White Mountains Online

White Mountain TrailSystem
Mountain Biking

 

Arizona's White Mountains

In recent years, the popularity of mountain biking as skyrocketed and it is continuing to increase. All of the trails in the White Mountain Trail System are open to bicycles.The ratings indicated on the overview of the System will give you some indictaion of the difficulty of each trail. Taken into consideration are: length, width of the trail, width of the clearing on either side of the trail, type of terrain, and gain in elevation.

Mountain Biking Ethic

With the right to use public land comes an obligation to sustain its health. By acknowledging this obligation, mountain bikers have the opportunity to set the standard for all recreationists to emulate. You can help. To be sure mountain bikers continue to be welcome on our public lands, ride safely, respect the rights of others, stay on designated roads and trails, pack out more than your share, and become actively involved in protecting the fragile environment in which we live and play.

Mountain Biking Tips

  • Be physically prepared for your trip. Don't take on a route that is beyond your capabilities.
  • Properly equip yourself. Wear helmet, gloves, and proper foot wear. Bring rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, extra water and food. Equip your bike with proper tools, spare tube, patch kit and air pump. Bring essential survival items: first aid kit, maps, compass, matches and pocket knife.
  • Stay on the trail. Comply with signs and barriers. Don't shortcut switch backs or take any undesignated shortcut.
  • Ride safely. Stay in control and check speed on descents. Use caution when approaching turns. Anticipate someone around the bend.
  • Respect other trail users. Be courteous, dismount and move to the uphill side of the trail when you meet hikers or equestrians. Ride in small groups and pass others slowly and in single file. When passing equestrians, ask for instructions and use caution.
  • Protect yourself. Always travel with a friend. Don't drink untreated water.
  • Protect the environment. Stay on designated trails; avoid trampling vegetation. Try not to disturb wildlife. Exercise extra caution near watercourses. Practive minimum impact: take only pictures, leave only tracks.

TREAD LIGHTLY.

For more information, please feel free to contact the USDA Forest Service, Lakeside Ranger District at 928.368.5111 or you may write us at 2022 W. White Mtn. Blvd., Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona 85935

White Mountains Online wishes to express our appreciation to the USDA Forest Service, Lakeside District for providing this information!