Motivated: Sixshooter Trail #197 to Pinal Peak
Details
Note: Early start - Meet up at 5:30 am.
Motivated: Sixshooter Trail # 197 to Pinal Peak, near Globe AZ
Distance: 11.5 miles; AEG - ~3000'
Trailhead elevation is 4,849' and Summit elevation is 7,871'
Leader: Marilyn Harkins 253 389-2101
Driving distance is ~90 miles = $16
Six Shooter trail in the Pinal Mountains is one of the must do trails in Arizona. It is a moderately difficult hike with amazing views from several different biomes that make up the Pinal Mountains.
The trail is an old, well established one and easy to follow. Ascending from the base starts you off in the high desert and slowly climbs up Six Shooter Canyon quickly proceeding into pinon and juniper. The further you ascend you'll be greeted by a denser canopy of trees and the sight lines open up really showing off the beauty of the canyon. Eventually you will reach a saddle just over half way up which is a good place for vast views of Globe from above. From there it is a casual hike with a few brief steep sections.. At the top of the trail you can pick out several surrounding peaks from the territorial view.
Note: We will watch and listen for bikers as we hike! There is road access to the top of Pinal Peak which allows mountain bicyclists a launch point for a good ride down the trail.
Driving directions:
From Cottonwood take your favorite route to AZ 202 Loop E (~6 miles)
Merge onto AZ-202 Loop E
Go 16.3 mi
Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 30A to merge onto US-60 E toward Globe
Go 36.3 mi
At Superior, keep left to stay on US-60 E
Go 24.1 mi to Globe (US-60E is named Ash St in town)
Follow it to a right turn onto S Hill St
In 0.3 mi the road eases left onto S Jesse Hayes Rd
Go .08 miles. You will pass the Besh Be Gowah sign on your right
Immediately after the bridge turn right onto Icehouse Canyon Rd (FR 122)
Go 3 miles to a junction and stay left and follow FR 122 for 3 more miles
Watch for entrance to trailhead camping and pit toilet.
We will Meet up and drive further up the road to park and begin the hike.