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TRACKS volunteers work with the US Forest Service as well as the Arizona State Committee on Trails to build good trail systems.

The organization will be featured at the American Trails International Trails Symposium in Arizona - April 14-17, 2013.

TRACKS works for better trail systems in Arizona

By Nick Lund, President, Pinetop-Lakeside TRACKS

TRACKS is a group of over 400 volunteers who plan, build and maintain over 200 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and trail runners in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests of northeast Arizona.

photo of people working on trail

working on the White Mountains Trail System

All trail maps may be accessed for free on www.tracks-pinetop-lakeside.org and there is an email link so that potential users may ask questions about the trails.

The WMTS is about a 3 hour drive from Phoenix and a 5 hour drive from Albuquerque. All trailheads are easily accessible, without 4-wheel drive, on USFS roads located in the Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside AZ area. Located in one of the largest Ponderosa pine forests in the US, the WMTS is a wonderful way to enjoy the A-S National Forest, with possible sightings of elk, deer, turkey, javalina, and many wild bird species.

Major trails are built as loops, with connector trails, so that users may go on short or long excursions. Most trails are rated by the USFS as moderate in difficulty, with elevations ranging from around 6000 to around 8500 feet. Blue diamond trail markers are used, with solid blue diamonds indicating loop trails, blue diamond with red dot showing vista points, blue diamond with green dot showing connector trails, and blue diamond with yellow dot indicating short cut trails. Users are strongly advised to wear good hiking boots, hat and sunscreen, carry plenty of water and trail maps, and use a gps and/or compass. TRACKS has group hikes on Wednesdays and email notification lists for group hikes, mountain bike rides, and cross country skiing.

photo of people with tools

Tracks volunteers ready to go to work

Recently, TRACKS has undertaken a project to improve safety on the WMTS. Coded plastic diamond trail markers are being put up approximately every 1/4 mile on all trails. The location of each coded diamond is being gps'd, and a map of all locations, with gps coordinates, will be provided to regional emergency responders, so that 911 callers may be more readily located. Signs on trailhead kiosks will advise trail users to tell the 911 operator the code of the nearest diamond to them. TRACKS was awarded a Heritage Fund grant from Arizona Game & Fish to assist with purchasing the needed diamonds and other equipment to complete this project.

For more information:

http://www.tracks-pinetop-lakeside.org/

photo of people working on trail

Trail riders on the White Mountains Trail System

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Advocacy and Partnerships

TRACKS works for better trail systems in Arizona