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TIMBER MESA
Pinetop-Lakeside
Recently upgraded to incorporate an extra 1.5 miles of White
Mountain scenic vistas, this undulating hike loops through a mix of shaded
coniferous woodlands and sun drenched pinion-juniper scrub. Route finding was also improved with the addition of
location markers (T1-T29) placed every quarter-mile and blue diamond tree
blazes that eliminate confusion where fire roads intersect the trail #636. After a short climb (mitigated by long
switchbacks) epic views begin to emerge. The western edge of the mesa--
buttressed by volcanic boulders--overlooks Jacques Marsh wetlands and Scott
Reservoir, where, in late summer, acres of wildflowers transform the high
country prairies into a sort of Monet painting replete with muddled hues, reflective
waters and shocking splats of gold all brushed and blended in unbridled strokes
over a living canvas. This hilltop art galley goes on for roughly 2 miles
before the trail veers east, ducking in-and-out of damp ravines, deadwood
lizard habitats and spare high points with a start-to-finish cache of
alluring natural and human-made curiosities.
LENGTH: 7.9-mile loop (including 0.4 mile on access path)
RATING:
moderate
ELEVATION: 6,640' - 6,960'
FACILITIES: none
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, travel north on SR87 to the SR260 junction in
Payson. Head east (right) and
follow SR260 to milepost 350 and the stoplight at Porter Mountain Road (FR45)
in Pinetop-Lakeside. Turn left at
the light and go 2.2 miles (veer right at the 1.7-mile point to stay on FR45)
to the trailhead sign. Turn left
and continue 0.1 mile on a dirt road (watch that rut!) to the trailhead.
MAP:
INFO:
Lakeside Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, 928-368-2100
Lakeside Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, 928-368-2100
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