Difficulty: 1
Description: Mt Ord is located in the Mazatzal Mountains and has a fire lookout tower as well as several communications towers. This is a pleasant, easy drive which summits Mt. Ord and offers fantastic views of this mountain chain. Initially, the trail offers several varieties of desert flora and fauna. As the trail summits, these species change to alligator junipers, pines, and manzanitas. The road is narrow but has many pullouts for passing. Near the north side of the summit of Mt Ord, the Mogollon Rim can be seen to the north.
Distance: 7.6 miles
Time: 45 minutes
To the trailhead: Take Highway 87 northeast from Phoenix. Turn left onto wide graded dirt road, FSR 626, with a sign to Mt. Ord.
The trail:
|
Odometer |
GPS |
|
|
0 |
N 33º 55.87
W 111 º 27.82 |
Reset odometer as you turn left onto the graded dirt road off Highway 87. |
|
.2 |
|
Track on right |
|
.7 |
|
Pass under power lines. |
|
1.2 |
|
Trail crosses new freeway construction. |
|
1.6 |
|
Cross cattle guard. |
|
2.2 |
|
Concrete tank on right. |
|
2.7 |
|
Track on left. |
|
2.8 |
|
Cattle guard, then track on right. |
|
3.7 |
N 33 º 55.32
W 111 º 24.83 |
Track on right at corral, then cattle guard. |
|
5.2 |
N 33 º 55.60
W 111 º 23.93 |
Well-used track on left is FSR 27 which takes a steeper route to Arizona 87. |
|
|
|
Continue South |
|
6.4 |
|
Cross cattle guard. |
|
6.9 |
|
Two tracks on right. |
|
7.0 |
N 33 º 54.67
W 111 º 24.47 |
Mt. Ord lookout site gate. Gate is closed from 6pm to 9am. Campsite at the gate. |
|
9.4 |
N 33 º 54.30
W 111 º 24.52 |
Trail ends at Mt Ord Lookout Tower. |
References
Massey, P, Wilson, J, & Titus, A. (2006). Arizona Trails, Central Region. Adler Publishing Company Inc; Hermosa Beach CA.