As you drive south on US 191 (formerly US666) into Alpine your eyes will almost immediately be attracted to South Mountain, (look for the cell phone tower).
The magnificent rocky outcropping just off the saddle to the north is Gobbler Point - elevation 9261'.
This trek will take you to the Overlook just to the south of Gobbler Point that arguably offers the finest views of the Alpine Valley below your feet.
From the intersection of US191/180 travel south on US 191 toward Hannagan Meadow.
You will travel up and over a divide and at 3 miles on your right will be Forest Road 403.
Take the 403 road up onto South Mountain, it's a beautiful drive and a steep climb! At mile 3.
3 you will see road 403H, which will take you to the South Mountain cell phone towers.
Continue past 403H for another 2 blocks, at mile 3.
5 you will see a small meadow to your north (right) with plenty of room to pull off the road and park.
Look for the beamed up old logging road - this is your unmarked trail head at N3349.
770 & W10910.
450 - Elevation 9455'.
This is a route, not a trail - although the first quarter mile follows the old overgrown logging road.
The logging road peters out in a small meadow with lots of tire size rocks.
At this point, you will sense the "rim" of the mountain to your north.
The route out to Gobbler Point follows the line of the "saddle" to the point - stay high and head in a northwesterly direction.
After a couple hundred yards you will pick up a single track elk trail, pounded out after years of elk migrating through the area.
After 300 yards you will come to a small point with a steep 40' descent.
Follow the elk trail down the steep hill.
At the bottom of the hill, veer to the northwest again, continue following the elk trail and stay high on the saddle.
The trail will bend around to the north and you will see a rocky outcropping which is Gobbler Point Overlook.
N3350.
065 & W10910.
335 - Elevation 9350'.
The Gobbler Point Overlook offers breathtaking views of the Alpine Valley (historically named Bush Valley) and Williams Valley to the west.
You can spot the Twin Sisters adjacent to Turner Peak to the northeast which is located just over the border into New Mexico.
You can also make out the distinctive double hump of Escondido Mountain in the same direction some 80 miles away.
On a clear day you may also view Allegro Mountain to the north east which is near Pie Town, MM - over 100 miles away.
There are several flat rocks on the Overlook to rest your feet and take in the scenery.
This is also a great place to picnic - no one ever goes there! The trailhead to the Gobbler Point Overlook is just over a half mile and an easy 20 minute hike - although you'll spend an hour just taking in the views! GPS data is set at WGS84 datum.
Author's Note: Gobbler Point was devastated by the 538,000 acre Wallow Fire (summer 2010).
The fire burned hot in this area and only a few trees remain alive.
The area will likely be closed for years.
The Wallow Fire was the largest fire in Arizona history and scorched 850 square miles.
The author lost his home and two businesses due to the irresponsibility and negligence of the Apache National Forest Management Team.
The author now lives 300 miles away on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.