Colonel Devin Trail 290 and Railroad Tunnel Trail

Area Status: Open

Fort Whipple military personnel used a trail in this location on a maneuver to find renegade Apaches; the trail was named after Colonel Thomas C. Devin who led this group. In the early 1880`s, the Arizona Mineral Belt Railroad made plans to cash in on the need for transportation of ore from Globe to the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad in Flagstaff. The scheme called for a tunnel to be excavated through the Mogollon Rim. The plan was discarded after they twice ran short of funds. Now all that can be seen of the tunnel is a hole in the rock. The springs near the "tunnel" are beautiful and well worth the hike. Also of interest is the old Arizona Game & Fish Department Fish Hatchery site with beautiful springs and the flowering banks. On top of the rim is the site of the “Apache Battle of Big Dry Wash."

At a Glance

Usage:	Light
Restrictions:	No Motorized vehicles are allowed. This is a steep trail with loose footing and is not recommended for horses. If you PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT!!

Activities

Day Hiking

At the trailhead sign, on the south side of FR 300 (across from the Battle of Big Dry Wash monument), Trail 290 begins. Follow the trail as it parallels the power lines to the west. At the second power pole, turn left (the trail leads away from the power line). Continue for approximately ½ mile to the next sign, where the trail hooks to the left. The trail heading back toward the rim is the Railroad Tunnel Trail 390. If hiking to the tunnel, it is another ¼ mile of difficult trail. The remainder of Trail 290 is somewhat steep with loose footing and not recommended for horses. The Washington Park Trailhead can

Elevation desc	South end: (5,000 feet elevation): at Washington Park Trailhead North end: (7,280 feet elevation): at Forest Road (FR) 300 on the Coconino National Forest.
Difficulty Level:	Most Difficult