Land of the Pioneers #629

Distance: 10 miles around the trail; 3-1/2 miles if you use the first shortcut; 8-1/2 miles around the second shortcut.

Difficulty: Hiking – Moderate

Mountain Biking – Difficult

Equestrian – Difficult

Trailhead Parking: Limited

Access to Trail: From Show Low, travel east on AZ 60 for 19.4 miles. Turn South on FR 224 (through Vernon) for 5 miles, then west on FR 5. The trailhead is on the right.  Can also be accessed at the junction of the Land of the Pioneers trail and the Four Springs trail on FR 5

Trail Highlights: The Land of the Pioneers Trail winds through ponderosa pine with a short spur to the top of Ecks Mountain. Excellent views from the top make the trip well worth it. Shortly after Section 31 Tank, the trail passes above an interesting box canyon with views to the north. A shortcut trail is marked bypassing Ecks Mountain, cutting off about one third of the overall trail distance.