HIKE OF THE MONTH

hike of the month Grant Hill Loop

Cyclophobia. That's the word that's used to describe a fear of bicycles. It's not a clinical term, but the affliction, apparently, is real for some people. And maybe some of those people are hikers. Although there's a kindred spirit among nature lovers, sharing the trail doesn't always come naturally to hikers and bikers. The reasons are obvious; however, there's usually enough room for both. That's the case on the Grant Hill Loop. In fact, this trail was designed specifically for mountain-biking. It's wide, it's easy to follow and there aren't a lot of technical ups and downs. Cyclists love it, but it's a great route for hikers, too. Like most loop trails, this one can be done either clockwise or counterclockwise. Unlike most loops, Grant Hill isn't a single trail. Instead, it's a series of loops made up of old logging roads and connecting trails. It can be confusing on a map, but if you stick to the outer loop, as this listing is written, there's a pretty good chance you won't get lost.

Evergreens and aspens are everywhere along this trail in the Pinaleño Mountains, but it's the golden aspens that stand out most this time of year. BY ROBERT STIEVE | PHOTOGRAPH BY SHANE MCDERMOTT From the trailhead, go left (clockwise) on the well-worn jeep road - you won't see a traditional trail for a while. Almost immediately, the road climbs into a forest of ponderosa pines, Douglas firs, white firs, Engelmann spruce and aspens. On this stretch, the trail follows the ridge of a small drainage. Then, after about 30 minutes, it intersects with a short side trail that leads to a scenic overlook. The views include Sulphur Springs Valley, Fort Grant and the Gali-uro Mountains.

Make the side trip, and then continue into the woods, where the jeeproad transitions into a typical trail.You'll experience several segues likethat during the course of this loop. Inaddition to the change underfoot, you'llnotice that the forest changes, too. It'sthicker, and so are the groves of aspens.If you're lucky, this is where you mightsee some mule deer or a black bear. Ifyou're especially lucky, you might catcha glimpse of a Mount Graham red squir-rel, an endangered subspecies (there areonly about 200 left) that lives exclusivelyin the Pinaleño Mountains.

Where the forest gets thicker, the incline ratchets up, and after another10 minutes, the hike arrives at the firstof several side trails (shortcuts) back tothe trailhead. Veer left to continue onthe outer loop.

Just beyond that junction, the earthlevels off and the trail passes throughwhat is arguably one of the most beautiful aspen groves on the CoronadoNational Forest. The area is reminiscentof the Escudilla Trail before the WallowFire stole its identity. In early October,when autumn is making a bold statement in the Pinaleños, this stretch willbe the high point of the hike. Figuratively. About 10 minutes later, the summit of Grant Hill marks the literal highpoint (9,477 feet).

The rest of the loop is downhill, with some gradual switchbacks at the outset.Then, an hour into the hike, there's a sharp switchback that leads to another jeep road. That's quickly followed by another shortcut to the trailhead. Again, keep left for the outer loop.

Continuing downhill, you'll come to a second eye-catching aspen grove and a third shortcut. Keep left. They're followed by a beautiful grassy corridor, which surrounds the trail as it heads up and over a small ridge. The aspens fade a little after the grass, but the forest is still thick with evergreens on the final run back to the trailhead. If you're on foot, the homestretch takes about 10 minutes. On a mountain bike, it shouldn't take more than a minute. Either way, remember to share the trail. There's enough Mother Nature to go around.

ADDITIONAL READING: For more hikes, pick up a copy of Arizona Highways Hiking Guide, which features 52 of the state's best trails - one for each weekend of the year, sorted by seasons. To order a copy, visit www.shoparizonahighways.com/books.

trail guide

LENGTH: 4.2-mile loop

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

ELEVATION: 9,066 to 9,477 feet

TRAILHEAD GPS: N 32°40.090', W 109°52.811'

DIRECTIONS: From Safford, go south on U.S. Route191 for 7.3 miles to State Route 366 (the Swift Trail).Turn right onto SR 366 and continue 23.4 miles to thetrailhead on the left.

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS: None

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes (on a leash)

HORSES ALLOWED: Yes

USGS MAP: Webb Peak

INFORMATION: Safford Ranger District, 928-428-4150or www.fs.usda.gov/coronado

LEAVE-NO-TRACE PRINCIPLES: