| General Crook Trail is a 138-mile-long historic route that was originally over 200 miles in length and connected Fort Whipple to Fort Apache. The route that can be traced today crosses three national forests, so it should be considered difficult. The route begins near Dewey, travels east through Fort Verde, continues past the Clear Creek Campground up to the top of the Mogollon Rim, parallels Forest Road 300 (Rim Road), and passes through the Rim Lakes Recreation Area.The trail continues through Gentry and Turkey canyons, and levels off and begins to veer north to Phoenix Park. Near Clay Springs, the trail cuts across a pasture and heads toward Cottonwood Wash, the current termination point. Metal chevrons (V's), blazes on trees, wood mile-marker posts, and rock cairns guide the way along the route. Total change of elevation is 4,833 feet.Accepted uses for General Crook Trail are hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross country skiing, and walking leashed pets. |
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| | | Facilities: There are campgrounds along the trail and some equestrian staging areas. Best Time To Visit: March through November is the best time to use General Crook Trail. Fees: This trail is free to use. Accessibility: This trail has no handicap access. Rules: Leashed pets are allowed. Directions: Since the far east end of the General Crook Trail suffered severe damage from the 2002 Rodeo-Chedeski Fire, the best access starts at the Rim Top Trailhead. For western access to General Crook Trail, drive about 5 miles east from Dewey on Highway 169 to Forest Road 323 and turn north (left); drive about 1.5 miles to the trail sign on the right.For eastern access to General Crook Trail, drive about 20 miles west from Heber on Highway 260 and turn north (right) onto Forest Road 300; drive about 0.25 miles to the Rim Top Trailhead on the right.Map: Click here for a map to General Crook Trail Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted to use General Crook Trail, however a portion of this trail crosses onto the Fort Apache Indian Reservation and permission is needed to access that section of the General Crook Trail. | | |
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| | | | | Address | | Prescott National Forest | | 344 S. Cortez St. | | Prescott, Arizona 86303 |
| | | Phone | | General: (928) 567-4121 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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