Hiking in Alpine, Arizona
Alpine, Arizona rests on the eastern edge of the Mogollon Rim in the White Mountains very close to New Mexico. Alpine is completely surrounded by the Apache National Forest and is adjacent to the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. The combined forests represent over 2 million acres of public land - plenty of room to roam and explore. Here is a quick list of area hikes that may be of interest.
Escudilla Trail - This trail is accessed from the Terry Flat Loop on Escudilla Mountain, the trail is approximately 7 miles round trip and rises from an elevation of 9350′ to the summit of Escudilla Mountain at 10,877′. Generally the trail is a 3-4 hour hike depending on the weather and physical condition.
East Baldy Trail - This trail is usually accessed from State Route 273 off the Big Lake Road. The road is currently under construction and is slated to re-open next spring. The East Baldy Trailhead is currently (9/29/08) accessed from the West Baldy Trailhead and utilizing the Crossover trail - approximately a 4.5 mile hike to the trailhead.
West Baldy Trail - This trail is currently accessed (9/29/08) from Northwoods Road in Greer, Arizona. There is a temporary trailhead on State road 273 with about a one mile hike to the actual trailhead at Sheeps Crossing. the trail is axcellent for the first two hours, however “blow down timber” after that point makes it almost impossible to route find unless you’ve been on the trail beforehand. Hopefully, the Forest Service will rectify this problem once SR 272 in re-opened in the Spring of 2009.
Grant Creek Trail - This trail is located in the Blue Wilderness Area and rises from an approximate elevation of 5500′ to over 9600′ on the KP Rim and then down to 9300′ at Hannagan Meadow. This 13.5 mile trail takes the hiker from high dsert to towering ponderosa pines and fires in a difficult but doable day hike. It is best to drive a vehicle down to the Grant Creek Trailhead and leave another vehicle at Hannagan Meadow. the trailhead on “the Blue” wil lrequire an immediate crossing of the Blue River, so be prepared to strip off your shoes. the area was also burned twice in the last 5 years in Paradise Park - approximately half way up the trail - route finding will be difficult without a guide or carry a GPS.
For more information on area hiking, fishing and real estate please visit my website at: http://www.AlpineNutriosoRealEstate.com