The tread is easy to follow and generally in good shape. It could use a little TLC here and there, but it's comfortable walking with only an occasional rock or stump reminding you that you're still in the mountains. Families, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and newer hikers should all find it approachable.

Early on, the trail doesn't climb so much as it simply moves, contouring gently through the forest with an easy rhythm.

Along the Way

Before long, the forest opens into one of the burn areas left behind by the Wallow Fire.

Rather than feeling empty, it feels hopeful.

I found myself immediately grateful for the pockets of mature forest that survived, while at the same time feeling encouraged by everything returning around them. Young trees now reach fifteen to twenty feet high, rising above lush grass and wildflowers. It's a reminder that even after tremendous loss, forests have an incredible capacity for renewal.

The trail slips almost unnoticed through its first drainage. The second and third become a little deeper, and gradually the views begin opening toward the Bear Wallow Wilderness. Not sweeping, dramatic views - just enough to remind you how much country lies beyond the trees.

Eventually the trail spills into Butterfly Cienega, a broad mountain meadow that feels like a natural place to pause.

The abundance of wildflowers immediately explains how it earned its name. It didn't take long before we noticed butterflies everywhere, bouncing from flower to flower until it almost seemed impossible to count them all.

From here the trail crosses a two-track road before climbing gently back into the forest, contouring above the Fish Creek drainage. For a short stretch, Forest Road 24 comes into view. It's a quiet reminder that this isn't a wilderness trail, but it's also what makes the route accessible for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders alike.

The Lake

The trail gradually bends into a quiet mountain valley where mature pines begin surrounding you once again.

Then Aker Lake appears.

The first thing that caught my eye wasn't the size of the lake, it was the color. The cool blue water appeared through the pines, surrounded by vibrant green grass, looking almost impossibly refreshing after the hike.

Three anglers from the Show Low area were taking full advantage of recently stocked fish, casting flies across the calm water with steady success. Watching them, it was easy to imagine spending an entire afternoon here without ever looking at the time.