Backpacker Magazine – May 2008

Top 3 White Mountain Treks

No, not the famously wind-whipped peaks in New Hampshire. Explore some of the country's lesser-known Whites with these accessible spring summits in Arizona, New Mexico, and Alaska.

by: Charlie Wood

Photo by Patitucciphoto

White Mountains, AZ | White Mountains, NM| White Mountains, AK

WHITE MOUNTAINS, NM
Blaze into alpine tundra

This 48,366-acre swath of alpine country, located 75 miles west of Roswell, was home to myriad silver mines a century ago. Its new treasure: 50 miles of trail climbing through aspen stands and lush meadows rife with elk and deer. From FR 108 west of Bonito Lake, climb 1,500 feet on the Turkey Trail to the Crest Trail for the region's most scenic 15-mile loop. Gain the grassy 9,000-foot ridge and look northwest to see the black scar of the 125-square-mile Malpais Lava Flow. Cruise five miles south to Barber Ridge, where you'll find level tent sites and a burbling spring. The next day, zig-zag up to 10,255-foot White Horse Hill and pick up the Aspen Canyon Trail (#35) for a 4.6-mile descent to the trailhead. (505) 434-7200

Refuel
Scarf a slice of Mountain Harvest Pie–a jumble of fruits, berries, and rhubarb–at Can't Stop Smokin' Bar-B-Q in Ruidoso. cantstopsmokin.com

The Way
From Albuquerque, take I-25 east 85 miles to U.S. 380. Go east 73 miles, and turn right on NM-37. Drive 13 miles; bear right onto USFS Road 107; go 8 miles to the trailhead.

White Mountains, AZ | White Mountains, NM| White Mountains, AK

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