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Willow Mountain Fire Lookout - Former, AZPrint Full | Basic
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Description 1 Triplog 0 Topics
RatedFavorite   Wish List Region
 
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 Alpine - Southwest
Statistics
Difficulty 1    Route Finding
Distance Round Trip 1 mile
Trailhead Elevation 7,813 feet
Elevation Gain 145 feet
Accumulated Gain 400 feet
Avg Time Round Trip 2 hours
Interest Historic & Peak
Author ssk44
 Descriptions 19
 Routes 9
 Photos 1,699
 Trips 132 map  (647 Miles)
 Age 38
 Location Gilbert, AZ
Photos
Rated Viewed All Mine Friends
14  2011-05-07 ssk44
Large Profile
Forecast
Historical Weather
Radar
Reservation San Carlos
Backpack - No
Seasons - Late Spring to Early Autumn
Route
 
Alternative Routes
 
Water
Nearby Hikes Area Water Sources
direct air miles away to trailhead
6.7  Sawmill Cabin via East Eagle Trail #33
8.4  Black River at Whites Crossing
10.5  Schell Canyon Trail
11.4  Point-of-Pines Ruins
11.9  Rose Spring Trail
12.2  Bear Spring Trail #19 - Bear Wallow
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Culture
     Fire Lookout Structures
Space

The Middle Of Nowhere
by ssk44

Mobile Version
Overview: Willow Mountain is a remote destination located deep within the San Carlos Indian Reservation. The summit has an elevation of 7,817 making it the highest mountain located within the reservation. The former Willow Mountain Fire Lookout was originally constructed in 1930 by the San Carlos Indian Reservation. The tower is a 20 foot two-story building of wood construction and is currently in extremely deteriorated condition. The tower is dangerous and unstable (Climb/explore at own risk). The Willow Mountain Fire Lookout was replaced in 1984 by the current Dry Lake Fire Lookout, located 15.5 miles to the southwest. The summit of Willow Mountain has areas of ponderosa pine, however is mainly made up of gamble oak and various low brush.

Hike: The summit of Willow Mountain is mostly a walk-about destination, however a short off-trail hike to the northern edge of the mountain is available. It's easy and your already there... You may as well experience everything the mountain has to offer.

Camping: Overnight car camping is permitted on Willow Mountain, however only two mediocre sites exist (lower saddle switchback and summit). A good car camping option located within the vicinity of Willow Mountain is an area southeast of Big Prairie near Pine Flat Tank off SC-1800. There's a nice large pocket of ponderosa pine out there and the area sees very limited road traffic.

Summary: Willow Mountain is a great weekend adventure. If you've never experienced the San Carlos Indian Reservation, this destination may be a good place to start. The res seems like a different time and place. The central San Carlos Indian Reservation is the last frontier in Arizona. The feeling of remote isolation is unavoidable. You really need to experience it in person to truly understand. Enjoy!

!!Warning!! This is an extremely isolated and exposed destination that see very few visitors. The nearest cell phone signal is about 50 miles away. No services exist in Point of Pines. Use caution and discretion during ALL activities. You're on your own.
- Feb 23 2012 ssk44

Directions Preferred Months Jun Jul Aug Sep
Water / Source:None
Preferred StartEarly Cell Phone SignalNo Sunrise5:15am Sunset7:15pm
Road / VehicleStrictly 4x4
Fees / Permit
Required Permit: Purchase required San Carlos Indian Reservation general recreation/access permits in Globe ($10.00).




Permit is available at Sportsman's Warehouse:

Phoenix area:

19205 N 27th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85027-5034 (623)516-1400

13277 W McDowell Rd Goodyear, AZ 85338-2605 (623)536-0700

1750 S. Greenfield Dr, AZ 85206-4601 (480)558-1111




Tucson area:

3945 W Costco Dr Marana, AZ 85653 (520) 877-4500

Directions
Print Version
To walk/tour
From Globe... Highway 70 - SC 8 - Point of Pines (50 miles +/- from Highway 70) - SC 2010 (Located at ninety degree bend in road off SC 8) - Destination

Note: SC 2010 requires four-wheel drive with low range, most stock vehicles are sufficient. SC 2010 can become extremely muddy at Big Prairie during monsoon season.
Login for Mapped Driving Directions
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Page created by ssk44 on Feb 23 2012 2:35 pm

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