Alpine, at the northern end of the Coronado Trail, is the main base for today's explorers, who tend to be outdoor types in search of uncrowded trails and streams where the trout are biting. Located near the New Mexico state line, Alpine offers a few basic lodges and restaurants, plus easy access to the region's many trails.

This area is known as the Alps of Arizona, and Alpine's picturesque setting in the middle of a wide grassy valley at 8,030 feet certainly lives up to this image. Alpine is surrounded by the Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests, which together have miles of trails and numerous campgrounds. In spring, wildflowers abound and the trout fishing is excellent. In summer, there's hiking and mountain biking on forest trails. In autumn, the aspens in the Golden Bowl on the mountainside above Alpine turn a brilliant yellow, and in winter, visitors come for the cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice-fishing.

Eight miles west of Alpine (take U.S. 191 to CR 8854), there’s cross-country skiing at the Williams Valley Winter Recreation Area (www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/asnf/recreation/wintersports), which doubles as a mountain-biking trail system in summer. Be warned that this fire-prone area is sometimes closed in summer as a safeguard.

For fishing, try Luna Lake, 4 miles east of Alpine off U.S. 180. Around the lake you’ll also find some easy-to-moderate mountain-bike trails that usually offer good wildlife-viewing opportunities.

The best hike in the area is the trail up Escudilla Mountain, 10 miles north of Alpine (take U.S. 191 to Ariz. 56), where you’ll see some of the best autumn displays of aspens. The Escudilla National Recreation Trail leads 3 miles to the summit of the mountain (6 miles round-trip), involving more than 1,300 feet of elevation gain.

Summer or winter, Hannagan Meadows, 23 miles south of Alpine, is the place to be. Here you'll find excellent hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country ski trails. Hannagan Meadows also provides access to the Blue Range Primitive Area, which is popular with hikers.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.