Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking Guide

SIX SHOOTER TRAIL

If a hike through pine and sycamore forest to a mountain peak appeals to you, then you'll like this hike.

HOW TO GET THERE

This hike is located near Globe, AZ.

To get to the Bell trailhead: from the Phoenix area, take US-60 East toward Globe. Once in Globe, turn right on Hill street, just past mile post 251. Please watch your speed in this area, as it is a residential area. Follow the Tonto Forest signs 1.2 miles and turn right onto Icehouse road. This soon becomes FR112. Drive 1.8 miles to a stop sign. Drive another 2 miles to the end of the pavement. Drive 0.5 more miles to the CCC picnic area and trailhead.  The dirt road is in very good shape and passenger cars are no problem.

RATING

Be Aware of: mountain bikers love this trail, so be alert.

30 yr old Recommendation: Good gradual climb through a very lush forest to a mountain peak. The hike described here is a Moderate hike. 

DETAILS

Elevation change: You gain about 3000 ft.

Distance: The loop hike described is 12.0 miles round trip.

Time: It took us 5 hours hiking to get to the top and back with a 20 minute lunch.

Time of year: Fall, Spring, or early AM in the summer. This is a good Fall leaf looking hike.

Solitude: Excellent. We only saw five other hikers during our hike... There were a few mountain bikers as well.     

Driving through Globe on the way to other areas of the state, you would never know what kind of beauty lies in the mountains around this area if you never stop to see them. Six Shooter Trail is an excellent introduction to this very beautiful area. 

From the CCC picnic area, the six shooter trail (Trail 197) starts out in desert scrub and Manzinita. This trail climbs steadily here, but comfortably. After the first hour of hiking, you are in a pine and sycamore forest that only gets more green as you continue to climb. The trail follows a dry creek canyon up the mountain, with good views of Globe and surrounding mountains.

After five miles of steady climbing, you reach the trail junction of the Telegraph trail, which hooks up with Icehouse trail. The Icehouse trail (Trail 192) will take you back to the CCC picnic area as well if you want to take a different route back. Take your time during the last mile and see if you can spot the spring dug out of the rock on your left. This part of the trail is covered in ferns. This trail ends abruptly at the junction of other trails, but by walking another 1/4 mile on a dirt road, you can get more mountain views to the east. 

There are several campgrounds in the area and it is worthwhile to spend some time in this area. When you are ready, return to the desert of Globe and your car.  

[six shooter trail]

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