About this place

This trail doesn't go all the way round the mountain, but it goes far enough to provide some really spectacular views and to give you a good idea of the size of this Sky Island. Round the Mountain Trail travels a gradually ascending course through oak woodlands and stands of mixed conifers. Along the way, it presents a steadily changing panorama of the Gila River Valley and Gila Mountains along with good views of Deadman Peak, Heliograph Peak and Mount Graham of the Pinale¿¿os . You can start just as easily at either end of the trail at the Round the Mountain Trailhead about a mile above Noon Creek Picnic Area on the Swift Trail, or at the trailhead just below the Bible Camp at the end of the Columbine Road. Water can be found in a number of small streams along the trail, including Marijilda, Deadman, and Frye Creeks, as well as in Gibson Creek and Round the Mountain Spring (except in a severe drought). This is a good trail for wildlife watching, too. White-tailed deer and black bear are frequently sighted here, and if you don't see a bear you should still see plenty of evidence of them. Round the Mountain Trail is well suited to both hiking and horseback riding and it serves as a convenient connector to a number of other trails. Among these are Noon Creek Ridge Trail #318, Gibson Canyon Trail #308, Deadman Trail #70, Frye Canyon Trail #36, and Ash Ridge Trail #32. NOTE: Vehicles (including trailers) longer than 22 feet are not recommended because of the difficulty of negotiating the switchbacks on AZ 366. The upper trail is not accessible by vehicle from November 15 to April 15 when the Swift Trail is closed for the winter. Early or late snow may extend the inaccessible season.