I like how this trail was so well maintained and had markers making it easy to navigate. The…read morescenery is stunning as your surrounded by towering pines and oaks and there's even water on the trail. It's about 2 miles to get to the Ice Cave which was cool (pun intended) to check out, but it was a little underwhelming. Still awesome to see an entrance of a collapsed lava tube where cool air creates a natural refrigerator even if it didn't have that wow factor. There's pretty wildflowers alongside cactus which is cool to see. We didn't see much wildlife but there are horseback riders that use the trail that you may come across. Overall, it was a good easy to moderate trail good for families and with some really beautiful scenery and I enjoyed the trail.

Don't expect too much for the ice cave. It's a hole in the ground with cold air, which is nice once…read moreyou've sweated in the sun for 2 miles. Use sunscreen, as it's not shaded. There is a geocache in the area if you geocache.

I was in town for a few days and decides to take one of my dogs for a quick walk one morning. I…read moreliked that the trail has ample parking spaces. It also has flat and easy trails along a small water stream (and I think some more challenging one up some smaller wooded hills). The walk was relatively easy..you can for sure finish the all back ad forth within 30-60 minutes depending on how fast you can walk. When I was there on a weekday late morning, many residents were walking along the path with their dogs enjoying that cool morning as well. Finally, the trail is free and very well maintained. It is also accessible so people with any abilities can enjoy it for sure.

This is a really interesting hiking trail and park. There is a steam that goes along the normal…read morehiking path which is an easy walk. I believe there are some more difficult paths that go along the woods. Apparently on the one side of the park sometimes you can see cattle grazing, but they were not out during my visit. There were some horses in the other field which got all of the attention. Having the horses present just made the park that much more enjoyable. There is a small parking lot and no bathrooms at this trail.

There are 2 extremes to this hike. You can choose to explore the lower canyon to a beautiful…read morewaterfall at the end surrounded by cliffs and call it a day for a total of 3 miles out and back OR you can hire a guide and canyoneer the upper canyon and spend around 5-7 hours while rappelling, climbing, and wading through endless pools and more waterfalls for a total of over 5 miles. On this adventure, my hiking group decided to take the easy route and enjoy the lower canyon. It kind of reminded me of West Fork hike in Sedona, because you cross the creek bed repeatedly, and you cannot help but stop and stare in awe of how beautiful the surroundings are. The hike is peaceful and you feel kid-like once more since you are forced to climb over small boulders, get knee deep or sometimes even waist deep in water, and brush past tree branches of various foliage. The life is teeming with so many different plant species present and with the Salt River connecting nearby, you just know the place is great for fishing as well. Permits are $15 per person for day hikes. Cibecue is on sacred land so remember to enjoy the hike in all its glory but be respectful and pack out everything you bring in.

One of my favorite hikes in AZ! How can you beat stunning canyon views, creek crossings, and a…read morebeautiful waterfall at the end!? Not to mention it's in the middle of nowhere away from all civilization--a great day trip getaway to relieve yourself after a stressful workweek! A few things to note before trekking out here: -You're going to want to be driving a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle as the road from the 60 turnoff is nothing but dirt and rocks. I've seen a Prius do it but it looked painful and damaging lol. -Permits are now $30 per person and you pay with cash into a box so come prepared. I'm not a huge fan of the price hike *no pun intended* but I can see why the reservation did it reduces the crowd. -Bring sturdy water shoes or prepare to get your hiking shoes wet/muddy. I have some pretty flimsy Walmart water shoes so I opted for the latter. There are multiple creek crossings and it's not like Seven Falls or Oak Creek--there are not enough stones to hop across and you will need to walk in the water.By the end of the day, my hiking shoes were completely soaked with muddy water. They will need some deep cleaning. -Piggy-backing off the point above, if you go following a monsoon storm, expect the creek and falls to be saturated with thick mud. Grand Falls style. -PLEASE pack in what you pack out. Do not litter or leave anything behind in this beautiful place.

If I had to describe this place in one word, I would say 'sanctuary.'…read more The Catwalk Recreation Area is a compact gem of stupendous beauty. I'd say it's one of the can't miss locations among the many in this state. Although I had seen some photos and videos, they didn't prepare me for the overwhelming experience. It's a canyoned, slot canyoned, nature trailed, tree-lined, water featured, and wildlife wonder courtesy of a built-for-the-ages metal catwalk that floats through much of it as you are suspended between ground and sky. I've seen so many places of natural beauty that I don't get as impressed or as thrilled as I did when I was younger. However, here, I can't think of enough superlatives to say how amazed I was. This place can easily fill with people on nice weekend days. I chose a cold weekday morning and I had the place to myself for a few hours. I considered that time an honor as I walked the catwalk gazing up to the cliff faces and sky while listening to the subdued roar of the water passing by below. I took time to descend from the catwalk and sit at a few places at the water's edge. I hike and camp and bicycle and, while they offer exercise and joy, the Catwalk Recreation Area seems to have its own built-in stress relief feature. This is such an embracing and calming place that can lift you up and say don't lose sight of all the good things in the world.

The Catwalk is so beautiful…read more The boardwalk itself is higher above the water than I anticipated and much shorter in distance than I expected. Regardless the feeling entering the canyon after the catwalk is almost surreal the rocks seem as if they just fell minutes before arriving. Almost like stepping in the Flintstones cartoon. I suggest going here, bring lots of water and snacks and wear a hat plus sunscreen the sun is very direct and hot. Not much shade until you get up the river a ways. I would say I think smaller dogs paws would not be comfortable on the catwalks metal grating but large dogs seemed very comfortable walking on it.

Every step in nature brings a new discovery…read more I am not a seasoned hiker nor do I hanker after difficult trails. I simply wanted to be with nature, so I planned out this hike a day before. Thompson Trail 629, located in Greer, Arizona, was at the top of my list. I have been to Greer many times, but I had never reached nor explored that area before. The drive to the trailhead is long and bumpy on the dirt road, yet it is scenic and tranquil. Once you reach the destination, you will be welcomed with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, rolling meadows, and forests. The hike is approximately 6 miles out and back, making it a moderate and enjoyable trek. During the hike, you'll be immersed in the beauty of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, with the trail winding through towering Ponderosa pines. Be prepared with water, snacks, and proper hiking gear. The trail is well-maintained but can be rocky and steep in some sections, so sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. One of the things I enjoyed most was that the path leads through picturesque meadows and alongside babbling creeks. I couldn't help but stop, reconnect with nature, enjoy the solitude and capture the beauty with my camera lenses. I am truly appreciating more the majestic landscapes of the White Mountains and the many breathtaking scenes you will discover, providing opportunities to pause and refresh your soul. If you're seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Thompson Trail offers a serene environment for you.

While up in Show Low for the weekend hiked Buena Vista trail! It's a great casual option to get…read moreoutside and enjoy the weather. Once you turn off the main road onto Rim Rd, which is a dirt road, nothing to crazy and I'd imagine easy enough for most automobiles. There is then a large dirt lot probably half a mile with trailhead map and info. Bonus no fee to park in the lot! The route has a bit of elevation, but for the most part features wide trails and pretty casual. It is a tad rocky, but my group did it in tennis shows or lifestyle boots. It is a loop trail, with a straight start an option to go left or right, the signage isn't great so we ended up doing a five mile hike instead of a three, but c'est la vie! There are trail markers they just are far and few in between. Service also is not great and sporadic, so Iw ould recommend downloading ahead of time. The hike featured lots of woodsy landscape a tons of wildlife footprints, markings and birds. It wasn't the best hike I have ever done, but a great option for those who want to get outdoors, have an easy approach or drive in and mellow hike that I personally find appropriate for most ages. Also dog friendly!

The USFS Lakeside Ranger district oversees the White Mountains Trail System, a 200+ mile system of…read moretrails for non-motorized users (hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, trail runners and cross country skiers) in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests of northeast Arizona. All trail maps may be printed from www.tracks-pinetop-lakeside.org for free. TRACKS is a nonprofit group of volunteers who work with the USFS to build and maintain the WMTS. All trail heads are easily accessible on Forest Service roads that do not require 4 wheel drive vehicles. Major trails are built as loops, with connector trails in between, so that users may go on short or long excursions in one of the largest Ponderosa pine forests in the US. Users often sight elk, deer, wild turkey, many bird species, and other wildlife.

Just a nice little hike to escape from the city. If you are visiting Pinetop-Lakeside you should…read moretake an hour to walk this short interpretive trail. There is no major destination or culminating peak. But if you love little signs that tell you about the birds and trees as well as offers picturesque views of streams, rocks and mountains then it's for you. The perfect hike for my family who are novices. The real is just under one mile. The first 1.3 is asphalt and then becomes silty dirt. Fun and relaxing to get your mind off things.

Best kept secret!…read more There were no cell signals at the parking and I created this page at about 10,000 feet in elevation when I was no longer in the woods area. If I get the information wrong, please update. They have three parkings. West, Sheep Crossing and East. No outhouse at the sheep crossing but the most convenient one. We probably passed by 3 or 4 groups during our 13 - 14 miles leisurely hike. It starts with small creeks good for finishing and playing with water, then nice meadow that made me want to just run around, woods area start and requires you to jump over and under tress that blocking trails. You see evidence of old fires that in its way to good recovery, and followed by above woods area to provide you unobstructed view of the area. Not allowed to summit here as they belong to Indian Nation but the loop hiking was very nice Walk was so peaceful and really quiet. Only sound you hear is the wind. Beautiful butterfly and flowers along the trail kept me entertained. I would love to come back here for backpacking and camping someday. Enough water nearby, I think camping here will be very luxurious things to do.

This is a gem place just a few miles from the sunrise resort. Has a decent parking space and…read moreinformation is clear at the entrance. Medium to hard levels and few routes available for the hike. Looks splendid overall and would love to hike here again. It was very chilled when we went hence there was literally no one else other than us. Also, we could hike much because of the cold. But I would return here in summer for my next hike.