Photo by Mare Czinar

HIKE OF THE MONTH

Historic cabins, flowing springs and fossils galore add extra fun to this pine-shaded trail on the Mogollon Rim. The U-Bar trail No. 28 is part of the 18-mile “cabin loop” system of trails that connect three old ranger cabins. This beautiful segment takes hikers past two decommissioned forest ranger cabins as it crosses sunny alpine meadows ablaze in wildflower color and the scenic gorge of Dane Canyon. Although the one-way length of the U-Bar trail is 6.5 miles, it’s only 4.5 miles to McClintock Spring – making a good turnaround point for a manageable day hike. Marked only by cairns and newly-chopped tree blazes, it’s necessary to pay attention to the route along the way.

Length: 9 miles, round trip
Rating: moderate
Elevation: 7,000-7,620 feet
Driving distance from Phoenix: 125 miles one-way
Getting there: From the intersection of SR87 and SR260 in Payson, go east on 260 for 30 miles to Rim Road 300 (turn off is on the left just past the Two-Sixty trailhead).  Continue on FR 300 to FR 137.  Turn onto FR 137 and go 4 miles to the Buck Springs Cabin trailhead.
Information: www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/mog_rim/u-bar-tr.shtml