The White Mountains are in eastern Arizona. Mountain trails create an interconnected trail system where you can enjoy backcountry camping and trout fishing.
History
The White Mountains Trail System was conceived in February 1987 by the White Mountain Horsemen's Association. Twenty-five horsemen from the mountainside communities started the groundwork for building a multi-use trail system. The trails encourage recreation, preservation and appreciation of the mountain range by horseback riders, hikers and mountain bikers.
White Mountains
The White Mountains are the second highest mountain range in Arizona. The lushly forested mountains that range from 6,500 feet to more than 11,000 are laden with streams and lakes. Hiking, camping, fishing and downhill skiing are some of the activities to enjoy in the area.
Geography
The White Mountains are along the border of Arizona and Mexico, 250 miles north of Tucson and 220 miles east of Phoenix. The communities surrounding the area are Show Low, Springerville, Pinetop Lakeside, Greer, Snowflake, Taylor and Hannagan Meadow. The most popular access points for hiking trail heads are in the towns of Pinetop-Lakeside and Springerville-Eagar.
Trails
The White Mountains trail system can be used for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. More than 180 miles of maintained trails are within the system and are mostly 8 to 16 miles long. Hike the 5-1/2 mile Fish Creek Trail, a moderate trail with an elevation of 8,400 feet to 6,800 feet. This trail is open from May through October and begins in a narrow forested canyon overlooking both the Black River and Fish Creek waters. Wander downstream and pass other water sights such as a stepping-stone stream crossing where the creek and the Black River join. The creek and river have populations of the state's native Apache trout and rainbow trout. Another scenic trail is the Mainstem Black River, a 19-mile trail that is open from May through October. It has an elevation range of 6,600 feet to 7,500 feet. Trail features include trout-filled river streams, a large canyon, rocky stream beds and black bear sightings.
Features
Avid hikers can use the White Mountains Trails System to hike all of its 180 miles without interruption. All trails are connected by connector trails. For overnight and multiday hikes, you can use many of the campsites scattered around the trail. Twenty-three developed campgrounds are sprinkled throughout with seven to 176 campsites per campground. Backcountry sites are also available for the more remote trail areas.
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