Explore the
Pinal Mountains in
Gila County, AZ

WELCOME TO
THE PINAL MOUNTAINS

A dramatic southern skyline bordering the nearby city of Globe, the Pinal Mountains offer four-season recreation luring summer and winter hikers, birders, mountain bikers – and fall foliage photographers.

The Pinals are an easy day-trip, too! Globe-Miami is 90-minutes’ drive from Mesa and East Valley cities. Once you’re here, trailheads that ascend into shaded Ponderosa Pine forests are just another 20 minutes drive from downtown Globe. Or keep driving – right to the 7800 foot mountaintop – via 12 miles of scenic, well-graded dirt road leading to Signal Peak on the East side of the range, or Madera Peak on the West. Pavement ends when you turn onto Forest Road 651 – the main road leading campers, hikers and photographers through chaparral-covered hillsides and up into Ponderosa Pine forests.

Look for camp sites (yes, with rustic Forest Service outhouse toilets) starting at Sulfide del Rey and also at Ferndell. The first of several hiking trails is Kellner Canyon — then FR651 passes two more trails (Ice House, Six Shooter) before ending at the array of radio towers of Pinal Peak. Located wholly within the Tonto National Forest, the Pinal Recreation Area includes 45,760 acres!

Get Directions

Start exploration with the family and bask in the beauty of the Mogollon Rim near Payson, Arizona.

Latest From the US Forest Service

THINGS TO DO
AROUND THE PINAL MOUNTAINS

ATVing

Off road, rugged and scenic, that is what the Pinal Mountains offer to the adventurous soul!

Bird Watching

Wildlife is on display at almost every turn in the road.  Fowl of all kinds can be see in Arizona's Rim Country.

Camping

Group sites, dispersed camping or RV camping... whatever your choice, it is available in Arizona's Rim Country.

Hiking

Scenic mountain trails are some of the Pinal Mountains most treasured adventures.  Find your track!

Hunting

Elk, deer, bear, javelina, and mountain lion are some of the featured hunts in the region near the Pinal Mountains.

Interpretive Centers

Looking for a family outing that is full of fun, education and history.  Find it close by in Globe & Miami, Arizona.

Mountain Biking

Switch backs, miles and miles of swoopy forest single track, pristine pine forest and your bike!  Need we say more?

Nature Photography

The Pinal Mountains are somewhat of a secret in Arizona.  But if you want breathtaking beauty, this is your place!

Fall Colors

Come see the splendor & amazing color on display when the temperatures drop in the Pinal Mountains.

Star Gazing

Awe inspiring shooting stars, constellations and starry skies make the Pinal Mountains truly awesome!

Special Events

From fairs to rodeos to Native American dances to holiday celebrations, there is always something going on in the area.