The Arizona Alpine Trail, Inc an Arizona 501 (c)(3) non profit corporation was recently notified that our grant for the Master Plan has been approved and funded by Arizona State Parks and Trails effective June 23, 2023.
This grant will be the foundation for the creation of our multi-modal, but primarily off road motorized (OHV) 700-800 mile loop trail between Payson and Hannagan Meadow traversing Gila, Coconino, Navajo, Apache and Greenlee counties. The “trail” will be located on some State & County highways and roads but primarily on trails and forest Roads in the Tonto, Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves forests, which includes 7 Ranger Districts; Tonto Basin, Payson, Mogollon, Black Mesa, Lakeside, Springerville, & Alpine.
New and additional economic benefits will accrue to those rural eastern Arizona counties, and cities, towns & communities that have connector trails to them. The Master Plan will feature and promote those cities, towns and communities. Additional promotional material will be created and special signage will direct the OHV traffic to businesses such as lodging, restaurants, gas, car washes, repair facilities, gift stores, groceries, etc. etc.
These counties, cities, towns and communities will benefit from the increased revenue from the tourism traffic generated by the users of the Arizona Alpine Trail.
The Master Plan will lay the groundwork for future trail development to improve the outdoor off highway experience of the White Mountains, as well as providing for consistent signage along the routes, maintenance of the trails, and in general all future improvements that requires grants to accomplish.
Arizona Alpine Trail, Inc thanks Arizona State Parks and Trails, for their continued advice and cooperation for this grant and all the counties, cities, towns and communities that have supported our grant application.
Jerry Smith, President
Arizona Alpine Trail, Inc