The Pinal Mountains are one of Arizona's best kept secrets. Rising dramatically from the desert floor just south of Globe, this sky island reaches 7,848 feet at Pinal Peak — a gain of over 4,000 feet in elevation that takes you from saguaro cactus and desert scrub all the way into dense stands of ponderosa pine and white fir. The name "Pinal" comes from the Spanish translation of both the Apache and Yavapai names for the mountains, meaning "stand of pine trees" or "pine-burdened mountain" — a fitting description for what awaits at the top.

We camped here May 11–13, 2024 on a two-night, three-day trip at Six Shooter Campground — and found snow still lingering in the shaded spots near the road. In May. That's the kind of elevation surprise the Pinal Mountains deliver.

The History — Army Heliographs and Mining Camps

Six Shooter Campground and the nearby Pinal and Upper Pinal Campgrounds sit on a site with genuine historical significance. The U.S. Army once occupied this location as a heliographic signaling station in the late 1800s — flashing messages across the desert using mirrors to reflect sunlight, a communication system that connected remote posts across the Arizona Territory before telegraph lines reached this country. The Pinal Mountains have been inhabited since the 11th and 12th centuries by Pueblo-culture Native Americans of the Salado culture, whose descendants include the people of Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park near Globe — well worth a visit before or after your trip into the mountains.

The Campgrounds

The Pinal Recreation Area within the Tonto National Forest encompasses 45,760 acres and offers several campground options at elevation:

Six Shooter Campground is the largest — 12 units, the social hub of the camping area and the most convenient base for the hiking trails and lookout tower. Pinal Campground has 4 units. Upper Pinal has 3 sites and is the most remote and quietest of the three. Sulphide Del Rey Campground was once a site used by miners escaping the heat of the lower elevations. Dispersed camping is available throughout the area as well.

No fees. No reservations — first come, first served. Vault toilets available. Firewood available for gathering in the surrounding forest.

The Drive In

The drive in is part of the adventure. FR 651 is a narrow, winding mountain gravel road — maintained but slow going due to the communication and radio towers near the summit that require regular Forest Service access. The towers are visible from a distance as you climb and serve as a useful landmark. Allow approximately 56 minutes from Globe to cover roughly 16 miles. Take it slow, enjoy the transition from desert to forest, and watch for wildlife on the road.

Hiking

At least eight hiking trails branch out within one mile of the campgrounds. We hiked to the communication towers at 7,838 feet — the views from up there are extraordinary, looking out across central Arizona in every direction. We also hiked out to find a spring, which had been tapped off. The trail system here rewards those who explore it thoroughly.

The Boulders

The boulders are worth mentioning on their own. We found a cluster of large boulders that made a perfect natural hangout — the kind of place you settle into for a few hours and don't want to leave. The trees throughout the campground area are ideal for hammocks, and firewood is available to gather from the surrounding forest.

Wildlife

Wildlife here is exceptional and in some cases genuinely surprising. We saw coatis — a first for us — along with a horned toad lizard, white-tailed deer, and an impressive variety of birds. The Pinal Mountains are a designated sky island and are well known for birdwatching opportunities. Keep your eyes open and your camera ready.

Camp Skills and Camp Cooking

Luca processed yucca into fibers during our trip — a hands-on primitive skills experience that speaks to how rich this environment is for outdoor learning. We cooked a Dutch oven goulash over the campfire — one of the highlights of the trip and featured in the video. Camp cooking at elevation in the pines is a different experience entirely.

Additional Information:

Campgrounds: Six Shooter (12 units), Pinal (4 units), Upper Pinal (3 units), Sulphide Del Rey, Pioneer Pass dispersed.

Road: FR 651 is a narrow, winding gravel mountain road suitable for sedans under dry conditions. Trailers over 16 feet not recommended. Allow 56 minutes from Globe Ranger Station. Take it slow — narrow road with significant drop-offs.

Note: Radio and communication towers near summit — road is maintained due to tower access.

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