El Lobo Lupus

Open in the App

White Mountains, AZ, USA

Show 6 more photos

Route Overview

Forrest Radarian

Northern Arizona - Bikepacking and Adventure Riding

413 mi.

32,369 ft.

Send to Device Advanced Export View Standard Route (with cuesheet)

Route Details

# Detailed Route Guides

[El Lobo Lupus - Full Route Guide](https://www.theforrestbiome.com/el-lobo-lupus)

------------------------------------------

# Route Overview

El Lobo Lupus takes bikepackers through the high elevation heart of the White Mountains, Blue Range, and Mogollon Rim of eastern Arizona where the Mexican Gray Wolf has been reintroduced.  The route name “Lupus” reflects the track’s looping path and its goal of providing riders the opportunity to see Mexican Wolves (*Canis lupus baileyi*), commonly called "El Lobo."  The Mexican Wolf is a highly endangered subspecies of the Gray Wolf.  It was nearly wiped out by predator-eradication programs, but the species was reintroduced to Arizona and New Mexico in 1998 and has slowly increased to a population of over 200.  Riders will travel through the territory of El Lobo - mountainous terrain known as the "Alps of Arizona."  This land encompasses not only tributary headwaters of the Gila and @poi[Little Colorado Rivers](79533799) but also some of the tallest peaks in Arizona at @poi[Escudilla](88277062) and @poi[Baldy](88164347).

Bikepackers will traverse through miles of subalpine meadows lined with conifers and aspens, travel through dense ponderosa pine forests, ride along trout-filled rivers and lakes, and get endless high-elevation views. Cyclists will ride up to 10,000 feet on @poi[Escudilla Mountain](88277786) and down to 5,800 feet along the @poi[Blue River](88277790) near the last federally-designated Primitive Area in the United States. Look forward to riding along the banks of the @poi[Black River](79531922), staring at the complex neon greens of @poi[Hannagan Meadow](88278845), seeing the ecological succession of montane forests after the @poi[Wallow Fire](88278846), riding the perimeter of high-altitude Terry Flat, passing by enormous lakes in big sky country, and catching glimpses of wildlife such as Mexican Wolves, Black Bears, Mountain Lions, Elk, Big Horn Sheep, and Deer.
# 
## Route Highlights
- Miles of high-elevation montane and subalpine zones in the "Alps of Arizona" that provide a rare southwestern summer bikepacking trip.
- Wildlife viewing opportunities for endangered Mexican Gray Wolves.
- Seeing some of Arizona's highest peaks at Escudilla and Baldy.  
- Visiting the White Mountains, Blue Range, and Mogollon Rim of eastern Arizona.
- Biking by the headwaters of the East and West Forks of the Little Colorado River.
- Visiting the small mountain towns of Greer and Alpine.
- Seeing many large lakes fed by streams, creeks, and rivers in Arizona's high country.
- Multiple opportunities for fishing.
- Visiting Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area.
- Biking up to 10,000 feet along Terry Flat to loop the top of Escudilla Mountain.
- Descending to remote Blue, AZ along the Blue Range Primitive Area (the last federally designated Primitive Area in the United States)
- Biking and camping shore-side along the East Fork Black River.
- Viewing photogenic Hannagan Meadow.
- Camping at Big Lake.
- Visiting fire lookout towers sprinkled across the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
## 
## Recommended Tire Size: 2.2"-2.6"

------------------------------------------
# Riding Seasons:
- **BEST TIME:** May - June
- **BEST TIME:** September - Mid-October
- **Doable:** July - August
- **Not Possible:** Late October - Mid-May
------------------------------------------

# Surface Color Guide
- **Purple** = Improved Dirt Surface (Frequently Maintained, Usually Smoother)
- **Red** = Rugged Dirt Surface (Infrequently Maintained, Typically Rougher/Rockier)
- **Brown** = Primitive Dirt Surface (Rarely/Never Maintained, Particularly Rocky/Rutted/Eroded)
- **Black** = Singletrack
- **Blue** = Vehicular Pavement

------------------------------------------

# Surface Conditions and Route Difficulty

- **Physical Difficulty = 6/10** *(Rugged terrain with frequent climbs, some of which may be steep and unrelenting)*
- **Technical Difficulty = 5/10** *(Continuous sections of track may be rocky, loose, and steep; (e.g., 4×4 roads or singletrack in rugged/rocky terrain) suitable for intermediate mountain bikers)*
- **Based on Bikepacking Roots' Rating Scales*
## 
The White Mountains of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest have a network of broad, relatively smooth forest roads that El Lobo Lupus primarily follows.  These roads are either hero dirt that is hard-packed and suitable for skinny tires or loosely graveled with little washboard.  Most of the sections requiring pavement stick to roads and highways with broad shoulders or sidewalks.  When shoulders are absent, paved roads tend to be in areas with fewer vehicles.  Wear bright colors, use flashing lights, and ride defensively as proactive measures for safety along paved roads.

There are a few sections of rocky 4WD roads.  They frequent the burn scars and lower elevations of the route, especially where ATVs are common.  Expect long lengths of washboard, decaying road, and erosion.  These will be bumpy but short-lived compared to the rest of the route.

If rain/snow are forecast, the lower elevation portions of the route may become peanut butter/death mud and impassable in places.  This is especially true around @poi[Show Low](79530783), @poi[Pinetop](79535185), @poi[Vernon](82839689), @poi[Springerville](79531906), and @poi[Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area](88267345).  Leave No Trace and avoid riding at these times until the route dries out.

The **technical difficulty** of the route is due to the presence of sections of singletrack along the @poi[Apache Railroad Trail](88163636) and several portions of the route that take rocky and steep 4x4 roads through burn scars up in the mountains.  Luckily, these sections are infrequent and eclipsed by the common, broad, and well-maintained dirt roads that make up the majority of the route.  These US Forest Service roads are typically in great shape and rarely rutted.  Hero dirt and hard-packed smooth substrate make up a majority of the backroads that El Lobo Lupus sticks to.

The **physical difficulty** is mostly due to the amount of climbing on this route and some of the grades of the climbs - such is the payment for enjoying high-meadowed peaks and river-filled valleys.  The White Mountains, Blue Range, and Mogollon Rim are high-elevation areas along a rugged mountainscape of crumpled land.  Climbing long ascents each day is assured and should be expected.  Some noteworthy climbs will take a good portion of the day to ascend and feature steep grades; these sharp inclines may warrant hike-a-bikes depending on your energy level.

## Noteworthy Climbs
1. @slice[Riding to the top of Escudilla Mountain](d,268233.4,292422.9) and along Terry Flat
2. @slice[The ascent out of Blue, AZ](d,377922,398556.5)
3. The rocky, steep @slice[climb up to Hannagan Meadow](d,446890.3,465589)
4. @slice[The climb from the Black River to Big Lake](d,522367.3,538275.5)
## 
## Noteworthy Primitive, Rocky Surfaces
1. @slice[The connector road between Point of the Mountain Overlook and Water Canyon Road](d,155053,156250) on the way down to Springerville (The last bit of it is an ATV pumptrack that you may need to walk for how rutted, steep, and rocky it is; luckily it is a very short section).
2. @slice[FR 403 that takes riders into Alpine](d,236410.5,252351) is a 4WD road with some bumpier sections and some washboard.
3. @slice[The climb up to Hannagan Meadow on FR 24](d,458685.4,463407) is especially rocky and eroded from its location in a burn scar.
4. Some of the roads leading @slice[back to Show Low and Pinetop](d,610803.4,619042.1) can be rutted out, especially where ATVs frequent.
5. The @slice[Apache Railroad Trail](d,552433,555960.8) is poorly maintained and little used singletrack, meaning it is often grassy and overgrown; its surface substrate is loose balls of cinder. Where it goes is beautiful, but if you want to skip it, I've included POIs on the RWGPS map indicating paved highway alternatives.
## 
## Noteworthy Vehicular Pavement
1. @poi[The climb out of Springerville to Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area](88267343): Although there is a guardrail and no shoulder, there is a passing lane allowing cars to safely get around you.  The road is busy with cars and trucks.  Climb early in the day to beat an increase in traffic.
2. @poi[Porter Mountain Road outside of Pinetop](116560046): There are relatively good lines of sight. The road is busy. The further around Porter Mountain you get, the fewer the vehicles seem to become.
3. @poi[Exiting and entering Show Low](134122066): Stick to the sidewalks while entering and leaving Show Low. The highway has a massive shoulder you can ride along.
4. @poi[Vernon](134425914): This is a low-use road frequented by locals. It travels through small communities and along quiet backroads.
5. @poi[HWY 373 into Greer](134425915): A high-use road off the highway for getting to Greer. Expect lots of traffic but a workable shoulder and good lines-of-sight.
6. @poi[HWY 273 along the base of Mount Baldy](134425916): A workable shoulder, good lines-of-sight, but lots of vehicles including trucks and RVs.  Absolutely gorgeous scenery.  
7. @poi[HWY 261 along Mexican Hay Lake](134425917): Low traffic and workable shoulders. Lots of places to pull off and take in the scenery along a quiet backroad highway.
8. @poi[HWY 191 along the base of Escudilla](134425919): Lots of traffic but a fantastic shoulder.
9. @poi[HWY 191 from Hannagan to Blue Vista](134425920): Small, but workable shoulder. Low traffic past Hannagan and great lines-of-sight.
## 
## Parking
El Lobo Lupus is intended to be ridden in a clockwise direction. I've secured permission from the @poi[Show Low Elks Lodge No. 2090](89197363) for bikepackers to park their cars on the premises.  There is a $4 per night fee per vehicle for parking.  Make sure to contact Catherine Cribbs via email (**showlowelks.cribbs@gmail.com**) beforehand to secure permission and talk logistics; she'll be your point person.  Let her know that you are a cyclist looking to ride/bikepack the El Lobo Lupus and the start/end dates for leaving your vehicle.  However, this parking will be dependent on space.  If there is a banquet hall rental or an event at the Elks, then cyclists will need to find another location to park.  A huge THANK YOU to the Show Low Elks for providing this parking!

------------------------------------------

# Water and Food

## Water Reliability Scale
- 1 = unreliable
- 2 = seasonal
- 3 = mostly reliable
- 4 = definite source
## 
Due to their elevation and geological composition, the White Mountains are rich with water sources.  There are numerous springs, ponds, lakes, rivers, creeks, and streams.  Many are reliable or definite.  This is still Arizona and the southwest though - it can get hot and exposed on a sunny day.  Plus, there is lots of climbing.  Make sure to carry a few liters at a time and plan ahead for how far it is to the next water source.  Most of the seasonal water sources noted on the RWGPS map will run in early summer after a wet winter, but may be completely dry after a dry winter or further into the hot summer; don't rely on these too much.

You may see lakes, reservoirs, or streams that I haven't tagged with a POI on the map.  That's often because these are more marsh-like with muddy/murky, plant-choked shores that would make obtaining water difficult.  I avoided tagging these sources in lieu of clearer, more accessible sources.

Most food resupplies on this route are only a few days apart.  The largest resupply distance is during the last part between Alpine and Big Lake.  Resupply options can be found in @poi[Greer](79535180), @poi[Eager](79531905), @poi[Springerville](79531906), @poi[Alpine](79531913), @poi[Hannagan Meadow](79533784), @poi[Big Lake](79533796), @poi[Pinetop-Lakeside](79535185), and @poi[Show Low](79530783).

------------------------------------------

# Fees and Permits

There are no fees or permits to ride this route through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

------------------------------------------

# Important Information

**Hunting Season:** Starts in September and goes through December. The White Mountains are a premier destination for big game hunting. Expect the forest in the autumn to be filled with hunters. You'll see more trucks, backcountry campers, ATVs, and individuals on foot. WEAR ORANGE and make yourself visible as you ride. Be smart and be seen during hunting season. Water sources and meadows may have more hunters scoping them out.

**Attitudes about Wolves:** There are some real, open, hostile, and even aggressive sentiments against the Mexican Wolf in many places along this route. You'll routinely see signs posted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department offering $48,000 rewards for information leading to individuals illegally killing lobos (and these killings do happen). You can expect to see posters, signs, banners, poems, and more reflecting some individuals' desires to exterminate or remove the wolves. There is also strong anti-US Forest Service and anti-government sentiment reflected in the decorum of some of the businesses of the towns you pass through. Make no mistake, livestock killings by wolves do happen and it impacts people's lives. Predator reintroduction is complex, difficult, and requires both science, politics, and relationship-building. Make sure to read the social situations you are in and judge how open you want to be about the wolves.

**Bears and Food Storage:** Black bears are abundant throughout this entire route. Have a sure and proven method to safely secure and store your food each evening when you camp. This could be a bear hang, a bear canister, or an Ursack. All the campgrounds require food storage and have signs posted everywhere about being in "bear country."

**ATVs:** ATVs can be quite common across the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, especially in summer and fall.  The possibility of groups of ATVs passing you is possible, and you should expect some dust when they do.

**Political Decorum:** Some of the small towns you pass through may have businesses and restaurants with decorum representing strong political expression.  Overall, I have found them to be welcoming to cyclists.

------------------------------------------

# Camping

There are numerous awesome and free dispersed camping opportunities throughout this route.  The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest allows dispersed camping nearly everywhere.  The only exceptions are the @poi[Mount Baldy/Lee Valley Recreation Area](88163634), the @poi[Greer Recreation Area](79535179), the @poi[Black River Recreation Area](88277792), and @poi[Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area](88267346).  There will be prominent signs delineating these boundaries; signs will indicate that camping is only allowed in designated sites.  Don't dispersed camp in these zones.

Beyond that, there are copious free camping opportunities.  I've put POIs on the map for noted USFS campgrounds that El Lobo Lupus passes.  Some of these have a fee to stay in and others do not.  There are a few lodging opportunities along the route at USFS cabins and motels in @poi[Springerville](131576426), @poi[Alpine](88276774), @poi[Greer](79535179), and @poi[Hannagan Meadow](79533784).  Call ahead to make reservations because these fill up quick during the summer season.

------------------------------------------

# Sample Route Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Use it as a rough guide for your own planning purposes. Feel free to use it, adapt it, or don't use it at all and make your own plans. Plan your trip on this route based on your own strengths, comfortabilities, experiences, wants, and needs.

**Day 1**

- **Mileage:** 41 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 3000 ft.
- **Description:** Leave Show Low taking @poi[sidewalks and highway shoulders](134122066) to the @poi[turnoff on dirt](134122065) around Porter Mountain.  Ride around the mountain and join pavement on the other side for a quiet ride down to @poi[Vernon](82839689).  Grab water and start a dirt climb up into the Apache-Sigreaves NF.  Dispersed camp in the bountiful spots at your choice.  
- **Water:** Grab definite water from the @poi[park faucet in Vernon](82839689) about halfway through today.  Grab enough to get you to Greer tomorrow.
- **Resupply:** Bring most of the food to start the ride that you will need until tomorrow in Greer.
- **Camping:** @poi[Dispersed camp](88159044) near Brady Park in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
#
**Day 2**

- **Mileage:** 25 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 2400 ft.
- **Description:** Today is a short day to help you acclimatize to the elevation and give your legs time to build for bikepacking.  Ride through montane forests, see distant high desert grasslands in Springerville, and enjoy the shade of the first aspen of the route.  Enjoy beautiful woodlands as you make your way along dirt to a paved entry into @poi[Greer](79535179).  Grab some food, sit by Greer Lakes, and just soak it all in.
- **Water:** Definite water in the @poi[campgrounds](79535181) around Greer.  
- **Resupply:** Head to the @poi[Lazy Trout Market](79535180) in Greer. 
- **Camping:** @poi[Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground](79535181) (Reservations suggested)
#
**Day 3**

- **Mileage:** 44 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 2700 ft.
- **Description:** Head out of @poi[Greer](79535179) and climb up and onto the high altitude subalpine meadows and forests the White Mountains are famous for.  Join the @poi[Apache Railroad Trail](88163636) at @poi[West Baldy Trailhead](88163635) and ride down singletrack along a short stretch of the reliably flowing @poi[West Fork Little Colorado River](79533799).  Look for beaver amongst the steam before riding through meadows and spruce thickets alongside ponds.  Head north along miles of dirt roads through subalpine meadows before joining pavement around @poi[Point of the Mountain Scenic Overlook](88266267).  Take the rapidly @poi[decaying dirt road](88266269) along below the overlook to an ATV track that meets up with a quick pavement descent to the towns of @poi[Eager](79531905) and @poi[Springerville](79531906).
- **Water:** @poi[East](88163638) and @poi[West Forks of the Little Colorado River](79533799), @poi[Point of Mountain Spring](88266268)
- **Resupply:** @poi[Safeway](131576424) and @poi[Bashas](131586625) in Eager and Springerville 
- **Camping:** Dispersed camp at @poi[Elderberry Spring Campground](88267342) south of Eager (before hitting town limits) or stay in town at lodging (@poi[Reed's Motor Lodge](131576426)).
#
**Day 4**

- **Mileage:** 43 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 3800 ft.
- **Description:** Get going early to beat the heat out of Springerville.  Climb back up into the mountains on the @poi[side of the highway](88267343) and join dirt down to @poi[Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area](88267345).  Enjoy the Visitor Center, fill up water, and push into a climb in a burn scar.  The woods will gather up again, and you'll do a big climb up to Water Canyon Road that takes you along miles and miles of high subalpine meadows.  Descend through aspen-pine woodlands to the Williams Valley/Three Forks area for some dispersed camping.
- **Water:** @poi[Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area Visitor Center](88267345), @poi[Pipe Spring](88267348), and @poi[Little George Reservoir](88276772).  Grab enough from Little George (about halfway through today) to get you all the way to Alpine tomorrow.  That, or take a short detour off-route down Three Forks Road to @poi[Lake Casa Blanca](88276773) where you can fill up.  If you do this, stick to the eastern shore as its public land.  
- **Resupply:** None
- **Camping:** Dispersed camp near Williams Valley/Three Forks.  If you cross the highway and start up the dirt climb on the other side, there is a side-road that spurs off on the left.  Take it up to a @poi[fantastic campsite](107290063). 
#
**Day 5**

- **Mileage:** 38 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 3600 ft.
- **Description:** Head southwest through a burn scar from the Wallow Fire that winds through new-growth aspen and expansive views before a descent to a paved highway.  Take the highway shortly before jumping on a side-road to enter @poi[Alpine](79531913).  Resupply and head up the nice shoulder of the highway.  Stop at the @poi[Alpine Divide Campground](80906789) to grab a spot, drop some gear/weight, and then continue to the side-ride up Escudilla Mountain.  It's steep, so be aware of some hike-a-biking.  On top, take in the incredible views as you sail along dirt on @poi[Terry Flat](88277786) at 10,000 feet.  Drop back down, retrace the highway back to the Alpine Divide Campground, and camp for the night.
- **Water:** @poi[Alpine](79531913), @poi[Alpine Divide Campground](80906789) (there is a water storage tank), @poi[Hulsey Lake](83037506)
- **Resupply:** @poi[Alpine, AZ](79531913)
- **Camping:** @poi[Alpine Divide Campground](80906789) or dispersed camping in the woods up the climb on Escudilla Mountain.
#
**Day 6**

- **Mileage:** 41 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 3100 ft.
- **Description:** Head down the shoulder of the same highway you rode yesterday.  You'll pass through the small community of @poi[Nutrioso](79535516).  Swing a right on some true hero-hardpack-dirt that swings a southernly bend towards Escudilla.  The views are vast on the grasslands as you wind up and around the base of the mountain.  Several ephemeral/seasonal creeks can be found crossing the road.  A descent on the backside leads you into thick ponderosa growth before a steep ride up and out.  Rejoin the highway.  From here, you can either carry-on towards Blue.  Or, swing a right and make your way back to @poi[Alpine](107242908) for one last resupply or a zero day.
- **Water:** @poi[Mamie](88277787) or @poi[ELC Creeks](88277788) are seasonable, so make sure to carry enough out of the Alpine Divide Campground to get you through today just in case.
- **Resupply:** @poi[Alpine, AZ](79531913)
- **Camping:** @poi[Luna Lake Campground](79531915) or stay at @poi[The Aspen Lodge](88276774) (lodging or camping) in Alpine, AZ.  
#
**Optional: Zero Day**

- **Mileage:** 0 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 0 ft.
- **Description:** Take an optional 0 day in @poi[Alpine](79531913).  The @poi[Aspen Lodge](88276774) is a great place to stay.  Rest your legs, grab a shower, eat lots of food, enjoy the area, and resupply before a stretch ahead (3 days) with no resupply.
#
**Day 7**

- **Mileage:** 55 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 4000 ft.
- **Description:** Today is a big day with a descent to the lowest/hottest point on the route and over 4000 feet of gain.  Start early to beat the heat.  Take a big descent down a gorgeous road off the Mogollon Rim down to @poi[Blue, AZ](79531919) (and even a momentary crossing into NM!).  This small community hosts a post office and several @poi[USFS campsites](79531920) nearby on-route.  Grab a ton of water at @poi[Blue Crossing](88277790).  Start a long, all-day climb up Red Hills back onto the Mogollon Rim.  It's steep but nothing as bad as what you've already done.  Cross HWY 191 and start ascending and riding the contour of Middle Mountain through a significant burn scar.  End the day with a descent into a gorge and the start of the @poi[Black River Recreation Area](88277792).  Camp along the shore of the Black River at one of the established @poi[USFS campsites](79531921).  Be on the lookout for big horn sheep which frequent this river gorge!
- **Water:** @poi[Blue Crossing](88277790), @poi[Black River](79531922)
- **Resupply:** None
- **Camping:** Any of the campgrounds along the @poi[Black River Recreation Area](88277792), although I highly recommend snagging @poi[Site 3 at Diamond Rock](79531921) (first campsite along the river).  
#
**Day 8**

- **Mileage:** 25 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 2200 ft.
- **Description:** Take a leisurely ride along the @poi[Black River](88277792) all morning.  Stop at all the views.  Observe big horn sheep.  Get in the water.  Go fishing.  This is glorious.  You'll eventually leave the Black River Recreation Area and start a long, steep, and rocky climb up to Hannagan Meadow.  It goes through a large burn scar and the erosive impact on the quality of the road surface will be noticed.  But you'll forget all that with the expansive views of the Apache-Sitgreaves NF.  You'll end the day back in unburned, mature aspen-spruce subalpine forest at over 9000 feet at famous @poi[Hannagan Meadow](88278845).  Sit on the porch of @poi[Hannagan Meadow Lodge](79533784) to take in the view.  Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Enjoy a night of camping in this remote spot.
- **Water:** @poi[Black River](79531922), @poi[Beaver Creek](79533782), @poi[Hannagan Campground](79533785)
- **Resupply:** None (sort of - you can definitely eat a meal at @poi[Hannagan Meadow Lodge](79533784))
- **Camping:** @poi[Hannagan Campground](79533785), @poi[KP Cienega Campground](79533786), or dispersed camping in the woods nearby.  
#
**Day 9**

- **Mileage:** 48 Miles
- **Elevation Gain:** 3900 ft.
- **Description:** Today is a big day for climbs.  Start by riding up the relatively quiet side of HWY 191 to @poi[Blue Vista Lookout](79533788) for a sprawling overlook off the Mogollon Rim towards the distant Sky Island of Mount Graham and the Sonoran Desert around Safford.  Retrace and start a dirt ride around the outer perimeter of Bear Wallow Wilderness including reaching the @poi[Bear Wallow Trailhead](88278846) where an informational sign provides background on the start of the Wallow Fire near this spot in 2011.  Do a long, epic downhill to Wildcat Bridge that gorgeously crosses the @poi[East Fork Black River](79533790).  Do a long climb up from the gorge, through the woods, and cross the @poi[West Fork Black River](79533794).  Now, start a big climb up through a long burn scar that gives way to mature aspen and subalpine meadows around @poi[Big Lake](79533795).  Grab a campsite, restock at the General Store, and go fishing. 
- **Water:** @poi[East Fork Black River](79533790), @poi[West Fork Black River](79533794), @poi[Big Lake](79533795) 
- **Resupply:** @poi[Big Lake General Store](79533796)
- **Camping:** Reserve a campsite at any of the campgrounds around @poi[Big Lake](79533795) (Brookchar Campground has some great tent-only sites back in the trees near the lake and it's near the General Store).  This is part of the Big Lake Recreation Area where dispersed camping is restricted.  If you want to dispersed camp, I've noted a @poi[dispersed camping spot](107596577) before entry to the restricted camping area near Big Lake.
#
**Day 10**

- **Mileage:** 45 Miles
- ***OPTIONAL:*** Combine Days 10 and 11 into one big day to finish.
- **Elevation Gain:** 2500 ft.
- **Description:** Bike through Big Lake Recreation Area and join the grassy/cindery @poi[Apache Railroad Trail](88278848) for a ride along meadows.  Join the shoulder of @poi[HWY 273](134425916) and go along the base of Mount Baldy, crossing the @poi[Little Colorado River Fork](79533798)s one more time.  Rejoin the @poi[Apache Railroad Trail](88159046) to join FR 112 along the White Mountain Reservoir for one last ride along subalpine meadows before heading up and along the base of @poi[Greens Peak](107022613).  From here, it's mostly downhill through spruce/aspen forest that gives way to ponderosas as you descend in elevation slowly through miles of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
- **Water:** @poi[East Fork Little Colorado River](79533798), @poi[West Fork Little Colorado River](79533799), @poi[Hall Creek/White Mountain Reservoir](88159047), @poi[Beehive Spring](88159048) - Carry enough water to get you through tomorrow as you'll dry camp tonight.
- **Resupply:** None
- **Camping:** @poi[Los Burros Campground](132448316) in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
#
**Day 11**

- **Mileage:** 33 Miles
- ***OPTIONAL:*** Combine Days 10 and 11 into one big day to finish.
- **Elevation Gain:** 1000 ft.
- **Description:** The temps will get hotter and pinyon-junipers will start to spring up as you near the town of @poi[Pinetop](79535185).  Grab some snacks and ride the edge of @poi[Porter Mountain Road](116560046) back up and to Porter Mountain, where you'll rejoin the route you used to start the trip.  Jump on dirt OHV roads to go around the peak and reach the north side where a ride along the @poi[shoulder of HWY 60](134122066) will carry you back into Show Low and the @poi[finish](89197363)!
- **Water:** @poi[Pinetop-Lakeside](79535185), @poi[Show Low](79530783)
- **Resupply:** @poi[Pinetop-Lakeside](79535185), @poi[Show Low](79530783)
- **Camping:** Finish!  Grab a hotel in town at @poi[Show Low](79530783) or @poi[Pinetop](79535185).  Or camp at many of the @poi[campgrounds](131587041) nearby.

El Lobo Lupus

Route Overview

Route Details

Other routes by Forrest Radarian

South Rim - Capes of the Canyon

North Rim - Capes of the Canyon

House Rock Wrap

Gold to Grand Loop

Vermilion Cliffs Overnighter

Point Sublime Overnighter

Sign Up

Share link

Share via email

Embedded widget

Get the Ride with GPS mobile app!