Arizona Trail Passage 21: Pine Mountain

AZT Passage 21: Pine Mountain is a 19.2-mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This moderately rated section runs from Lone Pine Saddle to Sunflower and is located east of Phoenix, AZ. This passage is accessible for hikers, trail runners, long-distance backpackers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Passage 21 follows Forest Road 422 (Pigeon Spring Road) across the Tonto National Forest. This section begins with a dirt road that follows a gentle rolling terrain along a scenic ridgeline. It passes through ponderosa pine and oak forest and features expansive views of Roosevelt Lake, Bartlett Reservoir and the mighty Mazatzal Mountains. In spite of this passage's accessibility, it still manages to maintain a remote feel. A little over halfway through this section the route turns off the road and onto a singletrack trail. The trail enters the Boulder Creek drainage and begins a long descent with beautiful views towards Sycamore Creek. It winds through lush chaparral, granite boulders, and colorful wildflowers. This section features many opportunities for creekside breaks which is a unique and special experience that should not be taken for granted when traveling through the desert!DIRECTIONSFollow Arizona National Scenic Trail Signs/Trail MarkersPigeon Spring Trailhead to FR 648. FR 648 to FR 422. FR 422 towards Sycamore Creek, Boulder Creek, and eventually north to Highway 87.WATERCheck the Arizona Trail Water Report for current information at: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INFORMATIONArizona National Scenic Trail Association: www.aztrail.orgTonto National Forest: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/, Mesa Ranger District, 1-(480) 610-3341.Tonto National Forest: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/, Tonto Ranger District, 1-(602) 225 5395.BLM Information Center, 1-(602) 417-9300.