Passage #25 - Whiterock Mesa

Location:  The East Verde River to Twin Buttes

Length:  11.4 miles

Southern Trailhead:  The East Verde River - LF Ranch
- GPS Coordinates: 34.22915° N, 111.51299° W

Northern Trailhead:  Twin Buttes - FR 194
- GPS Coordinates:  34.35914° N, 111.55736° W

Trail Route Description:  Starting on the north side of the East Verde River the trail follows the Rock Creek drainage up to Polk Spring and then climbs up on Polles Mesa. It reaches Red Saddle Tank and a gate, another gate, turns to the east and comes to Whiterock Spring. There is a steep climb back to the west and then the trail begins working its way across Whiterock Mesa. After crossing a drainage the trail climbs again along Saddle Ridge. There is another gate and the trail continues mostly north to the wilderness boundary and another gate. The trail passes through Saddle Ridge Pasture, another gate, and then reaches FR 194.

Difficulty:  Moderate

Season(s):  All year (snow can be present at higher elevations after winter storms and lower elevations can be quite warm in summer).

Water:  Water can usually be found at the East Verde River, Polk Spring and Whiterock Spring. Water can sometimes be found in some of the stock tanks along the route.

Notes/Warnings:

• All water along this passage should be purified prior to use.
• Mountain bikes are prohibited in the Mazatzal Wilderness.
• Please respect all livestock operations in this area.

Resources:

• USGS Topographic Maps: Cypress Butte and Cane Springs Mountain.
• Tonto National Forest map.
• BLM Information Center maps.

For more information, contact:

• The Passage Steward
• Tonto National Forest, Payson Ranger District, 1009 E. Highway 260 Payson, AZ 85541   (928) 474-7900.
• BLM Information Center, One North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004   (602) 417-9300.

Current Trail Information:
4/2007 - No known problems as of this date.