Prescott National Forest

The views from this long trail are spectacular. Most impressive is the general view of the extremely rugged country below this rim to the Verde River. From here you can also see the Mazatzal Mountains to the east, Four Peaks to the south, and the Bradshaw Mountains to the west.

Access and trailhead location: To access the trails in the Pine Mountain area, exit the I-17 Freeway at the Dugas Interchange. From there take the road to Dugas (Forest Road 68). East of Dugas there is a junction with Forest Road 68G. Take Forest Road 68G (high clearance vehicle only) almost due east for about another 8 miles. On Tule Mesa the road heads southeast. At a point about 0.6 miles past where Forest Road 68G passes under the power lines this road turns east and descends the rim towards the Childs Power Plant. Another 4-wheel drive road (Forest Road 9626B) continues south towards the Pine Mountain Wilderness boundary for about 1.1 miles. The trailhead is located at the wilderness boundary.

Travel time: 2 hours.

Road condition: High clearance vehicle only.

Use restrictions: This trail lies within the Pine Mountain Wilderness and the use of any motorized or mechanized equipment, including bicycles, is prohibited.

Recommended season of use: Spring, Fall, and Winter.

Maps, other resources: Prescott National Forest, east half; USGS topographic 7.5' quad for Tule Mesa

Trail layout: This is a fairly level trail, traversing along the edge of the Verde Rim for much of its length. The climb to Pine Mountain, however, is difficult. The trail does not actually go to the top of the mountain, though it is only a short but steep hike from the trail to the top. At about mile 2.0, just as you start the climb to Pine Mountain, Willow Springs Trails intersects from the west. At mile 2.75 Pine Mountain Trail also intersects from the west. At about mile 4.5 the trail heads west and then northwest into the Bishop Creek drainage and ends at its junction with Nelson Trail.

Southwest of the intersection with Pine Mountain Trail, the fire that burned Pine Mountain in 1989 burned especially hot in this area.