Tonto National Forest
near Globe
Beginning at the same trailhead but taking divergent paths up the slopes of the Pinal Mountains, these four routes leave the high desert floor and top out in forests of aspens and firs. Although located close together geographically, each trail offers a unique perspective on these “sky islands” (mountain ranges harboring distinct ecosystems) hovering above the Salt River Canyon.
Getting there is the same for all four of these trails, which are about 90 minutes from Phoenix. Take US 60 east to Globe. In Globe, watch for the sign that says: “Besh-Ba-Gowah Ruins, Globe Ranger Station.” Leave the freeway here and follow the signs to the ruins. Drive under the pedestrian overpass and past the ruins, then turn right on Icehouse Canyon Road (Forest Road 112) and go 4.2 miles to the Icehouse CCC campsite, where a hiker sign on the left reads, “197, 192.” If the campsite gate is locked, park in the pullouts along the road.
Important note: Pinal trails are notoriously overgrown and rife with obstacles. In addition, directional signage is sparse, so hikers must have excellent map and route-finding skills in order to safely navigate these trails. A good map resource is the National Geographic Maps, Salt River Canyon, Tonto National Forest No. 853.
INFO: natgeomaps.com/ti_853
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Photos by Mare Czinar
Icehouse Canyon
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ICEHOUSE CANYON It’s a bit tricky to stay on track, but with some attention to detail, hiking to the cool forests high on the slopes of the Pinal Mountains is an exhausting yet memorable adventure. From the campsite, hike up Forest Road 112 to Telephone Trail No. 192 on the right. The sign is located about 20 feet uphill in a small dirt turnout along the road. Follow No. 192 for .2 miles to the signed junction for Icehouse Canyon No. 198. Head downhill to the right and pass through a cattle gate. From here, go right and steeply uphill to the wide road at the top of the hill, where you will see a “road closed” sign. Don’t worry, it’s not meant for hikers. Head left and follow the signs to Forest Road 651, the turnaround point for this hike.
BONUS SIDE TRIP: Signal Peak
From the top of Icehouse Canyon Trail at FR 651, it’s a mere mile to 7,812-foot-tall Signal Peak. Just follow the dirt road directly ahead to the radio towers.
HIGHLIGHTS: amazing trip from the desert floor to pine woodlands
LENGTH: 10 miles round trip
ELEVATION: 4,520-7,560 feet
RATING: difficult
DOG RATING: *
INFO: Globe Ranger District, 928-402-6200,
www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/grd/IcehouseTrail198.pdf
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Kellner Canyon
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KELLNER CANYON Relics of mining and logging operations, a cave, views of Globe-Miami and some of the grandest populations of manzanita shrubs anywhere are just a few of the many points of interest on this trail. From the campsite, hike up Forest Road 112 to Telephone Trail No. 192 on the right. The sign is located about 20 feet uphill in a small dirt turnout along the road. Follow No. 192 for .2 miles to the signed junction for Icehouse Canyon No. 198. Head downhill to the right and pass through a cattle gate. From here, go right and steeply uphill to the wide road at the top of the hill, where there’s a “road closed” sign. Don’t worry, it’s not meant for hikers. Head left and follow the road approximately 1.3 miles to the signed Kellner Canyon Trail No. 242 junction, where you’ll see old water tanks. Veer right onto No. 242 and hike 4.8 miles to the trail’s end at Forest Road 651.
HIGHLIGHTS: mining relics, manzanitas, views of Globe-Miami
LENGTH: 12 miles round trip
ELEVATION: 4,520-7,160 feet
RATING: difficult
DOG RATING: *
INFO: Globe Ranger District, 928-402-6200,
www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/grd/KellnerCanyonTrail242.pdf |
Telephone Trail
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TELEPHONE TRAIL The least traveled of the four major uphill routes in the Pinals, this one is not to be missed. Traversing both ridgelines with hazy views of the mines surrounding Globe-Miami and heavily wooded ravines, trail No. 192 follows an underground telephone line that supplies service to the summer cabins and communication towers on the peaks.
The trail ends at the Sixshooter Canyon Trail No. 197 junction, where you can either return the way you came or follow 197 back to the trailhead; the distance is roughly the same.
HIGHLIGHTS: ridgeline hike with views of Globe-Miami mines
LENGTH: 10 miles round trip
ELEVATION: 4,520-6,720 feet
RATING: difficult
DOG RATING: *
INFO: Globe Ranger District, 928-402-6200,
www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/grd/TelephoneTrail192.pdfSIXSHOOTER CANYON Of all the trails in the Pinals, this one (No. 197) is the toughest. The long, brutally steep route is strewn with obstacles: Fallen trees, degrading slopes and derelict signage all contribute to the trail’s difficult rating. Along the way, remains of cabins, mines and a sawmill dot the woodlands, adding a touch of history to this must-hike Arizona trail. Access to the trail begins at the east side of the Icehouse CCC campground.
BONUS SIDE TRIP: Pinal Peak
From trail’s end, hike up to FR 651C, go left (southeast) and follow the dirt road past Upper Pinal campground to the 7,848-foot-tall peak and high point of the range.
HIGHLIGHTS: riparian forests, panoramic views, mining history
LENGTH: 12 miles round trip
ELEVATION: 4,520-7,560 feet
RATING: difficult
DOG RATING: *
INFO: Globe Ranger District, 928-402-6200,
www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/grd/SixshooterTrail197.pdf