When American settlers first began homesteading in Arizona, the Apaches caused them all kinds of headaches. The Army established outposts at Fort McDowell, Fort Verde, Camp Reno, Fort Apache, and Camp San Carlos. General George Crook, who was the head of the military department, established a supply route along the Mogollon Rim. This route became one of the first major roads in Arizona, and for decades was used as a supply and communications route, as well as a patrol route for monitoring the western Apache. Today, the original blazes can still be seen on the ponderosa pines lining the trail, as well as occasional traces of homesteads. The trail is multi-use and popular with equestrians and mountain bikers as well as hikers.