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.

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 went to an immaculately maintained trail along a creek and meadow of horses and cows that backed…read moreup to the mountains. Beautiful, beautiful and the small town charm of it is amazing! I loved the rocks people paint and leave behind as well. I have done that in the past with my 3 boys. Love the idea and charm of it! Reminds me to do it again. I felt refreshed and enjoyed my 3 mile run!! The trails were marked with little white signs and I didn't feel unsafe. It got tight a couple times with some kind folks walking dogs and I'm a huge dog person- so doesn't bother me and I was able to squeeze past them without them needing them to move much in the skinny portion of the trail we happened to be crossing at the same time. I think they appreciated. Anyway, beautiful hike and is do it again! Looking for another trail to do today before we leave back to the Valley in the AM. I don't want to leave!

Just FYI, using GPS location from this does not lead you to a trail. It just lads you to a general…read moreresidential area that happens to be within the white mountains area.

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.

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.

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.

Beautiful hike meandering along the creek Very shaded with tall Ponderosa pines, ferns, and pretty…read morelittle waterfalls. We decided this was one of our favorite hikes in the area. We went on a Friday and didn't see anyone else so very nice.

Great place for a day hike and lots to do to keep it short or longer. You can camp and start the…read moreCabin Loop Trail once you get to the top of the Rum which also happens to be part of the Arizona Trail.

We have rented from Ted & Nancy for years and there is definitely a reason why. They are super nice…read more& accommodating every year. Cabins are super clean and cozy. So many fun family memories at these cabins. We have rented all of the Big 10 cabins and the Little Ponderosa as well over the years. Each have something unique.

What a great place to relax for a few days. It's tough to get a rental in Greer this time of year…read moreif you do not book in advance. Cabin was clean and well appointed. Note, there are only two resaurants in town. One open for breakfast and lunch called Rendevous Diner. Molly Butler's Lodge is open part of the week for lunch and every night for dinner. The cabin has a propane grill if you decide to stay in. There is one small market in town called Lazy Trout Market if you need anything. Lots of places to fish or hike. We relaxed at the cabin and played cards. There was hand sanitizer inside. Soap and shampoo provided. The check in process was smooth. They email you a code for the front door. There's a TV with Dish Network. It's very quiet here. Nice front porch to relax. Bedrooms and bathroom were on the small side, but it is a cabin and they were adequate for a couple of nights. We enjoyed our short stay.

Challenging short hike with awesome views from Indian ruins. If you don't like to fall down, be…read morescared or get cut up when hiking, don't do this hike. The big challenge is getting here. High creek levels can ruin your trip. I went in November with my 4runner without issue. Also, the last mile or so of road is extremely rough. I would just park and walk if without a high clearance vehicle.

This phenomenal hike is so steep, even I thought it was difficult. what a great state for outdoor…read moreadventure where you can be driving on dusty desert roads one minute and suddenly park in a forested canyon, and start hiking up giant boulders to see a hidden indian ruin? this site is extremely well preserved and thank goodness, hard to find. only a few marks of graffiti (a shame really, who the hell thinks it's ok to scratch their name in 750 year old artifacts? a**holes). if you're lucky enough to hike there with someone who knows the trail, tread lightly and enjoy it. if you do, it will still be there for multitudes of future nature lovers to enjoy.