Around Timber Mesa - Level 2
Around Timber Mesa is a forest loop on the mesa between Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. It runs through ponderosa pine country on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, on roads that circle the mesa rather than crossing it.
The area is easy to reach from town and works as a short outing or an add-on to a day in the White Mountains. Other users share the surrounding forest, including hikers and mountain bikers on the nearby Timber Mesa trail system, so keep speeds down and watch for people at junctions.
Trail Summary
- LocationNavajo County, Arizona
- Distance12.0 miles
- DifficultyLevel 2
- Elevation6,535 ft to 7,063 ft with a 528 ft change
- Travel Time1 hour 22 minutes
Difficulty
Typically suitable for high clearance 2WD
This route is rated Easy (level 2), typically suitable for a high clearance 2WD vehicle. Stock equipment is sufficient, though the surface can test tire traction and ground clearance in places. Expect dirt and rocky road with possible dips, ruts or rocks smaller than about 9 inches, and small ledges under 12 inches. Roads like this are usually not maintained after rain or snow, so conditions change with the weather. Shallow water crossings are possible. The roads are generally one to two vehicles wide. The driver's log does not call out any spot that needs special attention.
Terrain
The loop stays at roughly 6,500 to 7,000 feet on a forested mesa. The setting is ponderosa pine woodland with open stretches, and the roads are native dirt or rocky surface. After rain or snowmelt, expect soft or rutted sections and muddy low spots.
Trail GPS File
Map
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