Viewpoint Trail

The Viewpoint Trail is a 4.6mi hike in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forrest outside of Greer Arizona. This trail can be completed as a loop and is a wonderful way to explore the National Forrest. 

The trail starts at the Pine Knoll Recreation Area trailhead. There are pit toilets but no potable water at the trailhead. There are also two covered picnic tables for hikers to enjoy. 

The actual trail is slightly difficult to find but hikers will want to fine the sign for the Pine Knoll trail markers and take that trail headed west. Hikers will very quickly find the signs for the summit trail and hikers will turn onto the summit trail. They will continue on this trail for XX duration. This portion of the trail brings hiker through the Ponderosa Pine Forrest and hikers can enjoy hiking among the giant trees. Hikers will start to gain elevation consistently for the next 2.3 miles. 

Hikers will continue to follow the marked signs for the Summit Trail. Once hikers reach a heavily wooded Aspen Grove they will look for signs to the Viewpoint Trail. Hikers will take a right on the Viewpoint Trail and hike the entirety of the Viewpoint Trail. Hikers will catch glimpses of the surrounding hills on this portion of the trail but the trail remains fairly wooded. Hikers will get to a point, roughly 3.0 miles in where the trail opens up to the south. Hikers can follow an unmarked trail for 200 years to have unobstructed views of the valley to the west and the mountains surrounding the valley. Hikers will walk back to the Summit Trail and continue down four switchbacks. 

The trail will then end at the Grouse Trail and hikers will turn right and take it back to the trailhead. This portion of the trail is relatively flat and hikers should pay attention to signage as the trail intersects old logging roads. Hikers will then end at the trailhead completing the loop. This trail is a wonderful way to walk amount the pines of Northern Arizona.