General Crook Trail
The Crook Trail is named after General George Crook, the Commander of the Military Department of Arizona in 1871. The General Crook trail enters the Sitgreaves National Forest at the boundary with the Coconino National Forest and extends 58.9 miles across the Black Mesa Ranger District. This trail ends at the Cottonwood Trail.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
The General Crook Trail is a historic Arizona trail, originally a military supply road established by General George Crook in 1871 to connect Fort Apache, Fort Whipple, and Fort Verde. Remnants of the General Crook Trail are preserved as a National Historic Trail across the Prescott, Coconino, and Sitgreaves National Forests. In the early 1970's the trail was retraced and marked with metal chevrons by the Boy Scouts of America. These chevrons are still used today as markers of this historic supply route.
- No overnight camping is allowed within the 200-foot wide corridor of the trail or within 1/4 mile from water sources; this allows wildlife to use the water sources, too.
- The use of motorized vehicles is prohibited unless otherwise designated and signed.
Contact Name: Black Mesa Ranger District
Contact Phone: (928)535-7300
Getting There
Directions
The trail can be accessed on the Black Mesa Ranger Districts from the west by means of Forest Road 300 south of Knolls Lake. An easy way to find the trail is by visiting the Rim Visitor Center on State Highway 260. The trail passes just east of the Center and is well-marked. There are also numerous roads south of State Highway 260 that bisect the trail. Major trailheads are at Military Sinkhole and Al Fulton Point.
