The White Mountains, AZ occupy the northeastern corner of Arizona's Apache reservations, and are closed off to non-Apache's. So check your skin color real quick; chances are you're not allowed on them. There is a little bit of a bittersweet tease with the White Mountains tallest peak (whose east flank extends past the reservation border): a 16 mile 'out-and-back' trail takes you near its summit.

The trail begins at "Sheep's Crossing", along forest road 113 (accessible from either the state routes 273 or 261). About 200 ft from the summit of this Mt. Baldy the Apache reservation border blocks your forward progress, unless you have the approved skin color. Oh well, they say it's not even a clear panoramic view from the top anyway. If you choose to break the law you will be immediately arrested by Tribal members lurking in the bushes nearby, or possibly even abducted by the aliens that UFO enthusiasts claim frequent this peak.

The hike is a steady upward climb, but given the length of the trail, it is best to get a very early start, otherwise you may get caught in this spooky mountain forest after dark. This trail is not as user-friendly as those in Sedona or Flagstaff, and we found two spots where evil signs were planted with arrows directing you away from the trail into the middle of the woods (don't follow them). One of these false signs is at a cattle fence that blocks the path, incorrectly leading you to believe you are not supposed to open the gate and proceed through.

Despite these minor frustrations, I find the Mt. Baldy Wilderness trail to be the most beautiful I've ever hiked. The trail takes you in and out of a thick forest of pine, conifer, spruce, and fir trees. You'll visit lush valleys and picturesque meadows that were once river-floor of the Little Colorado River - now just a quiet stream.

After a couple miles of meadows and sparse forest along the stream, the path leads you up the bare sloping foothills away from the water and into extremely thick forest. You'll spend the remainder of the hike slowly climbing the peak through the forest until the turnaround point about 200ft from the top. If you make this trek during the warmer months and after a good rain season, you'll see plenty of flowers, wild mushrooms, chipmunks, and monarch butterflys. You may even see elk, black bears or bobcats.