, open
grasslands, an historic log bunkhouse and rustic ranch house with a
windmill.
Interpretive signs placed long the trails give details
about the surrounding plants, animals and the how the property's
various ecosystems help wildlife thrive. Although the trail is short
and can be hiked in about an hour, a better plan is to allow plenty
of time to sit quietly at strategically-placed viewing areas to catch
sight of the pronghorn antelope, elk, squirrels, fox and dozens of
bird species that inhabit this profoundly diverse slice of White
Mountain terrain.
While there, kick back at a shady picnic table and
contemplate all those bum lottery tickets you've angrily torn up over
the years. They weren't losers after all.
LENGTH: 2.6-mile loop
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 7,440' - 7,587'
HOURS: sunrise to sunset daily
GETTING THERE:
From Eagar, travel 5 miles west on
State Route 260 to County Road 4128 (signed for Springerville
Transfer Station). Turn right and follow the paved road 0.6 mile and
take the left fork onto a gravel road. Continue 2.4 miles then turn
left at a fork and pass over a cattle guard signed for Arizona Game
and Fish Department property. Drive 0.3 mile to the trailhead on the
left. Gravel road is suitable for carefully-driven sedans.
INFO: Arizona Game and Fish Department
About the Heritage Fund:
MORE PHOTOS:
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