The majority of campgrounds on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are primitive and offer dispersed camping. You may camp outside of recreational areas anywhere on the Forest at no charge. Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not generally available. If you choose to camp outside recreational areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. Also, remember if you pack it in, then pack it out, don't leave your trash for others to clean up. No permits are required to camp in Wilderness areas.
From downtown Show Low, drive 4.8 miles west towards the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Pass the Summer Pines turnoff. Just after mile post 337 you'll see a sign, "Entering the White Mountain Apache Reservation." Turn left before the sign on to Forest Road 300 (Rim Road). Drive 300 yards. Trailhead is on the left.
Hot hardly any shade. Go prepared with lots of water. Made it 4 miles in and turned around. Lots of hills..but it's pretty and a nice hike.
Such a huge area of trails. We drove down joe tank rd about a mile then hiked around there. Absolutely no one. Beautiful breeze cool weather. We are from the valley so we took a week trip up to cooler temps to get way from the 112° weather. Stayed in a nice little Airbnb and had a wonderful time enjoying the back trails of show low.
Trail was nice for a little nature walk. We went around Loop 1. It's about 3 1/2 miles, loop 2 is A LOT longer so if you are looking for longer this has both! It says no motor vehicles but we had a truck come through. Wasnt busy with people and has a QR code to download the map. I'm not sure if hunting happens here though as we did find a deer leg with it's Hoove just detatched and sitting on the trail. It made for an interesting hike tho!