Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
General Crook Trail No. 130
-
General Crook Trail No. 130
This is a section of the trail which the famous Indian fighter General George Crook blazed from Camp Verde to Fort Apache. See a brief biography of General Crook (PBS.org). Besides being of historic note, the Crook Trail follows one of the more striking geologic features in Arizona, the Mogollon Rim. This 2,000 foot escarpment, named for one of the Spanish colonial governors of New Mexico, forms the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau.
The trail plays tag with the edge of this 400 mile-long cliff and the road that parallels it across the Forest. At a number of places the path crosses the road to hug the rim and offer spectacular views of the state's central mountains and desert. Four Peaks, the Sierra Anchas, and the Mazatzals stand out among the scenery. At night, the lights of Payson wink up from 2,000 feet down and 15 miles away. (Click on "Photos & Multimedia" in the right column for an enlarged view of the photo above and of an interpretive sign explaining the trail's origin. This sign is about 1.5 miles east of Kehl Springs Campground..)
If you would rather not hike the entire 25 mile length of the trail, you can easily retrace just a part of the route. Nearby roads, most notably FR 300, provide easy access to all portions of the trail. Portions of this trail are part of the Cabin Loop Trail system.
Hover mouse cursor over photo to show slideshow controls.
At a Glance
| Usage: | Medium |
|---|---|
| Closest Towns: | Happy Jack, AZ |
| Operated By: | Mogollon Rim District 928-477-2255 |
General Information
Directions:Location: 65 miles (about 2 hours) south of Flagstaff in the cool pines of Mogollon Rim country.
GPS (Map): 34°27'15.4"N 111°22'47.8"W
USGS Maps: Dane Canyon
Access: Drive about 55 miles south of Flagstaff on Forest Highway 3. Turn south (right) on AZ 87 and drive 9 miles to FR 300. You'll find a number of access points along this road. FH 3 and AZ 87 are paved. FR 300 is graveled and suitable for passenger vehicles except during winter when it is closed.
Click map thumbnail for a larger view.
Activities
Day Hiking
Horse Riding
FR 626 Trailhead near Clear Creek Campground: This trailhead is very crowded on weekends during the warm season. Smaller (2 to 4 horses) trailers are recommended. No overnight parking at this trailhead.
Viewing Scenery
The General Crook Trail, and the Mogollon Rim Road that parallels it, offer nearly endless stunning views off the edge of the Mogollon Rim whether by car, bike, foot, or horse.
Related Information
Location
