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Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking
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If a climb through a Pine and Aspen forest to a mountain lookout appeals to you, this is your hike. This hike is located near Alpine, AZ. To the Trailhead: From the Alpine area, go 5.1 miles on HWY-191/180. Turn right onto the well graded FR56. Drive 4.6 miles to a signed road junction. Turn left and drive another 0.5 miles to the signed trailhead. Be Aware of: Inclement weather, elevation. 35 yr old Recommendation: The Aspen forest is beautiful, especially in the fall. The views are great too! This is an easy hike. Elevation change: about 1200 ft gain.
Distance: 6.0 miles to the lookout tower and back Time: 2.75 hours Time of year: Summer Solitude: Not much solitude on this hike. Expect to share this trail with between 15-20 people. Map: Click here for the map. From the parking area, you'll follow along an old (now closed) dirt road. The trail is well worn and easy to follow for it's entirety. You'll start hiking through a lovely forest of Aspens as you climb gradually upwards. As the trail continues to climb, you'll emerge into some wide open meadows that provide great views. The trail levels out on a ridgeline (known as Profanity Ridge) and actually descends a bit before the final climb through a well shaded pine forest to the fire lookout tower at the top of the mountain. If the tower is manned, you can climb up and enjoy the views in all directions, including mount Baldy, the Blue Range, and even into the Gila Wilderness of New Mexico. When ready, return the way you came.
[hiking along the Aspen lined trail]
[meadow views]
[lookout at the top]
[Rain clouds in the distance]
This hike was taken in late May 2009 |
