Hike Shine Eye to Gilbert

Hiking the Shine Eye to Gilbert Trail is mostly moderate, but has some steep elevation gains.

NPS

The Shine Eye to Gilbert Trail follows the north side of the river between the Highway 65 bridge and the small town of Gilbert. This is a hiker and horse trail marked with yellow blazes. It follows Long Bottom Bluff around Lane Bend into Gilbert.

Details

Duration

4 Hours

Shine Eye to Gilbert is about 3.7 miles so about 7.4 round trip with steep elevation changes at each end.

Activity

Hiking

This trail gains about 250 feet elevation within the first mile, then has several smaller ups and downs along the trail.

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

First parking lot for Shine Eye to Gilbert trail

This trail is a horse and hiker trail and the large parking area on Shine Eye Road at Hwy 65 is often filled with horse trailers. Trailheads are 0.2 miles and 0.4 miles from Highway 65 along Shine Eye Road. There are small parking areas near each of the trailheads

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Hiking is most popular in fall, winter and spring when ticks are less abundant.The climate of the Buffalo River basin is characterized by long, hot summers and relatively short, mild winters. Temperature records in the area have a low of -13⁰ F to a high of 107⁰ F. Rainfall averages 46 inches annually. The greatest amounts of precipitation occur in winter and spring, with average winter snowfall of 12 inches. Dryer months are July through October. Both moderately intense local storms and storms with heavier rainfall can last several days. Larger storms are more likely to occur in spring; however, they can occur any time during the year.

Time of Day

Day

Trails can be narrow, rocky and close to cliff edges. Daylight hiking is recommended.

Accessibility Information

Trail is narrow, rocky and steep in places. Trail is not ADA compliant.

Red dashed line shows Shine Eye to Gilbert Trail.

NPS