Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
Alpine Ranger District
(928) 339-4384
Portions of this area were impacted by the 2011 Wallow Fire. While parts of the forest did burn, much is still intact, and wildlife viewing opportunities are not diminished.
Black Bear
Escudilla Mountain is one of Arizona’s highest peaks at 10,877-feet elevation. The Terry Flat loop, at 9,700 feet, can be driven or walked. Escudilla National Recreation Trail #308 is three miles in length with a moderate difficulty rating, traversing the wilderness area from the loop road to the fire tower on the mountain summit.
Take the left fork of the loop road about 0.3 mile to the trailhead. This particular area did burn significantly in the 2011 Wallow Fire.
Elk, mule deer, Merriam’s turkey, long-tailed weasel, Abert’s and red squirrel, blue grouse and black bear frequent this area. Mountain bluebird, broad-tailed hummingbird, western tanager, hermit thrush, Clark’s nutcracker, golden-crowned kinglet, gray-headed junco and northern goshawk are among the many birds seen here.
Terry Flat is a reliable place to find a three-toed woodpecker. Take the right fork of the loop and listen for the three-toed woodpecker’s drumming, especially near the Paddy Creek area.
Mountain View
Habitat: Mixed conifer
Seasons: Spring through fall.
Location: From Alpine, go north on U.S. Highway 191 almost six miles (milepost 421), and then turn east onto Forest Road (FR) 56 (Terry Flat – Hulsey Lake Road). Continue upward for about five miles to the road fork that begins the six-mile loop of Terry Flat atop Escudilla Mountain.
Access: The road is graveled, but suitable for passenger cars. FR 56 is closed during the winter.
Near: Alpine
What You Might See