Biking Arizona's
Ghost of the Coyote Mountain Bike Trail (Trail #641)
in the Apache National Forest
The Ghost of the Coyote Trail offers 15 miles of trail through lovely pinon pine and juniper forest and is located by driving about 8 miles west of Show Low on Highway 260 and turning right onto Burton Road. The trailhead is a mile north just past the second cattle guard and has a large parking area.
The main loop is well marked with blue markers on trees, but the cutoff trails used to shorten the ride are not marked well. There are some areas of loose sand but far more areas with large, loose rocks, especially on the inclines. Much of the trail is old roadbed. Above is an area which suffered a fire but is now recovering with new growth.
At least part of the trail is open range, so don't be startled if you encounter cattle, as seen above. All but the closest one scattered as I approached, and he stared at me and gave indications of attacking me to protect his cows, but basically just glared as I quickly and quietly bypassed him. This trail is maintained by the Lakeside-Pinetop Tracks Organization.