Cunningham Loop Trail #316
This is actually a system of trails that were designed specifically with mountain biking in mind, but they provide some excellent hiking as well. They consist of a collection of old logging roads that have been closed to vehicles and new trails that have been constructed to create a network of loops. These loops lead through areas of cool, mixed conifer forests made up mostly of Douglas-fir, white fir, Engelmann spruce and aspen groves. The big trees are interspersed with small meadows. On each trail system, the old logging roads are easier traveling than the more narrow connecting trails.
The Cunningham Loop Trail #316 can be travelled in addition to the Grant Hill Loop Trail. The main trail is 5.6 miles long, but there are some side trails that may be worth exploring. The trail crosses a few small drainages as well as Grant Creek. If you’ve brought your mountain bike, you’ll find the ride moderate for the most part, with a few sections of trail that will wake you up if you need more than beautiful scenery to get your attention. If you’ve come here looking for a hike that doesn’t require you to walk back by the same route you walked in, you’ve come to the right place, too.
Cunningham Loop Trail #316 Photo Gallery
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
Accessibility
Not an accessible trail.
General Information
Trail Length: 4.5 miles for the western loop.
Elevation gain: 1,436 feet for the western loop
This trail is not accessible by vehicle from November 15 to April 15 when the Swift Trail is closed for the winter. Early or late snow may extend the inaccessible season.
No potable water available.
Vehicles (including trailers) longer than 22 feet are not recommended because of the difficulty of negotiating the switchbacks on AZ 366.
Address: 711 14th Avenue Suite D, Safford, AZ 85546
Phone: (928) 428-4150
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
Parking is available at Cunningham Campground or the Grant Hill Loop Trailhead.
Parking
No day-use fee for parking.
Directions
From Safford drive south 8 miles on US 191 to AZ 366 (the Swift Trail). Turn right (southwest) onto AZ 366 and drive 23.5 miles beyond the Hospital Flat Campground to the Grant Hill Loop Trailhead on the left side of the road and the Cunningham Loop trailhead on the right side of the road. Cunningham Loop Trail #316 may also be accessed across Swift Trail from Cunningham Campground.
Nearby Recreation Sites
Recreation Opportunities
Recreation Groups
You will experience the ecological equivalent of driving from Mexico to Canada all in one leisurely afternoon on this sky-scraping, switchbacking mountain road.