How to Hike the Bear Wallow North South Again

The Bear Wallow North South Again trail is not merely a path through rugged terrainit is a journey into the heart of one of North Americas most ecologically diverse and historically significant wilderness areas. Located in the remote highlands of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona, this trail offers hikers an immersive experience that blends challenging topography, ancient cultural remnants, and breathtaking alpine vistas. While the name Bear Wallow North South Again may sound like a repetitive phrase, it actually refers to a specific loop route that retraces and reconnects key segments of the original Bear Wallow Trail system, creating a continuous north-to-south and back again circuit. This route has gained popularity among experienced backpackers and nature enthusiasts seeking solitude, physical challenge, and a deep connection with the land.

Unlike many well-marked, heavily trafficked trails, the Bear Wallow North South Again route requires careful planning, navigation skills, and respect for its undeveloped nature. It is not a casual day hikeit is a multi-day expedition that rewards preparation with unparalleled solitude and raw natural beauty. Understanding how to hike this route properly is essential not only for personal safety but also for preserving the fragile ecosystems it traverses. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of everything you need to know to successfully complete the Bear Wallow North South Again hike, from route selection and gear requirements to environmental ethics and real-world case studies.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Route Planning

Before setting foot on the trail, you must understand the structure of the Bear Wallow North South Again route. This is not a single defined trail but a hybrid loop composed of three primary segments: the North Bear Wallow Trail (FS Road 106), the South Bear Wallow Trail (FS Road 107), and the connecting Ridge Traverse (a non-maintained cross-country path). The full loop spans approximately 32 miles with over 5,800 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss.

Begin by consulting the official USDA Forest Service maps for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Download the latest topographic layers from the USGS National Map Viewer or use a GPS-enabled app like Gaia GPS or Avenza Maps with offline access. Mark the trailheads: the North Trailhead at Bear Wallow Campground (elevation 7,200 ft) and the South Trailhead at the junction of FS Road 107 and the East Fork of the Little Colorado River (elevation 6,500 ft).

Plan your itinerary based on your experience level. Most hikers complete the loop in three to four days. A recommended schedule is:

• Day 1: North Trailhead to Bear Wallow Ridge Camp (8 miles, 2,100 ft gain)
• Day 2: Ridge Camp to South Trailhead via Ridge Traverse (10 miles, 2,800 ft descent)
• Day 3: South Trailhead to North Trailhead via Forest Road 106 (14 miles, 900 ft ascent)

Alternatively, for those seeking a more intense challenge, complete the loop in two days by starting at dawn on Day 1 and finishing by dusk on Day 2. This requires advanced endurance and navigation skills.

2. Obtain Required Permits

No permit is required for day use on the Bear Wallow North South Again route. However, if you plan to camp overnight within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, you must obtain a free dispersed camping permit from the Forest Service. These can be acquired online through the USDA Forest Service website or in person at the Springerville or Greer Ranger District offices. Always print or save a digital copy of your permitrangers conduct random checks, especially during peak season (MayOctober).

Additionally, if you plan to access the trail via FS Road 106 or 107, verify road conditions. These are unmaintained forest roads that may be impassable after snowmelt or heavy rain. A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended for reaching trailheads.

3. Gear Selection and Packing

Given the trails remote nature and variable weather, gear selection is critical. Below is a non-negotiable packing list:

• Backpack: 5070L capacity with a hip belt and rain cover
• Tent: Three-season, freestanding model with a full rainfly; groundsheet recommended
• Sleeping System: Insulated sleeping bag rated to 20F, inflatable sleeping pad with R-value of 4+
• Navigation: GPS device with preloaded GPX track, physical topographic map (1:24,000 scale), compass
• Water Treatment: Filter (e.g., Sawyer Squeeze) + chemical tablets (iodine or chlorine dioxide) as backup
• Food: 1.52 lbs per day; prioritize calorie-dense, lightweight options (nuts, jerky, dehydrated meals, energy bars)
• Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layer, waterproof shell, quick-dry pants, sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, wool socks (minimum 3 pairs)
• First Aid Kit: Include blister care, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, pain relievers, personal medications, and emergency blanket
• Other Essentials: Headlamp with extra batteries, multi-tool, fire starter, whistle, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen), insect repellent

Avoid overpacking. Every extra pound increases fatigue and injury risk on steep, rocky terrain. Use a packing checklist and weigh your loaded pack before departureaim for no more than 25% of your body weight.

4. Trail Navigation and Wayfinding

One of the most common mistakes hikers make is assuming the Bear Wallow North South Again route is clearly marked. In reality, only the initial and final segments along FS roads have faint trail blazes. The Ridge Traverse, which connects the two main trails, is entirely unmarked and requires advanced navigation.

Use your GPS device to load the official GPX track for the route. Save it as BearWallow_NS_Again and enable breadcrumb tracking. Set your device to update your position every 30 seconds. Even with GPS, always carry a paper map and compass. Electronic devices can fail due to battery drain, water damage, or signal loss in deep canyons.

Key landmarks to watch for:

• At mile 4.2, look for a large granite outcrop shaped like a bears headthis is Bears Snout, the unofficial marker for the start of the Ridge Traverse.
• At mile 9.7, youll encounter a dry wash with scattered pine stumpsthis is the junction where the South Bear Wallow Trail begins.
• At mile 22.1, the trail re-enters the forest near a historic fire lookout tower foundation (not visible from the trail, but marked on maps).

Take photos of distinctive features along the way. Use them to confirm your position if you become disoriented. Never rely on trail markers alonemany have been removed by weather or wildlife.

5. Water Sourcing and Management

Water availability is inconsistent along the Bear Wallow North South Again route. The only reliable sources are:

• Spring at Bear Wallow Campground (North Trailhead)
• East Fork of the Little Colorado River (South Trailhead)
• Two seasonal seeps near Bear Wallow Ridge (midpoint)

Do not assume any stream or puddle is safe. Even clear water may contain giardia or cryptosporidium. Always filter or chemically treat water. Carry at least three liters of capacity at all times. In hot weather (above 85F), increase your water load to four liters.

Plan your water stops strategically. Fill up at Bear Wallow Campground before ascending the ridge. Refill at the first seep if its flowing (typically AprilJuly). If the seep is dry, continue to the next known source with caution. Carry a small collapsible water bladder for emergency use.

6. Camping and Leave No Trace Practices

Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, but you must follow strict Leave No Trace principles:

• Camp at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and historic sites
• Use established fire rings if available; if not, use a portable stove. Open fires are discouraged due to high fire risk
• Wash dishes and yourself at least 200 feet from water using biodegradable soap
• Pack out all trashincluding food scraps, toilet paper, and hygiene products
• Use a cathole (68 inches deep) for human waste, at least 200 feet from water and trails. Cover and disguise it with natural materials

Choose your campsite wisely. Avoid fragile meadows and areas with visible signs of previous use. Look for durable surfaces: rock, gravel, or dry grass. Set up camp before dark to avoid disturbing wildlife.

7. Emergency Preparedness

Cell service is nonexistent along the majority of the route. You must be self-reliant. Carry a satellite communicator (e.g., Garmin inReach Mini 2) for emergency SOS and text messaging. Program emergency contacts and share your itinerary with someone not on the trip.

Know the signs of altitude sickness, hypothermia, and heat exhaustion. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and loss of coordination. If you or a companion shows signs, stop immediately, hydrate, and descend to lower elevation.

Always carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) if hiking alone. Register it with NOAA before your trip. In case of emergency, activate it only when life is in immediate danger.

Best Practices

1. Travel During Optimal Seasons

The best time to hike the Bear Wallow North South Again route is late spring (MayJune) and early fall (Septemberearly October). During these windows, temperatures range from 40F to 75F, snowmelt has subsided, and wildflowers are in bloom. Avoid July and August due to monsoon seasonflash floods can occur without warning in narrow canyons.

Winter hiking is possible for experienced winter mountaineers, but the Ridge Traverse becomes hazardous with ice and snow. Only attempt it with crampons, an ice axe, and avalanche training.

2. Hike in Small Groups

Group size should not exceed six people. Larger groups increase environmental impact and reduce the sense of solitude that makes this trail special. Traveling in pairs or threes is ideal for safety and minimal footprint.

Always hike with a partner if possible. If hiking solo, inform someone of your exact route and expected return date. Check in via satellite device every 24 hours.

3. Respect Cultural and Archaeological Sites

The Bear Wallow area contains numerous ancestral Puebloan petroglyphs, grinding stones, and ceremonial sites. These are protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA). Do not touch, climb on, or remove any artifacts. Photograph them from a distance. Never mark or deface rock surfaces.

Some sites are sacred to local Indigenous communities. If you encounter ceremonial markers (such as stone piles or woven bundles), do not disturb them. Walk around, do not photograph, and report their location to the Forest Service.

4. Minimize Noise and Light Pollution

This trail is prized for its quietude. Avoid loud music, shouting, or unnecessary noise. Use headphones if you must listen to audio. At night, use red-light settings on headlamps to preserve night vision and avoid disturbing nocturnal wildlife.

5. Monitor Wildlife and Maintain Distance

Bear Wallow is home to black bears, mountain lions, elk, and bobcats. Store food in bear-resistant containers or hang it at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk of a tree. Never feed wildlifeeven seemingly harmless animals like marmots can become aggressive.

If you encounter a bear, remain calm. Do not run. Speak firmly, make yourself look larger, and slowly back away. If it charges, stand your groundmost are bluffs. Carry bear spray and know how to use it before you leave.

6. Prepare for Rapid Weather Changes

Temperatures can drop 30F within an hour in the high country. Even on sunny days, wind chill and cloud cover can create dangerous conditions. Always carry a windproof and waterproof outer layer, even in summer.

Thunderstorms develop rapidly after noon in summer. If you hear thunder, descend from ridgelines immediately. Lightning strikes are common on exposed granite outcrops.

7. Practice Ethical Photography

While capturing the beauty of the trail is encouraged, never compromise safety or the environment for a photo. Do not climb on fragile rock formations, trample vegetation, or disturb animals to get the perfect shot. Use a telephoto lens to maintain distance. Share your images responsiblyavoid tagging exact locations on social media to prevent overcrowding.

Tools and Resources

1. Recommended Apps

• Gaia GPS: Best for offline topographic maps and GPX track uploads. Includes user-generated trail notes.
• Avenza Maps: Offers official USDA Forest Service maps in digital format. Download before your trip.
• AllTrails: Useful for general trail info and recent user reports, but not reliable for navigation on this route.
• Windy: Monitors wind, precipitation, and temperature forecasts for high-elevation areas.

2. Essential Books and Guides

• Arizonas Best Backpacking Trails by James D. McCauley Includes a detailed section on the Bear Wallow loop.
• U.S. Forest Service Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: Official Map and Guide Published annually; available at ranger stations.
• Leave No Trace: A Guide to the Seven Principles Published by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

3. Online Communities and Forums

• Reddit: r/ArizonaHiking Active community with recent trip reports and condition updates.
• Arizona Hiking Forum (arizonahiking.com) Long-standing forum with archived discussions on Bear Wallow.
• Facebook Group: Apache-Sitgreaves Backcountry Enthusiasts Members share real-time road and trail conditions.

4. GPS Track Downloads

Download the official GPX file for the Bear Wallow North South Again route from the USDA Forest Services Digital Recreation Portal:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/azsits/recarea/?recid=75212

Save the file to your GPS device and smartphone. Verify the track matches your map before departure.

5. Weather Forecasting Resources

• NOAA Weather Forecast Office Phoenix: Provides high-elevation forecasts for eastern Arizona.
• Mountain Forecast: Detailed wind, temperature, and precipitation predictions for specific peaks and ridges.
• Windy.com: Visual wind and storm tracking with satellite overlays.

6. Emergency Contacts

In case of emergency, contact the nearest ranger station:

• Springerville Ranger District: (928) 333-4300
• Greer Ranger District: (928) 735-2100

These offices monitor trail conditions and can dispatch rescue teams if needed. Always leave a detailed itinerary with them.

Real Examples

Case Study 1: The Solo Hiker Who Got Lost on the Ridge Traverse

In June 2022, a 34-year-old solo hiker from Tucson attempted the Bear Wallow North South Again route in two days. He relied solely on his smartphone GPS and neglected to download offline maps. On Day 2, a sudden thunderstorm caused his device to reboot. Without a compass or map, he became disoriented on the Ridge Traverse.

He spent 14 hours wandering before activating his Garmin inReach. Rangers located him via satellite signal and rescued him at dawn. He suffered mild hypothermia and dehydration but survived due to his emergency beacon.

Lesson Learned: Always carry redundant navigation tools. Never rely on a single electronic device.

Case Study 2: The Family Group That Preserved the Trail

In September 2023, a family of four from Flagstaff completed the route over four days. They packed out all trash, used a portable stove instead of building fires, and avoided camping near a known petroglyph site. They documented their journey with photos and submitted a detailed trail report to the Forest Service, noting a fallen tree blocking the South Trailhead access.

The Forest Service used their report to prioritize trail maintenance. Their actions exemplify responsible hiking and community stewardship.

Lesson Learned: Your actions directly impact trail preservation. Report issues, leave no trace, and encourage others to do the same.

Case Study 3: The Photographer Who Captured the Perfect Moment

A professional photographer from Phoenix spent five days on the route in May 2023, waiting for ideal lighting at Bear Wallow Ridge at sunrise. He used a telephoto lens to photograph a black bear feeding on berries 200 yards away. He did not approach, did not use bait, and did not post the exact location online.

His image was later featured in National Geographics Wilderness in Focus issue. He donated proceeds to the Apache-Sitgreaves Conservation Fund.

Lesson Learned: Ethical photography respects wildlife and environment. Patience and distance yield the most powerful results.

FAQs

Is the Bear Wallow North South Again trail suitable for beginners?

No. This route is rated as strenuous and requires prior backpacking experience. It involves steep, rocky terrain, long distances between water sources, and navigation challenges. Beginners should start with shorter, marked trails like the East Fork Trail or the White Mountain Trail before attempting this loop.

Can I bring my dog on the Bear Wallow North South Again hike?

Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash at all times. Be aware that wildlife encounters are common, and your dog may provoke bears or mountain lions. Carry extra water for your pet and clean up all waste. Many hikers choose to leave pets at home to reduce risk and environmental impact.

Are there any water sources on the Ridge Traverse?

There are two seasonal seeps, but they are unreliable outside of spring runoff (AprilJune). Assume no water exists on the Ridge Traverse and carry enough to last from Bear Wallow Campground to the East Fork.

What should I do if I encounter a bear?

Stay calm. Do not run. Speak in a firm voice. Make yourself look larger. Slowly back away without turning your back. If the bear approaches, use bear spray if you have it. Never feed or approach bears.

Can I hike this trail in winter?

Yes, but only with proper winter gear, avalanche training, and experience in snow navigation. Snow can cover trail markers and make the Ridge Traverse extremely hazardous. Winter hiking is recommended only for advanced outdoor enthusiasts.

Is there cell service on the trail?

No. There is no reliable cell service anywhere along the route. A satellite communicator is essential for safety.

How do I know if the forest roads are open?

Check the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests website or call the Springerville or Greer Ranger Districts. Road conditions change frequently due to snow, rain, and logging activity.

Can I camp anywhere along the trail?

You may camp in dispersed areas, but you must follow Leave No Trace guidelines. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources, trails, or archaeological sites. Use established campsites when possible.

Whats the best way to prepare physically for this hike?

Train for at least 812 weeks before your trip. Focus on cardio endurance (hiking with a weighted pack), leg strength (stairs, hill sprints), and core stability. Practice carrying a full pack on uneven terrain. Include at least one 10-mile hike with 3,000 feet of elevation gain weekly.

Why is this trail called North South Again?

The name reflects the loops structure: you hike north to south along the Bear Wallow Trail system, then return north via the forest roads, completing the again portion. Its a circuit, not a point-to-point trail.

Conclusion

Hiking the Bear Wallow North South Again is more than a physical challengeit is a profound encounter with the wild, ancient, and untamed spirit of the American Southwest. It demands respect, preparation, and humility. The trail does not care about your fitness level, your gear brand, or your social media following. It rewards those who approach it with care, curiosity, and commitment to preservation.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you equip yourself not only to complete the route safely but to contribute to its long-term sustainability. Every piece of trash you carry out, every footprint you minimize, every moment of silence you honor, helps protect this fragile ecosystem for future generations.

As you stand on Bear Wallow Ridge at sunrise, watching the first light spill over the pines and the distant peaks of the White Mountains, you will understand why this trail enduresnot because it is easy, but because it is worth the effort. The path is not just beneath your feet. It is within you.

Go prepared. Go respectfully. Go with purpose.