Alternative Snowshoe locations?

[Jim]

Besides the greater Flagstaff area including the Peaks, and the far away White Mountains, what are some good trails or areas to snowshoe? The Rim, with some trails like Babe Haught being documented, comes to mind.

Are there decent finds with a view or summit in the Bradshaws? What about the Pinals, Supes, or other ranges? I hesitate to drive all the way back to SE AZ, and the Catalinas or Santa Ritas, but I expect those to be decent, if there is a big storm.

[big_load]

If there's enough snow, the Highline Trail from the 280 TH might be good. It would be out-and-back, though. I don't think I'd be up for the whole loop in snowshoes.

[Jim]

Thanks, the Mogollon Rim is probably the best bet.

[flagscott]

Why do a trail? Just find somewhere in the forest to park and wander off trail. A lot of the trails get foot traffic that creates a trench and makes using snowshoes annoying. We did a nice walk on the ridge above Lake Mary a couple of weeks ago. We'll probably be out at another random spot this weekend.

[Jim]

@flagscott
The main reason for me is to get to a destination point with some knowledge of the hike stats. Babe Haught looks like a promising trail as it is a cleared way up the Rim. Once on the Rim, it is a different matter. Some areas, such as in the Catalinas, are difficult to navigate without using the trails, as there is abundant brush. My inexperience with the Mazzies, Pinals, and Bradshaws cause me to not really want to go there for this sort of thing.