Round the Mountain Trail #302, AZ

This trail doesn't go all the way 'round the mountain, but it goes far enough to provide some spectacular views and to give you a good idea of the size of this "Sky Island." Round the Mountain Trail travels a gradually ascending course through oak woodlands and stands of mixed conifers. Along the way, it presents a steadily changing panorama of the Gila River Valley and the Gila Mountains, along with good views of Deadman Peak, Heliograph Peak, and Mount Graham of the Pinalenos.


You can start just as easily at either end of the trail - at the Round the Mountain Trailhead and Picnic Area about a mile above Noon Creek Picnic Area on the Swift Trail, or at the trailhead just below the Bible Camp at the end of the Columbine Road. Water can be found in a number of small streams along the trail, including Marijilda, Deadman, and Frye Creeks, as well as in Gibson Creek and Round the Mountain Spring (except in a severe drought). This is a good trail for wildlife watching, too. White-tailed deer and black bear are frequently sighted here, and if you don't see a bear you should still see plenty of evidence of them. Round the Mountain Trail is well suited to both hiking and horseback riding and it serves as a convenient connector to several other trails. Among these is Noon Creek Ridge Trail #318, Gibson Canyon Trail #308, Deadman Trail #70, Frye Canyon Trail #36, and Ash Ridge Trail #327.

2018-07-14 HAZ_Hikebot