COUNTRY
CLUB TRAIL, Apache-Sitgreaves
National Forest
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Meadow salsify bloom June through September |
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| The route passes through several rustic gates |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| White Mountains vistas seen from Pat Mullen Mtn. |
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| Fleabane is a common high-country summer plant |
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| Pine-oak woodlands on the Country Club Trail |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Gate at Whitcomb pasture |
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| A pine sapling sprouts near a common mullein plant |
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| 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
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