FR9569J

Arizona National Forests and State Lands are back open for travel. There are still some very important fire restrictions in place. These restrictions can often change by specific areas.

We combined five trails in this region into a daylong off road adventure. We started by running Sharp Hollow (FR 160) from Hwy 260 to Black Canyon Road. We then ran north up to the beginning of the Black Canyon Road. We ran the Black Canyon Road in its entire length. From there we backtracked along the Mogollon Rim Road until it intersected with FR 9569J … an out-and-back run along FR 9569J brought us back to the beginning of FR 487. We ran FR 487 in its entire length … back tracking along it to reach the start of Rocky Draw (FR 50). We then ran north up Rocky Draw (FR 50) to complete the day. This was a nice trail with lots of pines along the way. Need to read up on the Apache Permit ... would have been nice to have one and continue on to the rim. Saw a nice herd of deer in that area. Total travel time was 3:20 hrs with an additional 3:02 hrs spent enjoying the country side, taking pictures, and eating lunch.

We were asked about this trail numerous times while camped out there. It's an out and back unless you have the Apache permit. It was an easy trail with some decent dispersed camping not far from the highway. No traffic noise or generators running all night. I know there is more camping on res. land but we didn't have a permit handy. I understand that you can purchase them online now, making it really easy to get one last minute.