Big Tree Loop

One of the finest examples of Gila single and doubletrack. The well maintained and well-travelled trail offers outstanding scenery of the Twin Sisters mountain peaks and the Arenas Valley.

Several creek crossings, but water is not always present. Be on the watch for hikers, horseback riders and other mountain bikers. Be sure to check out Gila Hike and Bike in Silver City for additional information about the many opportunities for hiking and biking in the Silver City area.

Begin at the Arenas Valley trailhead. Head up Servis Corrals Trail #725 as opposed to the Dragonfly Loop Trail #720. (This is small but worthwhile loop with petroglyphs that can be ridden as well). Follow the Servis Corrals Trail #725 until you get to a corral area and two green Forest Service Gates. Go through both of the gates and be sure the gates close and latch behind you.

From here, continue on the Servis Corrals Trail #725 until you reach the Woodhaul Wagon Road Trail #55. The Woodhaul Wagon Road Trail #55 is easy to identify as it consists mainly of doubletrack trail as opposed to the singletrack trail that you have been on to this point.

Follow the doubletrack trail until you reach Big Tree Trail and hang a left onto this singletrack trail. Follow Big Tree Trail past "Big Tree" one of the largest Juniper Trees in the United States until you reach another doubletrack trail known as Sawmill Wagon Road Trail #243. Follow this trail down until you meet up with another singletrack trail known as the Arenas Valley: Fence Line Trail.

Follow the Arenas Valley: Fence Line Trail back to Servis Corrals Trail #725. Arenas Valley: Fence Line Trail will intersect Servis Corrals Trail #725 back at the corral with the green gates. Return to the parking area via Servis Corrals Trail #725.

You'll ride through the historic Fort Bayard Area where soldiers used the Sawmill National Historic Trail Network as a way to ferry supplies to and from the fort in the 1800's.