Hawley Lake, Pinetop area hikes?

[jmangum]

I am heading up to Hawley Lake this weekend and am looking for some good 5-12 mile hikes in the area. Does anybody have any good suggestions?

[conform6073]

To hike that distance, you will have to get off the reservation or risk running afoul of Tribal authority. Also, its been hot up here lately, so you will probably want to seek higher elevations. Baldy is the obvious choice. Other possibilities: (1) From Greer hike either the East Fork or the West Fork (Little Colorado) trail to the old railroad grade. Trace the abandoned road bed to Sheep Crossing and follow the creek (West Fork of Little Colorado) back to Greer. 9 to 13 miles. (2) Walk the Thompson trail along the West Fork of the Black River. Its strictly out-and-back and not very far but one of the prettiest areas in the White Mountains. Extend your hike by wandering up side canyons, following the railroad grade or hiking the West Fork (Black River) trail to its trailhead (nice old growth forest along there). 5 to 10 miles. (3) A bit farther from Hawley and lower in elevation, hike the South Fork (Little Colorado) from the trailhead east of Eagar to Mexican Hay Lake. Go down the drainage from the dam to Joe Baca Draw and thence back to the South Fork and follow it back to the trailhead. 10 miles. All 3 of the above offer the advantage of close proximity to clean, cool running water for a good potion of the distance.

[Kenny]

I hiked a portion of the South Fork trail over the weekend, it is a beautiful trail that follows the stream. From the trail head to Mexican Hay lake is 7 miles, to the river crossing is 3, lots of wild flowers along the trail and stream, with pools and fish.
We had a group, with kids and only made it about 2 miles up, but I want to go back.

I will post pictures soon

Have fun.

Kenny

Stop in at the Hon-Da Resort and ask about a permit for hiking on the reservation??
Some hikes (on the res) do require a permit, I don't know the cost $$??