Pat Mullen Mountain

The Pat Mullen trail is a 3.6 mile out and back trail in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest outside of Pinetop, Arizona. The trail starts from the Sierra Springs Trailhead. The trailhead has no facilities and no potable water. Hikers will see the sign for the summit trail to follow. 

The trail starts out in a straight path and experiences minimal elevation gain on the first portion of the trail. Hikers will enjoy a wide path and the towering pine trees. At roughly 0.6 miles, hikers will cross a cattle guard and from there trail begins to ascend. Hikers should look out for the White Mountain Trail System signs as this part of the trail intersects with old logging roads. 

At 1.0 miles the trail will cross an old logging road and at 1.15 miles hikers will run into a T intersection where they will need to turn left to continue to the summit.  The trail is marked so hikers just need to pay attention to the signs to make the left turn. 

From here the trail will gain most of its elevation and proceed through a series of switchbacks. The trail will also start to open up and hikers will be greeted for views of the surrounding White Mountains. While the best views are from the switchbacks, the summit is a great place to stop and take a break as there is plenty of shade. Once hikers have enjoyed the summit they will return the way that they came. This trail is part of the White Mountain System, a trail system that does an excellent job of maintaining over 200 miles of trails in the area. This trail is a great way for hikers to explore the White Mountains as it is only 10 minutes outside of Pinetop.