Shake #309

Shake Trail leads from the oak and juniper grasslands of Stockton Pass to the pine and juniper forests of the Pinaleños’s upper slopes. Along its winding, sloped course it provides views of the Greasewood Mountains and Sulphur Springs Valley to the south and west, as well as close-up views of the various habitats that make up the complex environment of this desert mountain range. Along your way, you’ll pass through life zones that range from upper Sonoran Desert to mixed conifer forest and see plants that vary from cholla cactus to Douglas-fir. Wildlife varies as much as the plant life along this mountain trail. Watch for tracks and other sign of javelina, mountain lion, mule deer and black bear. If you’re lucky, you may see more than tracks. While deer are by far the most frequently encountered of these large forest mammals, black bear sightings are quite common as well. The Pinaleños have one of the densest populations of these shy omnivores in all of North America. During the summer, you may want to travel this trail from the top down to take advantage of the gradient. In the winter, you may choose to start at the lower trailhead for an out and back trip. The upper trailhead on Swift Trail is frequently snowed in during the winter.

At a Glance

Open Season:	Year-round
Usage:	Light
Closest Towns:	Safford, AZ
Information Center:	Safford Ranger District (928) 428-4150

General Information

Directions:

Lower trailhead:

From Safford, Arizona drive south 17 miles on US 191 to AZ 266. Turn right (southwest) onto AZ 266 and continue 12 miles to the Stockton Pass Campground. Walk through the fenced area north of the picnic area; the trail starts at a gate located in the northwest corner.

From Tucson, Arizona: Take I-10 east for 90 miles. Take exit 352 for US 191, and turn left toward Safford. Drive approximately 16.8 miles north and turn left on AZ 266. Continue 12 miles to the Stockton Pass Campground. Walk through the fenced area north of the picnic area; the trail starts at a gate located in the northwest corner.

Upper trailhead:

From Safford, Arizona drive south on US 191 for 8 miles and then turn southwest on AZ 366/Swift Trail and continue about 17.5 miles to the trailhead on the left, approximately 1 mile past Ladybug Saddle.

From Tucson, Arizona: Take I-10 east for 90 miles. Take exit 352 for US 191, and turn left toward Safford. Drive 26.3 miles north and turn left on AZ 366/Swift Trail. Continue about 17.5 miles to the trailhead on the left, approximately 1 mile past Ladybug Saddle.