Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

General Crook Connector Trail

Parks › Arizona › Apache-Sitgreaves Nat'l Forest › Points of Interest › Trail

Rating: Moderate for hikers
Use: Light
Season: Spring to early winter
Elevation: 6,370 feet to 6,900 feet

This connector was built to link the White Mountain Trail System to the historic General Crook Trail. The trail begins at the west end of Lewis Canyon Campground. From there it travels west through several beautiful canyons. After six miles it crosses Forest Road 132 into the Heber Ranger District. Approximately 6.5 miles later, the trail joins the General Crook Trail.

The General Crook Trail is a designated Arizona State Historic Trail running from Fort Verde to Cottonwood Wash on the Mogollon Rim. The trail follows a route created by General George Crook in the 1870's.

Although the net change in elevation is not very great, there are a lot of short and steep sections on this trail. Geology buffs may notice the rocks in this area are smooth and rounded. This type of rock is called Mogollon gravel. It was deposited here by some ancient body of water before the Mogollon Rim was lifted to its present place.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
P.O. Box 640
Springerville, AZ 85938
Voice: (928) 333-4301
Fax: 928-333-5966
TTY: (928) 333-6292

Directions

From the trailhead kiosk at the west end of Lewis Canyon Campground follow the trail west, past the intersection for Juniper Ridge Trail. To access the trail around its midpoint, continue on State Highway 260 past the Pinedale turnoff for about 2 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 132. After driving approximately 3.5 miles, look for blue diamonds on either side of the road.