Porter Mountain via Flume Connector

PORTER MOUNTAIN via FLUME CONNECTOR

White Mountains views from the summit of Porter Mtn.

Anchoring the heart of the 200+-mile White Mountains Trail System (TRACKS), the Timber Mesa and Panorama loop trails offer easy access, moderate workouts and abundant scenic beauty.

Exposed cinders along the road to Porter Mountain

The popular, close-to-town loops are tethered by two lesser-used connector routes: Sawmill #626A and Flume #636B. While enabling seamless travel between the two big circuits, the auxiliary routes also demonstrate that, like a crèam-filled sandwich cookie, the best stuff is in the middle.

Porter Mountain seen from the Panorama trailhead

Prickly poppies bloom April - November

Of the two, the Flume Connector is the easiest to reach. Beginning at the Panorama trailhead, the shady single track moves through the woody space between Flume and Porter Mountains before making a mild ascent to the top of Timber Mesa. But to add some extra punch to the hike, a detour up Porter Mountain delivers the goods.

See-forever vistas from the scenic lookout point

From the trailhead, follow Flume Connector 0.4-mile to where it crosses Forest Road 223, the summit road. Make a mental note of this spot as it’s easy to miss on the way back. Head right and begin hiking uphill, veer left at the first fork and get ready for amazing displays of bizarre geology and White Mountains scenery. Within a few yards, the road makes a hairpin turn through a broken flank of the extinct cone volcano. Below, a gaping cinder pit sits below volcanic outcroppings and disintegrating slopes of russet and black cinders. Farther up the road, views of Scott Reservoir, Show Low Lake and the wetlands of Jacques Marsh sparkle through acres of pine forests and rangelands. This area is particularly beautiful in late summer when  sunflowers paint the landscape brilliant yellow.

At the 1.1-mile point, a dirt turnout serves as a scenic lookout for enjoying see-forever views of the Mogollon Rim and pockets of civilization surrounded by a patchwork of trees, plains and isolated peaks. To get to the summit proper, hike past the vehicle gate and make the final 0.4-mile climb toward an array of communication towers. This final section showcases glimpses of Mount Baldy (11,403 feet) to the southeast and dozens of lumps, bumps and prairies of the  Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. In between ogling the sights, don’t forget to look down to see the potpourri of plant life protruding from the disturbed road margins and mountain escarpments. Wax current shrubs, prickly poppies, globe mallow, rare Graham’s tick-trefoil and the ubiquitous sunflowers sprout from seemingly inhospitable volcanic scree.

Flume Connector is part of TRACKS 

Prickly poppies are abundant along the route

Distant Mogollon Rim viewed from Porter Mountain

Black cinders spill from a break in Porter Mountain

Wax current shrubs grow near the summit of Porter Mtn.

Scott Reservoir (left) & Show Low Lake from Porter Mtn.

The ponds of Jacques Marsh viewed from Porter Mtn.

Mt. Baldy seen from Porter Mountain

Graham's tick-trefoil is a rare sight along the route

Beginning of the Flume Connector at Panorama trailhead

Flume Connector toggles Timber Mesa & Panorama trails

At road’s end, wander around on several dirt paths that lead to photogenic vantage points to cap off the show. When done exploring, descend back to the Flume Connector and hike 2 miles west on the pleasantly shady, sparsely traveled route to where the trail joins the Timber Mesa loop, the turnaround point for the hike.

LENGTH:

Porter Mountain: 3 miles up-and-back

Porter Mountain with Flume Trail: 8 miles out-and-back

Flume Connector alone: 5 miles out-and-back

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION:

Porter Mountain: 6,961 – 7,584 feet

Flume Trail #636B: 6,961 – 7,184 feet

GETTING THERE:

From State Route 260 (White Mountain Blvd.) in Pinetop-Lakeside, turn left on Porter Mountain Road (Forest Road 45) and go 5 miles—watch for a sharp right turn-- to the Panorama trailhead on the left. Roads are 100% paved.

INFO: White Mountains Trail System

https://www.trackswhitemountains.org/trails/

COUNTRY CLUB TRAIL

COUNTRY CLUB TRAIL, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Mount Baldy seen from Pat Mullen Mountain

The White Mountains TRACKS Trail System is a loopy network of non-motorized paths that spans a strip of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest from Linden to Vernon in northeastern Arizona’s White Mountains. 

Cattle graze in Whitcomb Pasture June - October

The approachable, customizable trails offer dozens of options ranging from easy strolls located just steps from town to long distance backwoods excursions. Eleven major loops are tethered by connector trails that enable seamless travel for challenging day hikes or multi-day backpacking.

Meadow salsify bloom June through September

The route passes through several rustic gates

Fendler's ceanothus shrubs grow along Country Club Trail

At the heart of the system, the towns of Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside provide plenty of jumping off points for exploring this diverse system that encompasses a wide range of environs including arid pinyon-juniper grasslands, humid creekside corridors and fragrant pine woodlands.

Natural picnic seating on the summit of Pat Mullen Mtn.

A good introductory TRACKS choice is the Country Club Trail. Located just a few miles off State Route 260 in Pinetop-Lakeside, the 3.25-mile loop is a pleasant walk through shady forests and spring-fed meadows.  From the trailhead kiosk, the hike begins as a mellow meander in sun-spackled pine-oak woodlands.  Like all TRACKS trails, this one has excellent signage.  Tree tags point the way and location markers placed roughly every quarter mile correspond with maps available online and at the trailhead let hikers know exactly where they are on the route. Where the trail crosses the many dirt roads in the area, be sure to locate the next marker before proceeding to keep from wandering off course. 

White Mountains vistas seen from Pat Mullen Mtn.

Fleabane is a common high-country summer plant

Pine-oak woodlands on the Country Club Trail

Watch for trail markers where the route crosses forest roads

About a mile in, the trail passes a gate and enters Whitcomb Pasture. From June through October, cattle graze in the dewy fields nurtured by the dribbles of Whitcomb and Chipmunk Springs. Beyond the meadows, the trail begins a mild climb on the flanks of Pat Mullen Mountain.  

The half-mile vista spur has great views

For glimpses of classic White Mountains vistas, take the optional half-mile spur path that ascends 300 feet to the 7,612-foot summit. 

Rocky Mountain irises bloom in Whitcomb Pasture

Although the short climb is smothered in pines, oaks and  a few spectacular specimens of ancient Alligator junipers, views of the surrounding terrain can be seen through breaks in the foliage.

Enormous Alligator junipers shade the Pat Mullen Mtn spur

The massive form of Mount Baldy (11,403’), Blue Ridge Mountain (7,656’) and numerous cinder cone volcanoes jut above seemingly endless swaths of trees. 

Wild roses grow in moist areas along the trail

Although views are sparse on the summit, huge basalt shelves and jumbled boulders provide ample seating for a snack break or breather before taking on the final easy mile back to the trailhead.

Gate at Whitcomb pasture

A pine sapling sprouts near a common mullein plant

Snow lingers on 11,403 foot Mt. Baldy

LENGTH: 3.25-mile loop or 4.25 miles with the Pat Mullen Mountain spur.

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 7200 – 7612 feet

GETTING THERE:

In Pinetop-Lakeside go south on State Route 260 (White Mountain Blvd.) to the traffic signal at Buck Springs Road at milepost 355.  Continue 0.6 mile and turn left onto to Sky Hi Road (Forest Road 182).  Follow Sky Hi Road 1.8 miles to the 632 trailhead on the right at the junction with Forest Road 185. All access roads are sedan friendly.

INFO: White Mountains Tracks Trail System

https://www.trackswhitemountains.org/trails/

LAND OF THE PIONEERS TRAIL #651

LAND OF THE PIONEERS

This box canyon is a highlight along the north leg of the trail.

The bucolic pastures and quiet backwoods of Vernon, Arizona--population 122--is the last place you’d expect to be the scene of a vile triple homicide. It happened, though and the sad story is standard fare in local lore.

Ruins of a pioneer homestead.

Pioneers began settling the rural community in the eastern White Mountains in the 1890s, making a living on the surrounding lumber-rich forests. 

The ruins of an infamous pioneer cabin.

Legend has it that among the early pioneers were three women who lived in a log cabin just south of town.

Section 31 Tank attracts swarms of dragonflies.

Back-fence chatter about the women hiding a large amount of money on their property eventually reached the ears of criminals.  The women were murdered and their homestead ransacked. No riches were found.  Today, all that remains of the tragic scene are crumbling stone foundations and piles of rusty-nail planks.  

Delicate Torrey's Crag Lily bloom in sunny spots.

The historic homestead is one of many points of interest on the Land of the Pioneers Trail #651 that’s located 5 miles south of Vernon.   Constructed in a customizable, triple-loop format, trail No. 651 wanders through a mix of deep pine-oak woodlands and airy, juniper-dotted meadows. The most scenic elements of the hike are found on the north leg of the 8.7-mile circumference loop.

Beautiful White Mountains views from Ecks Mountain.

Bright red paintbrush wildflowers stand out along the paths.  

From the trailhead, the north leg departs at the kiosk following a dirt road. Just past the first of several cattle gates, the trail bends left onto a single track.

A sunny section of the circumference loop.

Like all White Mountains Trail System routes, this one is very well maintained and outfitted with location markers placed roughly every quarter-mile.

Approaching the box canyon.

The markers correspond with downloadable maps, so you’ll always know where you are on the trail. White diamond tags denote the main outer loop while yellow dots indicate shortcuts for the three inner loops.  The hike to the cabin site is just over a mile. The first ruins appear at location marker L30 and the main cabin ruins are a quarter mile farther at maker L29. This is also where the shortcut for Loop 1 veers off for a 3.5-mile option. Next up on the big loop, look for a short spur path on the left near marker L26 that leads to Section 31 Tank. The secluded water hole reflects the sky and teems with multi-colored dragonflies. 

Yellow dots indicate shortcut routes.

After another 0.75-mile, the trail traces the edge of rocky box canyon with steep drop offs and first glimpses of dozens of eroding cinder cones in the Springerville Volcanic Field. This is one of the prettiest spots on the trail.  Beyond the canyon, the trail begins its ascent up the flanks of Ecks Mountain.

One of several rustic gates along the route.

To bypass this challenging section, take the signed shortcut for a 6.8-mile moderate trek. Sweat expended on Ecks Mountain and an optional short spur that leads to a vista point pays off with excellent panoramic views of Greens Peak and rolling prairies that stretch into New Mexico.

Pink Windmills bloom through September.

A set of tight switchbacks mitigate the vertical descent down to the south leg of the loop. The final miles back to the trailhead undulate through boulder-studded ravines, moist drainages and fields of wildflowers shaded by the afternoon clouds that roll in like clockwork during White Mountains summers.

Be prepared for afternoon summer storms.

LENGTH:

Circumference Loop: 8.7 miles

Loop 1: 3.5 miles

Loop 1-2 combo: 6.8 miles

RATING:

ELEVATION: 7220 – 7864 feet

Section 31 Tank is located along the north leg of the big loop

GETTING THERE:

From the junction of US 60 and State Route 260 in Show Low, go 19.4 miles east on US60 to County Road 3140 (Vernon Road/Forest Road 224). Turn right and continue 5 miles south, turn right onto Forest Road 5 and drive 0.5-mile to the trailhead on the left.  Forest roads are gravel and dirt, suitable for passenger vehicles.

INFO: White Mountains Trail System

http://www.tracks-pinetop-lakeside.org/trails/TrailsFiles/LandOfThePioneersA.htm

Ghost of the Coyote Trail #641

Ghost of the Coyote Trail #641

Much of the Ghost of the Coyote trail follows old roads

One of the coolest trail names in Arizona teases of a place steeped in magic and mystery, but the reality of the subject path is decidedly earthy.  Ghost of the Coyote Trail sounds like the kind of name a bunch of weary ranchers would come up with while sharing stale campfire coffee, a flask of booze and a pot of beans. The experience of hiking the trail aligns with this vision. 

White Mountains vista can be had on the trail highpoints

With its imagination-seizing moniker, the 13-mile, double loop trail located just a mile north of State Route 260 in the town of Linden, drips with cowboy culture in a classic rangeland setting. 

Open range on the long loop

The 2002 Rodeo-Chediski Fire (the second largest blaze in Arizona history), stripped many of the big trees along the route, leaving precious little shade. The land is recovering nicely and most of the charred trees have been harvested or have disintegrated into tangled piles resting in open prairies fringed with survivor pine-oak thickets and isolated pockets of high desert yucca and cacti.  Although there’s not a lot of elevation change, the trail ascends several knolls for sweet views of Eastern Arizona’s White Mountains.  From the high points, the hazy, low-slung profile of Mount Baldy (11,403 feet) and the distinctive flat top of Escudilla Mountain (10,912 feet) can be seen poking above a jagged horizon.

The well-marked trail follows old ranch and logging roads sharing several junctions with the Maverick Motorized Trail system. Many unmarked primitive paths that crisscross the land can cause minor confusion. Adopted by the White Mountain Trails System, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest route is now marked with white diamond blazes.

Bluegrass Tank, one of several stock water holes on the trail

To stay on track, be sure to located the next marker before moving ahead. The trail also has location markers posted every quarter-mile that correspond with downloadable White Mountains Trail System maps.  If you pay attention, it’s nearly impossible to get lost here.  Another appealing feature of this route is that it can be done as either a 13-mile giant loop or two shorter ones.  Beginning from the main trailhead on Burton Road, follow the access trail 0.2-mile to the beginning of Loop 1 and head out in either direction. 

Location markers like this one guide hikers through the loops

This compact 5.71-mile option packs in a great deal of variety with stock tanks, meadows, vista points, shady enclaves and inevitable cattle encounters. 

The trail winds through ranch country

Roughly halfway through the loop, look for the shortcut passage marked with yellow dots to circle back to the start point, otherwise, continue onto Loop 2 as it enters sunny grasslands and sprawling ranches. 

The trail is marked with white diamond emblems

Big skies and see-forever views define this airy swath of cattle country. 

A weather-ravaged trail marker

You’ll pass among grazing cows, horse farms, rustic barbed wire gates and plenty more stock tanks with good opportunities to spot wildlife and maybe even a ghostly coyote skulking in the scrub.

Pinion pines provides sporadic share

LENGTH:

Conflicting reports state that this trail is ranges from 12 to 16 miles in length. My GPS recorded 13.5 miles for both loops, not including the shortcut.

Loop 1: 5.71 miles

Loop 2: 7.99 miles

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 6000 - 6200

Gate near Capps Tank

GETTING THERE:

Main Trailhead, (short loop access):

From the State Route 87/260 junction in Payson, go 80 miles east on SR 260 to the town of Linden. Just before milepost 333, (and 8 miles west of Show Low) turn left onto Burton Road (Forest Road 134) and continue 1 mile to the trailhead on the left.

Long Loop access:

From SR 260 in Linden, go north on Pinedale Road (Forest Road 129) at milepost 227 and continue 1.8 miles to the gate at Capps Ranch Road. 

INFO & MAP:

http://www.tracks-pinetop-lakeside.org/trails/TrailsFiles/GhostOfTheCoyoteA.htm