Trail Shoes Mesa AZ

Activities: Mountain Biking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Payson
Length: Round Trip: 3 miles
Trail type: Loop
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: 1A
Usage: Moderate

Description: The Pine Creek Loop Trail is a gentle trail that loops around Pine Mountain and heads back to the parking lot. The scenic Pine Creek, just a half-mile from the parking lot, is an oasis in the desert and usually has running water. You can also access the Ballantine Trail from the midpoint of the Pine Creek Loop. You should bring plenty of water as it is a warm ride or walk// PLEASE don’t drink from the creek or any of the washes.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Trail type: Out and Back
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy

Description: Big Springs is a major source of crystal clear spring water flowing into Rainbow Lake. There is evidence the spring area was used for Indian ceremonial purposes, as many Indian artifacts have been recovered from the mud surrounding the spring. The stream and somewhat marshy area immediately below the spring is an excellent nature study and bird watching area, especially for marsh and waterfowl birds.

Activities: Road Cycling

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Phoenix
Ride Type: Loop
Best Season: Spring, Fall, Winter
Difficulty: 3C
Traffic: Moderate

Description: The Phoenix Metro area doesn’t have many paved country roads and unlike many other parts of the United States this makes it harder to find good places to road cycle. But that doesn’t mean that road cycling is impossible. You just have to know where to look. One of the better rides in the Phoenix metro area is the Salt River Loop. This ride offers a beautiful river route along the Lower Salt River. The route is located in the Tonto National Forest. There are several shady riverside picnic areas if you like frequent stops.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Tonto National Forest
Length: One-Way: 2.5 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Best Season: Spring to Fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Light

Description: The Derrick Trail (#33) is a rocky, rugged and, at times, indistinct trail that connects to the Highline Trail #31. The trail begins at the campground and begins to switchback uphill for the first two hundred feet. Then, it flattens out as it meanders through ponderosa pines. As you approach the junction for the Highline Trail, the trail becomes more exposed. Watch for cairns to help you find the trail; there are times that the trail is so rocky that it is difficult to follow. Return the way you came, or you can continue along the Highline Trail to the Horton Creek Trail and complete an eight mile loop.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Arizona
Location: Coconino National Forest
Length: One-Way: 3.5 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 7620 feet
Maximum Elevation: 8700 feet
Best Season: May to November
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Heavy

Description: This trail which was officially dedicated in the summer of 1998, is the newest edition to the Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills Trail System. Much of the trail, which links Sunset and Little Elden Trails, was constructed by devoted trail volunteers including mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians and several other organizations. It appears that all of their hard work has paid off as this is quickly becoming one of the more popular trails in the area. As the trail climbs through the ever present ponderosa pine and Gambel oak trees that inhabit much of Flagstaff‘s surrounding landscape, it gradually winds through Douglas-fir, limber pine and pockets of aspen trees at the top. Additionally, you will encounter the occasional rocky mountain maple along the trail which during the fall season will blaze with color. Two vistas along the trail offer outstanding views of Sunset Crater located 8 miles northeast (as the crow flies) and in the distant background the painted desert acts as a colorful backdrop. Many wildlife species make their home in this area including mule deer, elk, porcupine and black bear for which the trail is distinctly named after. In addition, red-tailed hawks, raven and the occasional turkey vulture will dazzle you with their aerial acrobats. Please remember to minimize your impacts on wildlife by viewing from a distance, keeping your dog(s) on a leash and limiting noise to a minimum.