Hiking opportunities! Snowy Mountain Inn sits on 10 acres of land covered with meadows and forested areas just waiting to be explored. Directly behind our Lodge is a gorgeous canyon. Several trail markers can be found along the rim for the adventurous hikers wanting to explore the canyon.

Several trailheads are near to Snowy Mountain Inn and are listed for your convenience below. For safety purposes, be sure to let someone know your anticipated route and expected departure and return times. Additionally, please help maintain a quality outdoor experience for future users - "Take only pictures, Leave only footprints".

Be sure to pick up your free copy of "Hiking Greer" by Anne Groebner at the Snowy Mountain Inn Lodge. Please check with the Springerville Ranger District Office at (928) 333-4372 for latest trail conditions and outdoor conditions.

Trail Excerpts below from "Hiking Greer" by Anne Groebner.

Government Springs
Length is about 2.5 miles to 3 miles before the trail disappears. The trail starts at Government Springs, an old fish hatchery, located south of Greer where Main Street dead ends in a parking lot on National Forest land. Although not an official Forest Service Trail, this walk along the West Fork of the Little Colorado is ideal for those who want to enjoy the day and not a strenuous hike. Take along a picnic lunch as there are many great spots to stop along the river. A great hike for enjoying wild flowers and butterflies in the summer.

Butler Canyon Trail #98
This is a one (1) mile loop trail. This trail is only a one mile hike — short enough to take your time and enjoy the wonderful scenery and even learn a lesson or two about nature. The trail is a self-guided nature trail that provides lots of information about the wildlife, plants and the different habitats that are found along this path. The trail is rated easy for hiking and biking.

East Fork Trail #95
Length of this trail is about 7 miles (one way) at an elevation of 8,200' - 9,300'. The trail is rated moderate to difficult for both Hiking and Biking. The first part of the trail is a dense forest of spruce, fir, ancient ponderosas and aspen. There are several signs of wildlife. As you leave the forest area, the trail leads you into wide, tree-lined meadows with cienegas (marshy areas) and interesting rock formations. At the end of the trail is the Gabaldon Horse Campgrounds where you'll find a trail that leads to the East Fork Mount Baldy Trail.

West Fork Trail #94
Length of the West Fork Trail is 7 miles (one way) at an elevation of 8,500' - 9,000'. This trail is rated Moderate to difficult. The trail starts in Greer off of Osborne Road and meanders along a small creek surrounded by aspen and ponderosa pine. It then ascends to Badger Pond. Chances of seeing wildlife here are very good. The trail follows to Sheeps Crossing and ends at the trailhead for the West Fork of the Mount Baldy Wilderness Trail. There are restrooms and parking at the West Fork Trailhead.

Squirrel Springs Trail
Squirrel Springs is a brand new maze of cross-country ski trails comprising 14.29 miles rated beginner to expert. The trails are also a good hike in the spring, summer and fall. Eight trails lead you through a thoroughfare of lower elevation trails like the Fir Trail and a more challenging trail such as Ponderosa. The rest except for Aspen are rated expert which make this an excellent system of trails for the experienced skier. From Greer, follow Rt. 373 toward Rt. 260 and you will find the trailhead on the left.

Pole Knoll Recreation Area
Pole Knoll Recreation Area comprises a maze of 17.82 miles of trails at an elevation of 8920' - 9720'. Primarily used for cross-country skiing, the area also offers a variety of wildflowers, aspens and wildlife for hikers in summer. There is parking, restrooms and several picnic tables with grills at the trailhead. From Greer, follow Rt. 373 to Rt. 260, turn left and follow Rt. 260 toward Lakeside. Look for the Pole Knoll Recreation Area sign on your left.

Mount Baldy Trail #94
This is one of the most frequently traveled trails in the White Mountains. It offers more diversity than most trails in this area. Spectacular views along with spruce, majestically-tall fir, white pine, ponderosa pine and aspen line the trail. Wildflowers are abundant in the meadows along the trail. The trail is 7 Miles to the summit of Mt. Baldy - 14 miles round trip at elevations from 9,000' at the trailhead to 11,200' at the reservation boundary. Hiking is rated Moderate. No Bikes are allowed. Parking is plentiful. From Greer, follow Rt. 260 to Rt. 273 (past Sunrise) until you see the Mount Baldy Trail sign on your right, turn into the parking lot and you will find the kiosk at the end of the parking lot.

Mount Baldy Trail #95
The East Fork of the Little Colorado River runs along parts of this trail. Pristine forests, meadows that are breathtaking and unique rock formations capture the imagination of visitors. Mount Baldy is a designated wilderness area and is subject to specific regulations. The climb to the summit is a 2000 foot change in elevation but definitely worth the challenge. The trail totals 7 miles to the summit, 14 miles round trip at elevations from 9,300' at the trailhead to 11,200' at the reservation boundary. The trail is rated Moderate for hiking. From Greer follow Rt. 260 to Rt. 273 (Sunrise Ski Hill) toward Lakeside, turn right and continue on this road past Sheeps Crossing and the single lane bridge until you see the sign on your right for the trailhead.

South Fork Trail #97
Length of the South Fork Trail is 7 miles at elevations from 7,500' - 9,000'. From Greer travel east on Rt. 260 toward Eagar until you reach FR560, turn right and follow this road until you reach the campground. There is a directional sign for the trail. South Fork is a beautiful trail that winds along the Little Colorado River through a lush forest of ponderosa pine and aspen. The crosses the river about 3 miles out and continues another four miles to Mexican Hay Lake. Elk, Antelope and bear are known to frequent this trail.

Escudilla Mountain Trail #308
Parts of Escudilla Mountain were declared Wilderness in 1984. It includes approximately 500 acres of thick aspen stands, spruce and Douglas fir. It is one of the most popular hikes in this area. The large stands of aspen bring people from all over the country to see the incredible fall colors. Care should be taken to maintain the pristine condition of this mountain. Because of its Wilderness status, no bikes are allowed and all restrictions pertaining to wilderness apply. Escudilla Mountain Trail is 3.5 miles at elevations ranging from 9,560' - 10,877', rated Moderate. From Eagar, travel south on Rt. 191 toward Alpine until you reach FR56, turn left onto FR56 and follow this road until you reach Terry Flat Loop. The Trailhead is on the left.

West Fork Trail #628
One of the most beautiful areas in the White Mountains is the West Fork of the Black River. There are several access points along this portion of the river, but if you want a spectacular hike, this trail is an exciting venture through old-growth forest. Six (6) miles (round trip) at an elevation of 9,000 feet, this trail is rated moderate for Hiking and difficult for Biking. No horses are allowed. Directions to the Trailhead are provided in "Hiking Greer".

Thompson Trail #629
With a grand from the Heritage Fund, the Thompson Trail was built in a combined effort by the U.S. Forest Service, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and several volunteers. It is noted as some of the most beautiful country within the district. This trail is only open to hiking. No bikes, horses or motorized vehicles are allowed. Spectacular waterfalls are created by the fast running water that follows the West fork of the Black River. Trail length is 6.5 miles (round trip) at elevations of 8,600' - 8,840'. The hiking is rated as moderate. Directions to the Trailhead are provided in "Hiking Greer".

Railroad Grade Trail
Part of the "Rails to Trails" program, the Railroad Grade trail is part of a system of trails that is expected to run coast to coast. As you hike along the old railway bed, you can see the breathtaking views of Mount Baldy and Sunrise Peak. The trail starts from a brand new trailhead located off of Route 260 that includes restrooms and a large parking area. The trail extends to Sheeps Crossing trailhead located off of Route 273 and ends at Big Lake Trailhead. This is a great trail for hiking, biking or horseback. Length to Sheeps Crossing - 8 miles; to Lightning Ridge - 18 miles; to Big Lake - 21 miles at elevations of 9100'-9200'. The trail is rated Easy to Moderate. Directions to the Trailhead are provided in "Hiking Greer".

Indian Springs Trail #627
This trail meanders through a variety of terrain made of up aspen, very old tall ponderosa, spruce, large rocks and mountain springs. 7.5 miles in length at an elevation of 9,000' it is rated moderate for Hiking and Moderate for Biking. Parts of the trail follow a railroad bed of what was once the old Apache Railroad that ferried people and lumber between Maverick and Holbrook. This historical aspects of this trail combined with the spectacular scenery will make this one of your favorites. Directions to the Trailhead are provided in "Hiking Greer".

Big Lake Lookout Trail
The views from Big Lake Lookout Tower are spectacular. You can see Big Lake, Crescent Lake, and Escudilla Mountain. The tower is staffed between May and July, giving you the opportunity to climb to the top and meet the fire ranger. Trail length is 2 miles at elevations from 9,100' to 9,415 feet and is rated moderate for Hiking and moderate for Biking. Directions to the Trailhead are provided in "Hiking Greer".

Snowy Mountain Inn Telephone: (888) 766-9971    Local (928) 735-7576 38721 Route 373, Greer, Arizona 85927   Fax: (928) 735-7705       email: info@snowymountaininn.com