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I've always wanted to backpack the entire cabin loop trail and visit the historic forestry cabins. Unfortunately, my backpacking partner has backed out. If you aren't familiar with the 21 mile loop, it includes Fred Haught Trail, U-Bar, Barbershop and Houston Brothers trail. The loop is located near Payson upon the Mogollon Rim. I will be taking my dog, so ideally finding 1 or 2 others that are interested would be great.

Hey Ddub - Just an FYI if you don't already know, all the roads above the rim that access the Cabin Loop are still closed for the winter. In order to do this hike you'd have to start at Washington Park below the rim and hike up to the General Springs Cabin TH for Fred Haught via Devin Trail #290 (2 miles, ~1100 feet up).

It's nice and peaceful up there right now without any vehicle traffic anywhere. As of this past week, there are only a few patches of snow in shaded areas. There should be plenty of water flowing in all the drainages on the loop!

@Ddub
What chumley says plus I just asked the Mogollon Rim Ranger District when approx the roads would open for vehicle driving access. Here is their reply: "probably the middle of April. Things are still pretty soggy out there, and the Weather Service said we should expect little surges of rain every 5 or 6 days for the next two months."

Thanks Chumley & Grasshopper! I read April as being 'open' so I figured I may have to start below the rim and work my way up. If I am unable to find a partner to pack with, I will probably just pack into horton springs and stay there for a solo trip.

if you want to camp on the rim, you could also just hike to Knoll Lake from the Fish Hatchery. I was up there on Friday. The lake is filled to brim right now without a soul in sight.

I know Lake Knoll well, in fact its the only lake on the rim you can legally camp on. I typically kayak to the back fingers and setup camp. It's a good suggestion, thank you! Is there anything worse than when someone backs out on a trip your excited about? Ha.

I feel for you, my backpacking partner is the king of backing out But I don't mind solo trips.

I would join you if it was a weekend. Good luck finding someone.