WHITE MOUNTAIN TRAILSYSTEM

Stepping into existence on a cold, snowy evening in February 1987, the new TRAILSYSTEM was born of trauma at the first meeting of what was to become the White Mountain Horseman's Association. Twenty-five horsemen from the mountain, met to commiserate on (read that as 'gripe about') the closing of an increasing number of long-time riding areas. This problem, a result of increasing population growth and uncaring developers, seemed destined to limit access to the forest for native and visitor alike. But it's not nice to mess with 'mountain folk'! Once challenged, they act: with reason, with persistence, with group effort, and above all with a true love of these magic mountains!

So it began. The long, sometimes frustrating process of growing a TRAIL-SYSTEM. Since February 1987, until now, we've kept the kid in the closet. Oh, occasionally we'd whisper its name,... 'trailsystem', but only the parents, immediate family, and a few close friends got a look at the little bugger. Now we intend to change that...we'd like you to join the TRAILSYSTEM family!

So here it is...strong, full of life, and growing like a beautiful weed, The White Mountains TRAILSYSTEM: a series of twenty-five to thirty interconnecting, multi-use, trail loops ranging from the community of Vernon on the eastern edge and stretching to the community of Clay Springs in the west.

The system includes urban trails in the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, the City of Show Low, and the Wagon Wheel area. Currently five delightful parks are being connected to the System: Fool Hollow Lake State Park (proposed), Woodland Lake Park, Big Springs Environmental Study Area, Billy Creek Trails Park (proposed), and Billy Creek Natural Area. Mini-parks are also envisioned throughout the project.

Additionally, connector trails are planned to the renovation by Arizona Game and Fish of the Pinetop Springs Fish Hatchery and their proposed hatchery in the Porter Mountain area. The Country Club Trail will run just north of Pinetop's Country Clubs allowing system access to those residents. The trails themselves are cleverly designed. Each trail takes maximum advantage of the beauty and vistas of the area with extreme care given to preserving the land, vegetation, and wildlife. Landscaped urban trails will have multiple entrance points to ease the access of residents and visitors.

The unique feature of our TRAILSYSTEM is 'The Trail Loop'. Traditionally, most trails go from point A to point B requiring a return trip over the same terrain. The TRAILSYSTEM loop goes from point A and returns to point A. Loops are also joined by connector trails making longer traverses possible. Loops vary in size allowing a pleasant evening walk, a day-hike with a stop at selected picnic-type areas, a several day horseback trail ride, an adventurous back-pack trip, or a scenic mountain bike tour. Winter will open selected areas to cross-country skiing.

The White Mountains TRAILSYSTEM is more than trails, it is real people... dedicated, caring people who want to preserve the very reason they chose these mountains to call home: a love of Nature.

Keep in mind the TRAILSYSTEM is still developing and is not ready for full use. In the meantime, here's something for you to think about... what's your role in seeing the TRAILSYSTEM develop ? Shouldn't you help ? After all, when the system matures it could help fill your life with golden days !

Click here for an overview of our Trail System !

Trail Guide (Sharing the Trails)

Additional Web Hiking & Walking Resources

For further information about this and other recreation opportunities contact:

Lakeside Ranger Station
RR 3 Box B-50
Lakeside, Arizona 85929
(928)368-5111

Pinetop/Lakeside Parks and Recreation
1365 Niels Hansen Lane
Lakeside, Arizona 85929
(928)368-6700

What to Do / Scenic Attractions

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