Trails

The Bear Wallow Trail ( #63) follows the Bear Wallow Creek riparian area, dropping to the creek's Meadow confluence with the Black River. Anglers are among this trail's most frequent users. Native Apache trout were re-established in Bear Wallow Creek in the early to middle 1990s.The Bear Wallow Trail offers a unique opportunity to experience high country, streamside wilderness hiking and camping. Several excellent sites can be found near the creek to make camp. Enjoy the variety of lush vegetation not commonly found in most of Arizona as you travel along this creek bottom. You will encounter alder, ash, fern and Mexican locust along this trail, with pine and spruce serving as a towering backdrop. This is a great trail to travel with a guidebook, as you will likely encounter a score of both wildflowers and songbirds in the spring and summer. Poison ivy is also something you may encounter on this trail, so be careful and know how to identify its "leaves of three." Black bears are frequently seen in this area as well, but usually from a distance. It is important to consider both gaiters and waterproof footwear on this trail as it crosses the creek several times alternating between rocks (sometimes quite slippery) and muddy or bog-like footing. 

Trail Log:

• 0.0 mile: Trailhead on FR 25 (across from Double Cienega). Trail drops into the drainage between two logging roads.
• 1.5 miles: Trail joins Bear Wallow Creek at a large rock cairn and heads downstream.
• 2.6 miles: Junction with Reno Trail 62
• 3.5 miles: Junction with Schell Canyon Trail 316
• 6.6 miles: Fish barrier
• 7.1 miles: Junction with Gobbler Point Trail 59
• 7.6 miles: Fence line marks San Carlos Apache Reservation boundary. Permit required to continue onto the reservation.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding          

As with all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, this trail is open to hiking and horse use, but all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited. From the trailhead, views stretch all the way to Mount Graham in the Pinaleno Range 80 miles to the southwest. This striking panorama accompanies you a good portion of the way of down the steep switchbacks that begins the trail's descent into a side drainage of Bear Wallow Creek and eventually to the canyon floor. Gobbler Point (# 59) is the steepest trail leading into the wilderness. It also provides the shortest route to the creek's downstream reaches, which could be important to those interested in fishing the stream's pools and riffles for the population of native Apache trout that have been stocked there. In addition to panoramic views, a mixed stand of conifers, ponderosa pine, and aspen provides a scenic setting for the trail's upper reaches. Those tall upland species gradually give way to clumps of Gambel oak, red-osier dogwood, and bracken fern as the trail looses altitude. At the junction with Bear Wallow Trail on the canyon floor, the trail is set in a park-like community of ponderosa pines and canyon hardwoods, including Arizona ash, alder, and box elder. A sprinkling of wildflowers usually adds a splash of color. The fence that marks the boundary of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation is just a half mile downstream from the point where the Gobbler Point Trail meets Bear Wallow Trail. Bear Wallow Creek flows into the Black River another one and a half miles downstream from that. If you'd like to complete your tour of Bear Wallow Creek and take a look at this remote section of the Black River, be sure to get a permit in advance from the San Carlos Apache Tribe. 

Trail Log:

• 0.0 The trail heads west from the parking lot at the end of Gobbler Point Road (Forest Road 8154)
• 0.9 Drop into drainage and continue descent to Bear Wallow Creek and Trail.
• 2.7 Junction with Bear Wallow Trail #63.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding        

As with all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, this trail is open to hiking and horse use, but all types of motorized and mechanical travel are prohibited. You could start out on the Reno Trail (# 62), and return to Forest Road 25 by way of the more moderate gradient of the Bear Wallow Trail (# 63). That means you'll be taking the easiest route up and you won't have to climb back up the steep switchbacks of the Reno Trail (#62) as it descends into the Bear Wallow drainage. Or, if you arrange a shuttle in advance, you could hike out of the canyon via the Schell Canyon Trail (#316) and take advantage of some of the great views that trail offers from atop the Mogollon Rim. The loop around Reno and Bear Wallow is of moderate length (7 miles including a 2.5 mile hike or shuttle between trailheads). The Schell Canyon loop is a bit longer (8.3 miles). If you start early, you'll have time to enjoy the rich plant and animal communities that make a home in the habitat nourished by this secluded wilderness brook. If you like to fish, you may be interested in continuing down Bear Wallow Creek to try your luck at catching some of the native trout that make a home there. The Reno Trail is also a well used primary access route in the Bear Wallow Wilderness. Some forest visitors choose it because it provides the shortest route to the creek and therefore might be the quickest route as well. Mixed conifers and aspens border the trail along its upper reaches. As the trail drops into the side canyon it will follow to Bear Wallow Creek, clumps of Gambel oak appear more frequently. Tall ponderosa pines and spruces, canyon hardwoods, and associated riparian species mark the junction with the Bear Wallow Trail in North Fork Canyon.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Reno Trailhead on Forest Road 25 across from Reno Lookout road. Take the footpath trail, not the old logging road, to the south
• 1.9 Junction with Bear Wallow Trail #63 on the canyon floor. The Schell Canyon Trail #316 is 1.1 miles downstream

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding        

Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, Rose Spring Trail  (# 309) is open to hiking and horse use, but all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited. The magnificent views are yours courtesy of the Mogollon Rim, a 1500 foot drop-off that forms the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau and provides the high perspective for the panorama. This prodigious escarpment towers over the forested canyons of the Eagle Creek, Rose Peak, Maple Mountain, and far in the distance, Mount Graham and the Pinalenos. The Rose Spring Trail, also called the Rim Trail, follows a fence line along the southern boundary of the Bear Wallow Wilderness as it hugs the rim. About 3 miles from the trailhead, the Schell Canyon Trail (# 316) branches off on a course that leads to the South Fork of Bear Wallow Creek and into the heart of the wilderness. From the junction with Schell Trail, the Rose Spring Trail continues through another mile and a half of conifers and ponderosa to the boundary of the San Carlos Indian Reservation. That boundary is marked by a standard stock fence. At this point, a road from the reservation side of the fence crosses on to the Forest side and cuts back to Rose Springs, an intermittent water source.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead, trail proceeds through a gate in the fence 50 yards below (north) of the parking lot.
• 0.9 Open saddle. Good view to the south.
• 1.8 Trail goes through second gate.
• 2.7 More good views.
• 3.4 Schell Canyon Trail #316.
• 4.1 Old trail to right through fence, continue left
• 4.5 Unsigned junction with Highline Trail to left, continue straight.
• 4.9 San Carlos Apache Reservation boundary fence. Turn sharp right and proceed on road to Rose Spring.
• 5.2 Rose Spring

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding        

As with all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, the Schell Canyon Trail is open to hiking and horseback riding, but all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited. First, you'll pass some marvelous scenery along the access route to the trailhead. Then there is the rugged canyon, native trout fishing and picturesque campsites that Schell Canyon Trail itself provides access to in the Bear Wallow Wilderness. To get to the Schell Canyon trailhead you must travel about 3 miles of the Rose Spring Trail (# 309). That trail follows the dramatic 1,500 foot escarpment that forms the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. The view that this prodigious drop-off offers of the canyons and mountains to the south is one of the most expansive in Arizona. After thrilling you with those magnificent overlooks, the Schell Trail takes you into the heart of the Bear Wallow Wilderness. Within this 11,000 acre area you'll pass through an alpine forest of mixed conifers and aspens as the trail leaves the rim and begins dropping into the Bear Wallow drainage. Tall ponderosa pines and canyon hardwoods shade the South Fork of Bear Wallow Creek, which the trail crisscrosses on its way to the floor of the main canyon. Schell Canyon Trail ends at its junction with Bear Wallow Trail (# 63), from which point you can return the way you came (and get another look at those views) or continue down Bear Wallow Creek where a number of streamside campsites provide excellent prospects for an overnight camp or an extended stay. A little-used and unmaintained spur of Schell Canyon Trail leads up the South Fork of Bear Wallow Creek providing opportunities for further exploration in that direction. Even more variations on this same hike are possible if you set up a shuttle or leave a mountain bike at either the Bear Wallow, Reno (#62), or Gobbler Point (# 59) trailheads. Then you can return by way of those trails to put together a loop hike of about the same length as a down and back hike along Schell Trail. The ride between Rose Spring trailhead and the Bear Wallow Trail is 10 miles, to Gobbler Point it's 15 miles. 

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Junction with Rose Spring Trail, passes through gate
• 0.6 Drops into Schell Canyon Drainage.
• 2.3 Confluence of Schell Canyon and South Fork of Bear Wallow Creek.
• 2.8 Junction with Bear Wallow Trail (# 63) at confluence of north and south forks of Bear Wallow Creek.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding        

The river enters a large canyon here, and the streambed becomes more rocky with fewer pools and longer riffles. Forested slopes close in to narrow the streamside riparian zone and access becomes more limited. This area is popular with trout anglers trying to find better fishing along more remote stretches of the stream, but it also attracts other forest recreationists as well. The scenery is great and there is a good chance you will see some interesting wildlife, including black bears, which are relatively plentiful here. Drive south from Alpine 14.5 miles on Hwy. 191 to Forest Road (FR) 26 and turn right (west), then about 9.5 miles to FR 24. From this point you can turn left (southwest) about 1.5 miles to Bear Creek for that access route, or turn right (northwest) 3 miles to the trailhead across from the entrance to Buffalo Crossing Campground. From Buffalo Crossing, FR 25 continues west 12.8 miles to where you may access the trail at Wildcat Bridge. Notes: This section encompasses the East Fork below Buffalo Crossing and the mainstem of the river from the confluence of the east and west forks to the reservation boundary.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Buffalo Crossing, trail heads downstream.
• 5.0 Bear Creek confluence, junction with Bear Creek Trail (# 66).
• 11.0 Centerfire Creek confluence.
• 11.4 Junction with Fish Creek and Fish Creek Trail (# 60).
• 12.9 Wildcat Bridge
• 15.0 Junction with McKibbons Pond route.
• 19.0 San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation Boundary

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, River and Stream Fishing        

This short trail brings you to a junction with the Black River Mainstream Trail (# 61) in a scenic area of the Black River popular with anglers. The trail takes you through mature stands of Ponderosa and Douglas-fir to the willows along the banks of the cool, clear Black River. Remember to tread lightly near streambanks to prevent erosion and sedimentation of the sensitive stream environment. This trail is only 1.5 miles round trip and is over moderate terrain. Be careful as poison ivy is abundant along many parts of the trail.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, River and Stream Fishing     

Lanphier Canyon provides a scenic access route into the northeastern section of the Blue Primitive Area. Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, # 52 is open to hiking and livestock use, but all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited. The trail follows Lanphier Canyon for most of its 5 mile course winding in and out of that shallow gorge providing scenic views as it reaches high ground and offering the pleasant surroundings of rich green riparian vegetation as it descends back to the streambed. At its high points, views of Bear Mountain, Lanphier Peak, and overlooks of Lanphier Canyon are the reward for the climb. About 2.7 miles from the trailhead a major tributary called Indian Creek shelters an exceptionally lush riparian area which you may want to stop and enjoy. Beyond Indian Creek Canyon the trail slants up the canyon slopes to offer even broader panoramas to the south and west. About one half mile beyond the confluence of Lanphier and Indian Creeks, the trail climbs the north slope of the canyon and meanders through a series of secluded basins before dropping back into the canyon. Vegetation varies as the trail gains and looses altitude and the area through which it passes becomes more or less exposed. 

Trailside trees vary through the entire range found in the Blue with ponderosa pine and white fir holding the high ground and cool sheltered areas, while pinyon, juniper and scrub oak claim the hotter, dryer south slopes. Maples, walnuts, alders and box elders thrive in the streamside oases.

As the trail nears its end, it crosses the creek one last time at a pleasant spot marked by pools of water bordered by moss covered rocks. From that point the trail heads up slope to its junction with the Cow Flat Trail (# 55).

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead at Blue River.
• 0.6 Junction with Largo Trail (# 51).
• 1.5 Red rock pillars.
• 3.2 Junction with Indian Canyon
• 5.0 Cashier Spring.
• 5.6 Junction Cow Flat Trail (# 55)

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Largo Trail (# 51) serves as a primary access route into the eastern reaches of the Blue Primitive Area. In addition to serving as a route into scenic Largo Canyon, it offers access to a number of other trails which form a connected network in the extremely remote part of the primitive area east of the river. Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, the Largo Trail is open to hiking and horseback riding but all types of motorized and mechanized transport are prohibited.

Largo Trail (# 51) starts 0.5 miles from the trailhead in Lanphier Canyon. At a point where Lanphier Trail (# 52) continues along the canyon floor, Largo Trail climbs out of the canyon toward the south, through stands of pinyon, juniper, and scrub oak, to a ridge that separates Largo and Lanphier Canyons. Along the ridge you'll find good views of the north and eastern reaches of the Blue. From this exposed saddle, where semi-arid country plants such as mountain mahogany and ceanothus find the climate to their liking, the trail drops into Largo Canyon for the rest of its journey to the canyon rim. This major side canyon of the Blue is dry most of the year but still supports a healthy riparian community made up mostly of mature ponderosa and assorted hardwoods including bigtooth maple and Arizona alder.

Just after Largo Trail passes Dutch Oven Spring and Maple Springs, Telephone Ridge Trail (# 203) branches off toward Sawmill Canyon and onto the ridge for which it is named. This trail provides a steep and short route to Bear Mountain Lookout. Largo Trail continues up canyon, crisscrossing the streambed until it begins a steep ascent up the canyon's south slope. At the top of a series of switchbacks, in a stand of old growth ponderosa, the trail splits. Largo Trail follows the west (right) fork and climbs gradually about three-quarters of a mile to a junction with WS Lake Trail (# 54) at the foot of the switchbacks leading to Bear Mountain Lookout. The east (left) fork marks the beginning of Little Blue Trail (# 41) which proceeds up the drainage about the same distance to another junction with the WS Lake Trail and continues on into Bear Valley.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trail branches off Lanphier Trail (# 52), about 0.5 miles up Lanphier Trail from Blue River
• 1.0 Trail crosses Largo Creek.
• 2.0 Dutch Oven Spring; rock masonry to left of trail near creek. Trail is boggy at this point.
• 2.3 Maple Spring. Water in creek here.
• 2.4 Junction with Telephone Ridge Shortcut (# 42).
• 4.3 Fork in trail. Largo veers right and begins ascent to Bear Mountain.
• 4.9 Trail ends at junction with WS Lake Trail (# 54). Bear Mountain is 1.2 miles up the WS Lake Trail

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The S-Canyon Trail (# 53) is 5.9 miles long, beginning at Blue Camp Administrative Site Trailhead and ending at its junction with Cow Flat Trail # 55.

The trail is open for hiking and horse use, but like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited.

The high, ridge-top course of this trail offers a steady display of western Blue Range panoramas as it climbs from river bottom to canyon rim. As a matter of fact, you'll see a number of memorable views along the S-Canyon Trail, including an overlook into a unique, sheer-walled, tight-turning stretch of the Blue River. The trail also offers continuous overlooks into S-Canyon, one of the steeper side canyons dropping into the Blue from the east. S-Canyon is so named because it drops from the rim down a course cut into the eastern slopes of the Blue River Canyon that roughly duplicates the shape of the curliest letter of the alphabet.

From the mouth of S-Canyon, the trail climbs to a high vantage point that enables you to look 100 feet straight down on the cottonwood-lined meanders of one of the most picturesque stretches of the Blue. From that bird's-eye perspective, the trail stays with the high ground as it follows the ridge that separates S and Cow Canyons for the rest of its course. You'll enjoy views into both canyons as the trail wanders back and forth across the ridge line. And as the trail climbs higher, the panorama to the west broadens to include a good portion of the Blue River Canyon and the Blue Range. Blue Peak, Indian Peak, and Raspberry Peak stand tall over Foote Canyon.

Pinyon/juniper stands are the predominant vegetation here, where sun and wind create conditions too dry for other species, although a few ponderosas and Gambel oak have managed to set up housekeeping in some sheltered northern exposures. After climbing 2,000 feet through this rocky, semi-arid landscape, S-Canyon Trail ends at its junction with Cow Flat Trail # 55 near an old corral and a stock tank on Cow Flat. The tank provides water for any riding stock you might have, and other four-legged companions as well. 

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead at Blue Camp Administrative Site. Trail goes through gate to river, and then follows river upstream.
• 0.5 After Crossing mouth of S-Canyon Trail, ascend the ridge to the north side of S Canyon.
• 1.0 Junction with old roadbed that leads down to private property, trail ascends ridge
• 5.2 High point of the trail, rough switchbacks descend from here to Cow Flat.
• 5.7 Cow Flat (corral located to the left).
• 5.8  Trail terminus at junction with Cow Flat Trail # 55.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

This short trail provides access to one of the Blue Range's better known wild west landmarks. It leads to the burned out remains of an old cabin that was once used to house personnel to man the lookout tower at the top of Blue Peak. Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, # 321 is open to hiking and horseback riding, but motorized and mechanized travel is prohibited.

This short trail provides access to one of the Blue Range's better known wild west landmarks. It leads to the burned out remains of an old cabin that was once used to house personnel to man the lookout tower at the top of Blue Peak. It was also once used as a hideout by a fellow who allegedly held up a bank in McNary in 1921.

The man was a German immigrant who reportedly was desperate to secure money to bring his mother to the US from Germany. When the bank refused to grant him the loan, he re-proposed the deal in terms the bank couldn't refuse. He took refuge in the ranger's cabin. Neither his altruistic intentions nor the fact that he was about to give himself up was enough to avert the tragic course of events the robbery set in motion.

One member of the posse that came to apprehend the unfortunate soul shot him down as he stepped out of the cabin with his hands up. If you're ever on Forest Road 249 at the west end of Williams Valley, you might notice his crude grave marker. The posse buried him there on the trip back to town. Today, all that remains of the old cabin are some of the metal fixtures which withstood the fire that destroyed it in 1980.

Once you've visited the ashes of the old cabin and meditated on whatever history happens to linger there, you may consider not returning by the way you came, but taking a detour to one of the best views in the Blue Range. If this sounds appealing to you, and you don't mind a few extra steps, you can climb up the Blue Lookout Trail (# 71) and the McKittrick Trail (# 72) all the way to the summit of Blue Peak.The view here is no less than sublime, stretching well into New Mexico and encompassing much of southeastern Arizona. After seeing how many features in the panorama you can name, you can head back down the McKittrick Trail to the trailhead for a loop hike of 3.7 miles.

Notes: No mechanized vehicles (including mountain bikes) permitted in Primitive Area.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead at end of primitive road.
• 0.6 Junction with Blue Lookout Trail (# 71) (The ruins of Blue Cabin are just downhill of this junction).

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Where there's a lookout you know the views have to be good. Unsurpassed panoramas, a touch of wild history, and access into one of the Blue Area's largest side canyons are some of the attractions offered by this steep, high country trail.

Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, # 71 Trail is open to hiking and horseback riding, but motorized and mechanized travel is prohibited.

Where there's a lookout you know the views have to be good. Unsurpassed panoramas, a touch of wild history, and access into one of the Blue Area's largest side canyons are some of the attractions offered by this steep, high country trail. The trail begins about 0.6 miles below the lookout but you'll want to hike up to the summit of Blue Peak to enjoy the panorama. The Blue Range and Blue River Canyon, Eagle Creek, Mount Graham and the Pinalenos to the south, the Mogollon Range in New Mexico and the canyon of the San Francisco River are just a few of the sights you can see from this vantage point.

When you hike this trail be sure to bring along a map for the Gila National Forest in New Mexico as well as an Apache-Sitgreaves map to help you identify all the landmarks. If you can get a map of southwest New Mexico and southeast Arizona, you might be better off. The views are that big.

When you can tear yourself away from the views at the trailhead and start back down the trail, you'll find you're in for a steep trip down a switchback staircase. The first stop along the descent to KP Canyon is an old cabin that was once used as a home by the lookout. It was also once used as a hideout by a bank robber.

The fellow held up a bank in McNary in 1921 reportedly to secure money the bank refused to loan him to bring his mother to the US from Germany. Neither his altruistic intentions nor the fact that he was about to give himself up was enough to avert the tragic course of events the robbery set in motion. One member of the posse that came to apprehend the unfortunate soul shot him down as he stepped out of the cabin with his hands up. If you're ever on Forest Road 249 at the west end of Williams Valley you might notice his crude grave marker. The posse buried him there on the trip back to town.

From the Blue Lookout Cabin, the trail drops down a steep drainage into KP Canyon to join the KP Trail (# 70). The going gets a bit rough here, so wear some good shoes with ankle support. As you're scrambling down those switchbacks and reaching for things to steady your balance, you'll probably notice there are quite a few bigtooth maples here. That should make this a good place to visit in the fall, especially if you like to see some reds and pinks to add to the gold of the aspens in the high country.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead at McKittrick Trail (# 72).
• 0.9 Junction with Blue Lookout Trail (# 321), site of old cabin.
• 2.9 Junction with KP Trail (# 70)

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Excellent views, a variety of trailside habitats and close encounters with some of the most notable landmarks in the Blue Primitive area provide highlights for a hike along this unique trail.

Like all Wilderness and Primitive area trails, McKittrick Trail (# 72) is open to hiking and horseback riding, but motorized and mechanized travel is prohibited.

Most trails in the Blue drop from the high country toward the river by either following drainages or staying with the ridges. McKittrick Trail breaks from this mold by cutting across several drainages and crossing a number of ridges in a steadily descending course to the bottom of KP Creek Canyon. The views you'll see at the high points along this trail are some of the best in the Blue.

McKittrick Trail passes near the summit of Blue Mountain in the vicinity of the Blue Lookout Tower. You'll want to walk those extra 100 yards to this highest point in the Blue Range to take advantage of the views available there. The Blue Range, Blue River Canyon, Eagle Creek, Mount Graham of the Pinalenos, the Mogollon Range in New Mexico and the canyon of the San Francisco River are just some of the features you can see from this vantage point. Heading down the trail, you'll notice a number of down and dead aspen strewn about an area covered with healthy young stands of white fir trees. The aspen grew some time ago as the first step in a process of natural succession that brought life back to this area after it had been cleared by fire. They are being replaced by firs as the natural progression toward a climax forest of mixed conifers typical of this area and altitude. From Blue Peak, McKittrick Trail heads east along the Mogollon Rim and the excellent views continue. Indian Peak, Rose Peak, and Red Mountain, along with other mountains and canyons to the south form the panorama. After dropping off Indian Mountain, the route cuts the drainages of a number of McKittrick Creek feeder streams. Trailside vegetation varies with altitude and exposure. The next important landmark along the trail is Sawed Off Mountain. A saddle along its northwestern shoulder provides views down into KP Canyon and farther to the northeast. 

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead parking at end of Blue Lookout Road (Forest Road 84). Trail follows closed road
• 0.7 End of old road
• 0.8 Junction with Blue Lookout Trail (# 71). McKittrick Trail continues toward lookout tower
• 1.3 McKittrick Trail turns 90 degrees to left about 100 yards below lookout tower
• 2.1 Trail leaves rim and enters McKittrick Creek drainage
• 3.9 Trail crosses gate on low ridge north of McKittrick Creek, helispot and good views of Sawed Off Mountain.
• 5.9 Junction with KP Trail (#70) at KP Creek

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

At times appearing to be more of a   "suggested route " rather than a developed trail in character, the Blue River Trail # 101 follows the river north to south (or vice-versa) You will be able to find your way because the trial stays within the river corridor, but be prepared for frequent river crossings. The Blue River Trail # 101 also junctions with the lower ending points of a number of other primitive area trails beginning up on US 191, so may be accessed by taking these from their respective trailheads down to the Blue River.

Although the northern trailhead and portion of the trail is located on the Alpine Ranger District, the southern trailhead at XXX Ranch, southern portion of the trail, and Hannah Hot Springs are located on the Clifton Ranger District.

Please practice Leave No Trace camping techniques, and treat all water before drinking.

Trail Log (In Miles, from the north):

• 2.0 Junction with Raspberry Trail # 35 to the west
• 3.7 Junction with Strayhorse Trail # 20 to the west
• 6.3 Junction with Cow Flat/Bear Valley Trail # 55 to the east
• 9.6 Junction with Alma Mesa Trail # 14
• 13.6 Junction with Overland Trail # 310
• 17.2 Terminus at XXX Ranch Trailhead

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Swimming

Bonanza Bill Trail (# 23 ) is one of the main trails offering access to the remote eastern reaches of the Blue Primitive Area. In addition to traversing a good portion of this country on its own, Bonanza Bill serves as a connector between several other trails leading into this beautiful, wild country.

Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, Bonanza Bill Trail is open to hiking and horseback riding, but motorized and mechanized travel is prohibited.

The trail is named for Bonanza Bill Point, which stands out as one of the more prominent features along the route. This easy to follow pathway snakes along a divide that separates the canyons of the Blue and San Francisco Rivers. It sets a course through ponderosa pine stands so open and clear of undergrowth that in places someone from the brushy forests of the east might swear it is maintained by crews of meticulous gardeners. Of course, that's not true, openness is a natural characteristic of a ponderosa pine forest, especially one that is as dry as this. That openness also makes the surrounding scenery easier to see from the trail. Views include overlooks of Steeple and Tige canyons as well as the larger canyons of the Blue and San Francisco rivers.

This trail also roughly follows the boundary between Arizona and New Mexico, and in one place crosses that line for a two and a half mile visit to Arizona's eastern neighbor. In this vicinity you'll get some good views of Devil's Monument, a prominent landform in New Mexico. Another interesting area along the trail called Hell's Hole is quite a bit closer to the trailhead. Here dwarfed and deformed ponderosas hold to a precarious existence among exposed layers of white rock.

Watch for evidence of black bears in this remote area. As a matter of fact, the sign marking the trailhead usually has teeth and claw marks put there by resident bruins. No one knows for sure why these shy brutes chew on signs, but the conventional wisdom is that their unnatural shape makes them stand out from their natural surroundings enough to serve as excellent bulletin boards for bears to mark their territorial boundaries. Trail side signs that have been splintered or even ripped apart certainly make the point that bears live in the area and you should take special care with food and garbage.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead on Pueblo Park Road.
• 0.9 Junction with Tige Rim Trail (# 90). Bonanza Bill takes a sharp right at this point.
• 3.7 Junction with Hinkle Trail (# 30), Hell's Hole.
• 5.9 Junction with Cow Flat Trail, (# 55).
• 6.2 Bonanza Bill Point on right.
• 8.3 View of Devils Monument to east.
• 8.5 Trail goes through gate in New Mexico State Line fence.
• 11.1 Trail crosses back into Arizona.
• 12.1 Junction with Franz Spring Trail (# 43).

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Tige Rim Trail provides a "scenic route" alternative to the more direct Bonanza Bill Trail into the eastern reaches of the Blue Range.

Tige Rim Trail (# 90) is open to hiking and horse use, but like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited. The Tige Rim Trail keeps to the high ground crossing from Arizona into New Mexico and then back again as it wanders across this canyon carved landscape. The trail branches off the Bonanza Bill Trail about a mile from the Pueblo Park Trailhead and sets off on a winding route, skirting first Pueblo and Tige Canyon to the east, then Steeple Canyon to the west. It's 1.3 miles farther to the same point if you take the Tige Canyon Trail rather than Bonanza Bill, but if scenery is what you're after, it's well worth the added steps.

This trail makes a good day hike when combined with the Bonanza Bill Trail. The 8.7 mile loop provides a good sampling of what the eastern reaches of the Blue have to offer. Trailside vegetation starts out as ponderosa pine mixed with Gambel oak and mature juniper near the trailhead. The overstory varies with elevation and exposure through a broad range of trees and shrubs, from scrub oak and pinyon-juniper communities on the steep slopes and cliffs to the east, to ponderosa pine and mixed conifers such as white fir and Douglas-fir in Steeple Creek Basin. Tige Canyon and Bonanza Bill Trails join about 1.3 miles south of Hinkle Spring, virtually on the Arizona/New Mexico line.

Notes: No mechanized vehicles (including mountain bikes) permitted in Primitive Area. There are no water sources on this trail 

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Northern junction with Bonanza Bill Trail, about a half mile from the trailhead at Pueblo Park Road, Forest Road 232
• 0.1 Gate in fence
• 1.0 Gate in fence; trail enters a pine and juniper flat
• 3.0 Good views of the upper reaches of Tige Canyon for the next mile
• 5.0 Southern junction with Bonanza Bill Trail at a fence gate

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Cow Flat Trail (# 55) is sufficiently long and passes through so many different areas that it is known by several names. Alternately it is referred to as the Bear Valley, Government Mesa and Ladron Springs Trail.

Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area Trails, Cow Flat Trail is open to hiking and horseback riding, but all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited.

Cow Flat Trail is sufficiently long and passes through so many different areas that it is known by several names. Alternately # 55 is referred to as the Bear Valley, Government Mesa and Ladron Springs Trail. Actually, it leads to or through each of those different forest locations. That portion of the trail which lies within the boundary of the Alpine District winds along the top of the Mogollon Rim through mature park-like stands of ponderosa pine alternating with pinyon-juniper woodlands on the high plateaus of Cow and Campbell Flats. Along this stretch of the trail it connects with several other backcountry trails that offer almost comprehensive access to this diverse area.

The Cow Flat portion of Trail # 55 is well defined and easy to follow. As the trail traverses Bear Valley and crosses Government Mesa, it becomes more difficult to follow. While you're keeping an eye out for blazes and rock cairns you might notice the remains of an old wagon and a few outbuildings that bear testament to the fact that this valley was farmed during the turn of the century. After the trail leaves Bear Valley, it's as rough and tough as three cowboys who once lived here. Pappy (who lived in a cave), Smokey (who loved his mules), and Buster (a cowboy stone mason) added a bit of their spirit to this wild area. You may find yourself calling on them to help you find your way.

At Auger Tank a well-used game trail heads down the drainage. Don't follow this trail. Look across the creek to a couple of crude corrals where Trail # 55 heads up out of the drainage to the west. The going is rough here but some excellent views provide a payoff. Another stretch that is hard to find, especially when coming from Blue River, is where a steep descent enters Sycamore Canyon across from another old corral.

Below Ladron Springs the trail hugs a bedrock slope across a steep chute where pack animals once needed to be unpacked to cross. One unfortunate animal fell to its death here in 1980. In 1983 a forest crew received authorization to take motorized equipment into the primitive area to drill and blast a wider passage to the great appreciation of those using this trail on horseback. Ladron Springs emerges at the base of a large walnut tree as a constant and powerful water source. Several small waterfalls mark its drainage between the spring and trail's end at the Blue River.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Junction with Bonanza Bill Trail (# 23) at Bonanza Flat.
• 0.7 Junction with S Canyon Trail (# 53).
• 1.2 Junction with Franz Spring (# 43).
• 1.4 Junction with Lanphier Trail (# 52).
• 1.6 Junction with a shortcut trail to Franz Spring.
• 3.6 Junction with WS Lake Trail (# 54).
• 5.2 Junction with Little Blue Trail (# 41) at corral at the lower end of Bear Valley. Elevation 6,600 feet.
• 5.3 Bear Valley Cabin.
• 5.4 Trail heads west out of Bear Valley.
• 6.4 High point on trail at junction with an unmaintained trail to Little Blue Creek.
• 8.9 Rock cairn marks unmaintained trail to the south to Winter Cabin.
• 9.9 Auger Canyon, another unmaintained trail, leads from here to Winter Cabin.
• 11.1 Sycamore Canyon at old corral.
• 11.6 Ladron Spring.
• 12.1 Blue River.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

This eastern Blue Range trail is an old route for moving livestock that serves as another link in the maze of interconnecting trails presently used by cattlemen and recreationists alike. Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, Franz Spring Trail is open to hiking and horseback riding, but all motorized and mechanized travel is prohibited. Trail # 43 provides a connecting route between the Cow Flat Trail (# 55) and the WS Lake Trail (# 54), both of which are major travel ways providing access to extensive areas of forage for livestock and scores of miles of trails for forest recreationists. About a quarter mile from the point at which the Franz Spring Trail branches off from the Cow Flat Trail, an old cabin stands as a testament to the area's long grazing history. Cowboys still take up residence here while they keep the herd grazing in this area. The shallow drainage that the trail cuts just before intersecting the WS Lake Trail has a name that also adds a bit of western ambience to the area. It is named Whoa Canyon for the steep gorge it becomes just a short distance downstream - a very good place to say, "Whoa." The Franz Spring Trail traverses some of the higher country in the East Blue. There is even a stand of aspen near the point where it joins the WS Lake Trail. This trail adds a number of possibilities for loop hikes or shortcuts to just about any trip in this area, or it's worth a visit for its own merits.

The Franz Spring Trail continues into Bear Canyon in New Mexico after leaving Arizona and the Alpine District.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Junction of Franz Spring Trail (# 43) and Cow Flat Trail (# 55).
• 0.2 Franz Spring on right, old cabin.</li><li>\t1.1 Springs and/or running water intermittently.
• 2.0 Junction with WS Lake Trail (# 54) and Bonanza Bill Trail (# 23).
• 3.0 New Mexico/Arizona state line, trail descends Bear Canyon to the east.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Grant Creek Trail (# 75) is a major travel route between the rim and the floor of Blue River Canyon. Along the way, it offers a good sampling of some of the best the Blue country has to offer, from lush alpine forests to deep red rock canyons. 

Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, # 75 is open to hiking and horseback riding, but mechanized and motorized travel is prohibited. 

Grant Creek Trail is a major travel route between the rim and the floor of Blue River Canyon. Along the way, it offers a good sampling of some of the best the Blue country has to offer, from lush alpine forests to deep red rock canyons. Trail access (via Foote Creek Trail - # 76) is located close to Hannagan Campground, which accounts for the fact that this is one of the most well-used trails on the District). But don't let that deter you. No trail on the Alpine District is really crowded. 

Grant Creek Trail wanders among cool forests for its first few miles, before beginning to seriously slope toward the canyon. The upland part of the trail offers good opportunities to see wildlife as you walk quietly through the trees. Some just hike this section of the trail and return via the more rugged Grant Shortcut (# 306) and Upper Grant Creek (# 65)  Trails to put together a day hike entirely within the cool confines of the forest.

As the gradient steepens, beyond Paradise Park, the forest becomes more open and views broaden. Panoramas of Blue River Canyon and the surrounding mountains form the horizon. The views of the mountains across the Blue and overlooks of the red rock formations along Grant Creek continue to improve as the trail follows a sloping ridge into the canyon. Long distance views then shrink as the horizon narrows, but you won't miss them as your attention turns to the natural sculptures of colorful red rocks that form the canyon walls here. These rugged formations set a photogenic contrast with the bright green of the box elders, narrow leaf cottonwoods, and Arizona sycamores that thrive in the moist, sheltered habitat. Also nestled between these walls are the pools and riffles of Grant Creek, which flows year-round. After providing a welcome opportunity to cool off, the trail stays with Grant Creek as the canyon broadens and continues toward the Blue.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trail terminus. Junction with Foote Creek Trail (# 76) at P-Bar Lake. Grant Creek Trail forks to the right, Foote Creek Trail forks to the left.
• 1.1 Trail switchback.
• 1.5 Junction with Grant Shortcut Trail (# 306). There is a gate at this point.
• 2.7 Junction with Paradise Trail (# 74).
• 4.1 Spur trail to the left to White Oak Spring. Grant Creek Trail continues straight and begins descending an arid ridge.
• 5.9 Trail crosses Grant Creek.</li><li>\t8.8 Gate near mouth of Grant Creek.
• 9.1 Trailhead adjacent to Blue River Road, Forest Road 281.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Good views of the Blue River Canyon and the mountains that surround it combine with the moderate length of this trail to make it an excellent day hike into the remote eastern reaches of the Blue Primitive Area. Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, this trail is open to hiking and horseback riding, but all motorized and mechanized forms of travel are prohibited.

If you've got more time to spend, Hinkle Springs Trail (# 30) also provides access to a number of other trails in this little visited area. By combining these interesting and varied routes you can put together overnights, long backpacks, or through hikes to a shuttle placed at one of two or three other trailheads along the canyon floor or canyon rim.

Most people start a hike along this trail at its lower access point located along the Blue River. From this point the trail climbs, sometimes gradually, sometimes steeply, to the canyon's east rim. Initially, it follows the course of Cow Canyon, one of the major side canyons along this stretch of the Blue. A short distance into the hike the trail quits the canyon for the rocky high ground that separates Cow Creek and Steeple Creek. Here one has good views to the west, northwest, and southwest that include many of the major features of the Blue Range and Blue River Canyon. As you climb the switchbacks and look for blazes or cairns along hard to find stretches of the trail, you'll want to take plenty of time out to enjoy the scenery.

As with virtually all such trails in this area, Hinkle Springs Trail was built and is still used to move cattle, in this case between the canyon floor and upland pastures above the rim. It is named for Hinkle Springs, a dependable water source near its junction with the Bonanza Bill Trail (# 23) in ponderosa pine country at the canyon rim.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead at Blue River Road.
• 1.7 Good views to south.
• 2.5 Trail crosses intermittent stream.
• 3.6 Trail crosses streambed that becomes canyon on left.
• 4.3 Hinkle Spring; wood fence corral on right.
• 4.5 Junction with Bonanza Bill Trail (# 23).

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Horse Ridge Trail # 38 is 4.0 miles long, beginning at the Horse Ridge Trailhead on US 191 and ends at the junction with Foote Creek Trail # 76.Castle Rock, one of the most visible and dramatic landmarks in the Blue Range Primitive Area, can be seen from just about anywhere in the lower reaches of the Blue, but you can see it best from  the Horse Ridge Trail # 38.

That rocky butte figures so prominently in attracting hikers to this well-work path that when you hear people talking about their walk on Castle Rock Trail, you know they've been to Horse Ridge. The towering monolith does indeed present an impressive sight as it looms over this trail, but even so it's not the only star of this show. There are plenty of other sights to see along this extremely scenic trail.

Bell Rock is another major rock formation which you can get a good view of from this trail, and while you're enjoying all the interesting formations in the foreground (and puzzling over whether or not they look like what they're named after) don't miss the excellent panorama of the Blue Range and Blue River Canyon that stretches to the horizon. Bear Mountain, Whiterocks Mountain, and the Mogollon Range are some of the landmarks that stand out most in this scenic view.

From its high perspective, the trail also offers great overlooks into the red rock canyons of Foote Creek and Fishook Creek. These views added to all the others we've already listed will have you agreeing that this trail may be the best in the Blue when comes to breathtaking panoramas.Horse Ridge Trail then drops down into Foote Creek down a slope that has received extensive trail work over the decades. This scenic pathway ends at its junction with the Foote Creek Trail # 76 along the floor of the canyon it is named for. The surrounding here are typical of Blue Range riparian areas, with mature ponderosa pines scattered among canyon species such as box elders and Arizona ash.

Water can occasionally be found in this area of Foote Creek, and in a nearby spring, but there are more reliable sources about a mile further both up-and-downstream.

Notes: No mechanized vehicles (including mountain bikes) are permitted in the Primitive Area.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead off of Highway US 191
• 1.0 Gate on ridge top at the primitive area boundary, trail begins descending
• 2.4 Saddle on a narrow, bald ridge
• 4.0 Trail crosse a rocky point then begins descending a series of switchbacks blasted into the bedrock face
• 4.0 Trail terminus at the junction with Foote Creek Trail # 76

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

In the lush alpine meadow that serves as the setting for KP Trailhead, there is little indication you could possibly start here and, in a reasonably short time, find yourself deep in a desert canyon.

But that's exactly what happens.

Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, the KP Trail (# 70) is open to hiking and livestock use, but all types of motorized and mechanized transport are prohibited.

From KP Cienega, with its stately spruces and emerald grasses, this 9 mile long trail traces the wandering course of the South Fork of KP Creek as it drops toward the Blue. As the trail switchbacks from meadow to stream, upland vegetation gives way to riparian community of Douglas fir and moisture loving hardwoods. About 3 miles into the trip, the trail drops sharply into a picturesque canyonscape where the South Fork and the North Fork join to form KP Creek. Each tributary celebrates this get-together with its own ten foot waterfall.

Below the confluence, the canyon deepens as steep cliffs rise from the floor of the gorge. Stream and trail descend together here, between red and gray rock walls, as clear pools alternate with shallow riffles. Crossings become too many to count. At a few points, the trail climbs out of the inner gorge to avoid difficult going, and in the process offers access to broad views and a number of prospective campsites. For its last three miles, the KP Trail climbs out of the canyon to offer more great views. Riparian vegetation is replaced by high desert plants including prickly pear, cholla, yucca and scrub oak as the trail leaves behind the sheltered environment of the canyon for dryer, more exposed surroundings. Higher ground also brings broader views of Sawed-Off Mountain as well as of KP Canyon The vista widens to include Bear Mountain and the surrounding ridges of the Blue Range as the trail tops the ridge that separates KP and Steeple Creek Canyons. Views stretching into New Mexico form a panorama as KP Trail ends at its junction with Steeple Creek Trail atop the red, stony mesa. 

Trail Log: 

• 0.0 KP Cienega Trailhead. Trail crosses meadow into the timber.
• 0.9 Trail crosses creek after two switchback descent.
• 2.7 Trail climbs out of canyon on north side.
• 2.9 Junction with North Fork KP Trail (# 93). Two waterfalls are directly downstream.
• 5.6 Junction with Blue Lookout Trail (# 71).
• 6.5 Junction with McKittrick Trail (# 72).
• 6.6 Trail crosses creek for the last time as it contours out of drainage bottom to the north.
• 9.4 Junction with Steeple Trail (# 73) at a gate. Mud Springs Corral is 1/8 mile away in Steeple Canyon. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Scenic overlooks into KP Canyon and a day hike that can be stretched into a loop of moderate length are two of the prime features offered by KP Rim Trail (# 315). The trail is open to hiking and horseback riding, but like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, motorized and mechanized travel of any kind are prohibited.

This relatively short trail follows a fence line along a more or less flat ridge top that separates KP and Grant Creek drainages. For its entire length, the KP Rim Trail stays within a high country ecosystem where Douglas Fir, white fir and ponderosa pine are the dominant tree species. The area through which this trail and connecting Steeple Creek Trail (# 73) pass is a good place to see elk and mule deer, especially if you travel quietly and keep a sharp eye on open areas ahead. This trail is also a good place to see some of the bird species that inhabit the highlands of the Alpine District, including the Stellers jay that is blue colored but not a blue jay. Watch the trees for these deep indigo-hued birds with their jaunty black topnots. They're cousins of, but not identical to, the eastern blue jay. Like most jays, Stellers jays have a unique character all their own. Some of them even assert their individuality by wearing a tasteful white eye stripe.

About a mile from the trailhead, openings in the tree canopy offer views of KP Canyon and its southern slopes. If you cross the fence and walk a few yards out to the rim the views get even better. A set of sharp eyes or a pair of binoculars will help you to see the lookout tower at the summit of Blue Peak across the canyon, and while you're looking keep an eye out for bighorn sheep. They're occasionally spotted on the steep slopes below.

A little over two miles from its starting point, the KP Rim Trail ends at its junction with the Steeple Creek Trail (# 73). If you'd rather cover new ground than retrace your steps, you can turn north along the connecting trail and hike it 3.3 miles to Hannagan Meadow. This trail traverses more alpine habitat known for its plentiful wildlife.

On an environmental note, if you're up on your tree species you'll notice the absence of Engelmann Spruce in this area. This is due to an infestation of mistletoe which has virtually eliminated this valuable tree species from a place where it was once plentiful. 

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead parking just off Highway 191. Trail crosses fence. KP Rim Trail branches to the left (east) and North Fork KP Trail (# 93) goes to the right (southwest).
• 0.6 Trail crosses through gate in fence.
• 1.3 First good views of KP Canyon to the south.
• 1.7 Rocky point with excellent views of KP Canyon.
• 2.2 Junction with Steeple Trail (# 73) 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, River and Stream Fishing, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

There's more reasons to hike this cool woodland trail than just because it offers an alternate, slightly shorter access route to the KP Trail (# 70) at the bottom of KP Canyon. As with all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, # 93 trail is open to hiking and horse use, but all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited.

There's more reasons to hike this cool woodland trail than just because it offers an alternate, slightly shorter access route to the KP Trail at the bottom of KP Canyon. For one thing, it leads to one of the most scenic areas in the Blue Primitive Area, the confluence of the north and south forks of KP Creek. This spot is marked by steep, rocky outcrops and a couple of ten foot waterfalls. You'll want to spend some time here, so remember to pack a picnic lunch along with your camera and bird book. Sheltered riparian areas with their diverse vegetation and accessible moisture attract a variety of colorful songbirds.

The route to this beautiful little hideout is scenic in its own right. The North Fork Trail quickly leaves the upland habitat of its origin for the more lush confines of a deepening canyon and its well established streamside community of plants and animals. As the trail dives down the steep slopes of the North Fork drainage, it is highlighted by the lush green of box elders, sawtooth maple and healthy stands of poison ivy that cluster near the streambed. Within a half mile of the confluence, the canyon of the South Fork comes into view and rocky outcrops give a hint of the canyon landscape that is up ahead. The North Fork KP Trail and the KP Trail join about ten yards upstream of the two waterfalls that mark the confluence in a beautiful spot that will have you looking for a place to sit down and enjoy the view, as you contemplate whether to continue downstream a bit before you decide which trail to take back to the high country. 

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead parking area which is shared with KP Rim Trailhead. Trail follows an old logging road for the first 0.7 miles
• 0.7 Trail leaves logging road
• 0.8 Trail switchbacks down to a creekside trail
• 1.5 Trail contours around a tributary coming in from the north
• 2.4 Junction with KP Trail (# 70). There is a water fall just downstream

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

The P-bar Lake Trail (# 326) is 0.6 miles long. It begins at Trailhead and ends at Jct. Trail # 76. The trail is open for hiking and horse use, but like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Red Hill Trail (# 56) is 7.4 miles long. It begins at the Red Hill Trailhead and ends at Jct Trail # 105. The trail is open for hiking and horse use, but like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Sawmill Trail (# 39) is 5.3 miles long. It begins at Trailhead and ends at Jct. trail #54.

The trail is open for hiking and horseback riding, but like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited. 

Attractions:

Sawmill Trail leads from the Blue Rive to the rim of Blue River Canyon and the edge of the Mogollon Rim (pronounced muggy-own) along steep, high Telephone Ridge. This ridge separates Largo and Sawmill Canyons, two major tributaries of the Blue. Excellent views of these two scenic canyons as well as the broader panoramas of the Blue River Canyon country mark the ridge-top reaches of this trail. Sawmill Trail intersects the WS Lake Trail, which a short distance further reaches the 8,550-foot summit of Bear Mountain. Some of the best views in the entire Blue Range Mountains await you at the end of this 5.5 mile, 3,000 foot climb.

Other areas accessible from this trail include Largo Creek and Sawmill Canyon, both of which may be reached via the connecting Telephone Ridge Trail #42.  Either one of these alternative routes makes a good loop hike if you arrange the two-mile shuttle between Sawmill and Blue Camp trailheads in advance.

Most of the hike along the Sawmill Trail is through high desert country. Trailside vegetation varies from pinyon-juniper woodlands at lower elevations to stands of ponderosa pines and Gambel oak along the ridges and more shaded slopes.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead at Blue River
• 1.3 Cross streambed, trail ascends slope to the south.
• 3.2 Good views to the west, trail climbs steadily to Telephone Ridge.
• 3.4 Turn right at the saddle; trail continues to ascend, now following the high ridgeline of Telephone Ridge. Panoramic views in all directions.
• 5.4 Trail terminus at junction with WS Lake Trail (to reach Blue Mountain summit, continue along WS Lake Trail .25 mile to the access trail to Blue Mountain lookout).

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Foote Creek Trail (# 76) has recently been severely affected by post-Wallow Fire flooding for much of its length in late summer of 2011. The trail may be extremely difficult to follow, or become completely obliterated in some areas. It may be preferable to follow another route until work may be completed to restore the trail to normal conditions.

Foote Creek Trail (# 76) follows one of the most prominent side drainages of the Blue River as it takes you all the way from canyon rim to canyon floor.

Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, Foote Creek Trail is open to hiking and horseback riding, but all mechanized and motorized travel is prohibited.

Foote Creek follows one of the most prominent side drainages of the Blue River as it takes you all the way From canyon rim to canyon floor. This long and scenic path sets out from the same trailhead as Steeple Mesa Trail, near Hannagan Administrative Camp. It follows an old logging road, more or less, for about 4 or 5 miles as it meanders along the ridge top under a cool canopy of spruce, fir and aspen. If you keep a sharp eye out here and stay quiet, you have a good chance of seeing some of the resident wildlife grazing in the hidden meadows.

About a half mile beyond the trail's junction with Grant Creek Trail (# 75) at P-Bar Lake, things begin to change. The road narrows to a path, and turns to follow what are the upper reaches of Foote Creek. The path accompanies the creek into a steadily deepening gorge until the going gets too tight. At this point, there's a short detour over a steep saddle to avoid a narrow stretch in the canyon. The climb avoids the obstruction and provides a good view of Castle Rock standing tall and picturesque to the north.

After this short diversion, the trail leads back down into the canyon, crossing and re-crossing the rocky streambed past a junction with Horse Ridge Trail (# 38) and on to some more great views. Steep red rock cliffs mark the entry of Foote Creek's Right Fork into the main drainage. Tutt Creek Trail (# 105) branches off at this point. A couple of miles downstream, Foote Creek trail leaves the canyon and heads for high ground to the north of the drainage. This route provides easier going, skirting the southern slopes of Foote Creek Mesa where the hiker is once again rewarded with long distance vistas of scenic Blue River Canyon. For the remaining mile the trail continues to offer good views as it makes the final drop into Blue River Canyon at the Blue Administrative Camp.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead parking.
• 3.5 P-Bar Lake.
• 3.6 Junction with Grant Creek Trail (# 75).
• 9.5 Junction with Horse Ridge Trail (# 38).
• 11.0 Junction with Tutt Creek Trail (# 105) -old wood corral to the right.
• 15.3 Blue River Road-Blue Camp Trailhead Parking area.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

This shortcut connector provides a route from Grant Creek Trail (# 75) on the rim of Grant Creek Canyon to Upper Grant Creek Trail (# 65) along the canyon floor. Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, this trail is open to hiking and horseback riding, but motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited.

This shortcut connector offers access between # 65 and # 75  trails or to Long Cienega Trail (# 305) without having to go the long way around via the Paradise Trail (# 74). So doing, it cuts over 4 miles off a loop hike that starts down Grant Creek Trail and returns by Upper Grant Creek Trail. That leaves a manageable but ambitious Grant/Upper Grant Creek day hike of about 10.5 miles rather than one of over 14 miles. It also makes a loop route via Grant Creek and Long Cienega 4 miles shorter than hiking them via the Paradise Trail.

About 100 yards upstream from the point where the trail reaches the canyon bottom "on the only flat land in the canyon," you'll find what's left of Grant Cabin, an old ranch line shack. Only four walls and an old corral remain from the days when cowboys had to virtually live with their cattle. Remains of old copper vessels found nearby suggest that a little moonshining may have been practiced here as well.Grant Cabin Shortcut, and the nearby portions of the trails it connects, winds through a variety of upland habitats. Relatively solid canopy of mixed conifers, broken intermittently by small cienegas and occasional ponderosa pine stands, covers the highlands. On the slopes of the canyon, pinyon/juniper woodlands cover southern exposures, while colonies of conifers keep to cooler northern slopes. Below their Grant Cabin connection, the environs of Grant Creek and Upper Grant Creek Trails changes markedly as they begin their dive into the lower reaches of the Blue.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Junction with Grant Creek Trail (# 75). Junction occurs at a gate about 1.5 miles below P-Bar Lake on the Grant Creek Trail. Trail cuts back to the west at this point.
• 0.3 Trail is adjacent to a fence. Don't cross through gate!
• 0.6 Trail crosses rock outcrop and descends through a series of switchbacks (constructed by Apache-Sitgreaves volunteer crew in 1989
• 0.9 Junction with Upper Grant Trail (# 65). Grant Cabin and old wooden corral is visible upstream.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

A long, open meadow or cienega bordered by tall spruce, fir, and aspen trees invites you to explore this upland backcountry trail. As with all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, Long Cienega Trail (# 305) is open to hiking and horse use, but all motorized and mechanized travel is prohibited.

The moist environs of this pleasant forest grassland support a diverse community of wildflowers and provide a good place to see just about any species of wildlife that lives in the Blue Country uplands. Elk, mule deer, black bear, and other animals known to inhabit the Alpine District are seen here about as regularly as anywhere on the district.

As the trail and the small stream it follows leave Long Cienega for Grant Creek, the forest closes in and the streambed drops into a shallow but steadily deepening canyon. Moisture loving tree species cluster along the canyon floor to mark the completion of the transformation from upland meadow to canyon riparian area. As the stream and trail continue their course toward Grant Creek, the canyon narrows even more and the trail becomes rough and rocky. At 3 miles from the trailhead, the trail climbs to the top of a juniper studded bench of conglomerated bedrock and tops off the hike with an overlook of Grant Creek and beyond. 

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Junction with Steeple Trail (# 73) in Long Cienega.
• 2.8 Trail climbs out of drainage to the left.
• 3.0 High point of trail overlooking Grant Creek
• 3.3 Junction with Upper Grant Creek Trail (# 65) after a very steep descent. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Ponderosa pine-rimmed mountain meadows, good views of Steeple Creek and Grant Creek, and access to a clear forest stream provide the major attraction for this trail.  As with all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, # 74 is open to hiking and horse use, but all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited.

As you wander through the varied forest landscape, you'll also get a good look at several of the different habitats that form just part of the broad diversity for which the Blue Area is well known.

Leaving Grant Creek, the trail passes near Moonshine Park, another green meadow shaded by ponderosa. Along this stretch, gaps in the trees along the trail provide good views of Steeple Creek and Grant Creek Canyons, as well as Bear Mountain to the east. The trail then drops through stands of pinyon-juniper and scrub oak into Steeple Creek. Along this intermittent stream, riparian species include a good population of big-toothed maple. Though small and unassuming, those wispy saplings make Steeple Creek a colorful place to visit in the fall when the maples color the canyon's inner reaches with brilliant hues of pink and red.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Paradise Park, a ponderosa pine flat
• 0.5 Contours around a pine and fern basin
• 1.7 Crosses Grant Creek. Junction with Upper Grant Creek Trail (# 65)
• 2.2 Passes 150 yards to the east of Moonshine Park
• 4.2 Junction with Steeple Trail (# 73)

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Once you complete the full 13 miles of this trail you'll have an excellent idea of just how broad a diversity of habitats there are to be found on the Alpine Ranger District and the Blue Primitive Area. Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, the Steeple Trail (# 73) is open to hiking and horse use, but all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited.

For the first couple of miles this trail stays in the high country, winding its way through stands of mixed conifers and aspens. These thick stands of old growth open regularly into beautiful, boggy little meadows called cienegas, which are invariably aglow with wildflowers and frequently boast a small stream. Such quiet hideaways are great places to surprise a herd of grazing elk or browsing mule deer as you emerge from the quiet shadows of the trees. If you're lucky, you may even surprise one of the forest's most reclusive inhabitants, a black bear. There are few better places on the Alpine District for a close encounter of this kind.

After crossing the upper reaches of the Grant Creek drainage and passing junctions with the Upper Grant Creek and Long Cienega Trails, the trail drops into Steeple Creek where the habitat changes from aspen/conifer to a riparian community of ponderosa pine, canyon hardwoods and scattered junipers. At Mud Springs, the trial climbs out of the drainage to the south to a junction with the KP Trail. Conditions become progressively drier and warmer as the trail continues on across Steeple and KP mesas and loses elevation on its descent into the Blue. Clumps of cactus here, scattered under a pinyon and juniper overstory, make the point that you have entered a desert woodland. The trail continues on to the shady cottonwoods and picturesque rock formations of the Blue River Canyon and ends at the Blue River Road.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Steeple/Foote Creek Trailhead parking area, near Hannagan Administrative site Trail crosses through wood rail fence and turns to the right
• 1.3 Junction with Upper Grant Trail (# 65) in the first of four cienegas
• 2.8 Junction with the Long Cienega Trail (# 305)
• 3.3 Junction with KP Rim Trail (# 315)
• 6.4 Junction with Paradise Trial (# 74)
• 13  Lower Steeple Trailhead on FR 281

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

This upland trail provides rugged access to a picture perfect land of wildflower dotted meadows and tall trees. One of it's most attractive features is that it opens up so many possibilities for loop hikes, most of which can be covered in a day. Like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, Upper Grant Creek (# 65) is open to hiking and horseback riding, but closed to all types of motorized and mechanized travel.

Other Forest trails accessible via Upper Grant Creek include Steeple Trail (# 73), Long Cienega (# 305), Grant Creek Trail (# 75), Paradise Trail (# 74) and Grant Cabin Shortcut (# 306). With a little creative pathfinding you can turn this network of trails into a number of varied and enjoyable day hikes.

Upper Grant Creek Trail is accessible via any one of the above trails, but the shortest route is via Steeple Creek Trail from the Hannagan Meadow Trailhead. A 1.4 mile stroll through stands of tall conifer, alternating with small hidden meadows, brings you to the Upper Grant Trailhead in the middle of one of the larger meadows or cienegas in the area. From this access point, the trail follows the course of Grant Creek as it drops into a steep, narrow canyon shaded by a canopy of Douglas-fir and aspen. The trail crisscrosses the tumbling brook that steadily increases in volume as it drops toward its confluence with the Blue. This section of the trail is not recommended for horses.Hikers stand a very good chance of seeing wildlife in this area. In addition to elk and mule deer, black bears are regularly seen grubbing through the blow-downs. If you do happen to run across one of these big but shy creatures, the encounter will most likely be brief. Wild bears make a business of keeping a very low profile.

At 3.5 miles into the hike you'll come onto an old cabin and corral site. In recent times, some copper moonshining equipment was recovered from this site.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trail terminus. Upper Grant Creek Trail leaves Steeple Trail (# 73) in small cienega (wet meadow) about 1.3 miles from Steeple Trailhead.
• 2.2 Tributary drainage from north crosses trail. Ranchers call it Slide Canyon as horse needs to slide down it in spots.
• 3.2 Another tributary drainage from the north. Ranchers call this one Scoot Canyon as horse needs to scoot down it.
• 3.5 Moonshiner's cabin and corral.
• 3.6 Junction with Grant Cabin Trail (# 306) which connects to Grant Creek Trail (# 75).
• 3.8 Junction with Long Cienega Trail (# 305) which connects to Steeple Trail (# 73).
• 4.0 Trail terminus. Junction with Paradise Trail (# 74).

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking

This is a steep, connector trail that serves as a shortcut between the Largo Trail (# 51) and the portion of the Sawmill Trail (# 39) that runs along the top of Telephone Ridge.

As with all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, # 42 trail is open to hiking and horseback riding, but all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited.

This trail has been used by Forest Service lookouts in a hurry to get from the Blue River Road to their lookout tower at the top of Bear Mountain. It effectively cuts one mile off the more frequently used route via Largo Trail and the WS Lake Trail (# 54) by making it possible for hikers to climb out of Largo Canyon and head up the mountain via the more direct Sawmill Trail.

In addition to proving useful to those who are in a hurry to get to the summit of Bear Mountain, this connector enables backcountry travelers to put together a loop hike via Largo, WS Lake, Sawmill, and Telephone Ridge trails that covers some very scenic country and takes you back to your car at the Largo/Lanphier Trailhead. Or if you're hiking in Largo Canyon and find yourself hoping for some big views of the surrounding area, Telephone Ridge is the place to go. The opposite holds true as well. If you're on the ridge and longing for a cool canyon with green trees and a clear running stream, you may want to use the Telephone Ridge Trail to drop down to Maple Spring in Largo Canyon. You can usually find running water there. This trail offers good views into the canyon while you're picking your way down the switchbacks, and you'll probably appreciate the opportunity to take a breather and enjoy them.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Junction with Largo Trail (# 51)
• 0.3 Leave ponderosa pine forest, enter pinyon-juniper woodland
• 0.9 Junction with Sawmill Trail (# 39)

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Here's a scenic trail that starts out from the bottom of the Blue instead of from the top. Actually, you can hike any of the rim-to-river Blue Trails from the canyon floor as well as from the rim, but this one is made for it. Starting out at the bottom means you're in a desert environment right from the beginning. As with all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, the Tutt Creek Trail (# 105) is open to hiking and horse use, but all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited.

A good part of this trail is actually in a riparian or streamside habitat rather than a desert. Here you'll find narrowleaf cottonwood and a few well-off old ponderosa rather than cactus. Even when the trail climbs a saddle or follows a ridge, it's not in the same type of desert most people think of when they think of Arizona -- no saguaros, but you may see a road runner. On the lower hillsides and ridges of the Blue, the most noticeable vegetation is juniper trees. Look underneath them and in the exposed areas on dry hillsides and you will see some cacti, mostly prickly pear and an occasional cholla.

You'll also see wildflowers. Desert wildflowers are best in the spring. Look for various kinds of paintbrush and prickle poppies. There are a number of different kinds of hedgehog cacti here too, with some of the brightest blooms you'll see anywhere. Watch for movement among the rocks too. This area is home to a herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep.

On the ridge between Tutt and Foote Creeks you'll get some big, broad views of the Blue Range and the canyon it shelters before you drop down into Foote Creek Canyon and trail's end at its junction with the Foote Creek Trail (# 76). At this point, if you've set up a shuttle, you can head down to the Blue by way of the Foote Creek Trail to complete a loop or head upstream on Foote Creek Trail toward the canyon rim 11 miles and 3,000 feet away.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead on Red Hill road, Forest Road 567
• 0.8 Follow jeep trail to the junction with Bush Creek. The trail crosses Bush Creek at this point and enters mouth of Tutt Creek
• 2.1 The trail leaves Tutt Creek and ascends a ridge to the left
• 3.2 Crosses saddle on ridge. Old wood stock feeder station on right
• 3.4 Cleveland Spring, developed as a livestock water source
• 4.2 Junction with Foote Creek Trail (# 76) at old wooden corral

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The WS Lake Trail (# 54) is 8.8 miles long. It begins at Jct Trail # 43 and ends at Bear Spring.

The trail is open for hiking and horse use, but like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited.

Notes: 

This trail should not be confused with the WS Mountain Trail #43, located primarily within the neighboring Blue Range Wilderness Area in New Mexico. This trail is still #43, but is called the Franz Spring Trail from the New Mexico border to its terminus at WS Lake.

Bear Spring is the only reliable water source along this trail. Water is available for stock at WS Lake except during dry periods

Access: This trail is only accessible via other backcountry trails.

Attractions: Over eleven miles of great views in a remote setting characterize this high country trail. WS Lake Trail branches off the Franz Spring Trail and serves as a connector between a number of other trails in the remote eastern reaches of the Blue Range Mountains. It also serves as the main access route to the summit of Bear Mountain and the lookout tower located there. There is on road or trailhead access directly to this trial.

Much of the route of the WS Lake Trail winds along the edge of the Mogollon Rim(pronounced: muggy-own), a 1,000 to 2,000 foot escarpment that cuts across three quarters of Northern Arizona, as well as part of western New Mexico. This high escarpment offers expansive overlooks to the south, climaxing in a 360-degree panorama at the 8,550 foot summit of Bear Mountain.

Most of the trail is rated as moderate, although the climb to the top of Bear Mountain is a steep one, with a mile of switchbacks and 750 feet of elevation gain. The view is well worth the climb and there are plenty of places along the way to rest and enjoy it.

Another interesting aspect to this trail is that it is one of the few in the eastern reaches of the Blue where you'll see aspen trees and mixed conifers. Mostly, however, it passes through habitat more typical of this drier half of the Blue Range Mountains, with ponderosa pines and Gambel oaks serving as the predominant trailside tree species. Beyond the summit of Bear Mountain the trail leads through a high desert area of pinyon-juniper and scrub oak woodlands interspersed with cactus and yucca to Bear Spring. This reliable water source was developed for use by the Bear Mountain lookout, but the tower is no longer in use for fire monitoring activities. It marks the end of the trail, 3 miles beyond the summit of Bear Mountain. Bear Spring is the only reliable water source along the entire WS Lake Trail. WS Lake itself is actually a small stock tank located in the middle of a 5-acre dry lakebed. It offers seasonal water for riding animals and livestock.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Junction with Franz Spring Trail at WS Lake.
• 1.0 High point of the trail, atop WS Mountain.
• 1.8 Good views to the southwest.
• 2.8 Junction with Cow Flat Trail #55.
• 3.3 High point on Fire Ridge.
• 5.3 Intersection with Bear Valley Trail #41.
• 5.6 Intersection with Largo Trail #39
• 6.2 Intersection with Sawmill Trail #39.
• 6.5 Intersection with side trail to Bear Mountain lookout.
• 7.9 Switchbacks descend into Bear Canyon.
• 8.9 Trail terminus at Bear Springs.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Three Forks trail is 4.7 miles long. It begins at Diamond Rock Campground and ends at Forest Service Road 249. The trail is very lightly travelled and not recommended more than a mile or so above the campground, and may be overgrown and difficult to follow. Avoid the special wildlife closure area at FR 249 well-marked by signs - this area is closed to all entry, and violations are punishable. The area is easily avoided by following the trail along an old road that passes to the south and west of the closure.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, River and Stream Fishing

This 3-mile walk (6-mile round trip) to the top of Arizona's third highest mountain is such an outstanding trail that it has been given recognition by Congress as a national recreational trail.

This trail (# 308) is open to hiking and horseback riding - like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, motorized and mechanized travel is prohibited.

The scenery is magnificent, the surroundings are picturesque and the walking is comparatively easy, considering the heights to which you are headed. The climb up Escudilla starts out through an area that was burned by a huge wildfire in 1951. Evidence of the impact of that fire is apparent along the trail in the form of large Douglas fir stumps left from trees that were killed by the blaze. Those blackened snags were later cut in an effort to salvage what wood could be recovered in the aftermath of the fire. The stumps now are being naturally recycled into the forest ecosystem in the shade of a thick growth of aspens which has sprung up in the aftermath of the fire. This area is such an extensive example of natural reclamation that it has been designated a Research Natural Area.

After leaving the first aspen grove, the trail passes through stands of spruce, fir, and more aspen alternating with large open meadows as it continues the climb to the top. Along that climb, various overlooks provide awe-inspiring views of the countryside over which this sky island towers. The first views to the south and west occur about a mile from the trailhead at the top of Tool Box Draw. They're almost as good as those at the top of the mountain. If it's views you're after, you don't even have to walk all the way to the top.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Trailhead parking area.
• 0.1 Enter Escudilla Mountain Wilderness.
• 0.7 Aspen trees have been cut to increase browse for deer (Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project).
• 1.3 Tool Box Meadow-panoramic views.
• 1.9 Junction Government Trail (# 119).
• 2.8 Spur trail to left, continue right on old roadbed.
• 2.9 Spur trail on right leads to Bead Springs Meadow (no camping).
• 3.0 Escudilla Lookout

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

For those who want to get to know Escudilla Mountain from the bottom to the top, hiking the Government Trail (# 119) is the way to do it. This trail is open to hiking and horseback riding - like all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, motorized and mechanized travel is prohibited.

This trail's steep, talus covered switchbacks once provided Forest Service workers an access route to man the lookout on the mountain summit as well as to fight fires and manage the forest. Today those same obstacles help the trail live up to its strenuous rating.

The Government Trail ascends Escudilla's western slopes. Because of its steepness and exposure, this route offers excellent views off to the west for most of the hike. Mount Baldy (Arizona's second highest peak), Mt. Ord, and the Black River drainage form some of the more prominent landmarks in the panorama.

On Profanity Ridge, Government Trail joins the Escudilla Trail (# 308) for the last one mile or so of the hike to the top. 

Trail Log:

• 0.0 Road Closure, park here.
• 0.4 Take right fork.
• 1.3 Continue straight at the fork.
• 1.9 Sharp left in road, trail begins here and goes straight.
• 2.9 Junction with Escudilla Trail (# 308) - follow Escudilla Trail an additional 1.1 miles to summit.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

This route will bring you through a variety of surroundings ranging from the wide road shoulders in Alpine to rocky forest roads. If the season and conditions are right, you may have an opportunity to observe waterfowl at tiny George's Lake. This can make for a scenic lunch spot if you've taken your lunch along.

This short ride has an option to connect to the scenic Luna Lake Long and Short Loop Trails (# 2 and # 2A) for a longer ride for those who prefer.

Follow the trail marked by blue diamonds and by bicycle symbols and please respect private property. You will need to open and pass through a gate about 2 miles into the route. Please close the gate behind you. You will come to the intersection of FR 275 2.5 miles later, where you will need to choose to return to Alpine or continue on to Luna Lake Loop Trails.

This route is close to the amenities of Alpine, yet quiet and an often welcome escape. There is a campground nearby at Luna Lake. No water is available on this loop.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Fish Creek Trail (# 60) drops into the narrow forested canyon from a high bench that overlooks both the Black River and Fish Creek drainages.

Once on the floor of the canyon it wanders downstream along Fish Creek past pools, riffles, and stepping-stone stream crossings to the point where this tributary and the Black River join. Along the way it passes an area where what is reported to have been a tornado left its mark on the forest. Dozens of downed trees make the point that nature can bring change to the forest in a number of ways.

Travelers along this trail should know that they have the Arizona Chapter of the Sierra Club to thank for the considerable sections of it that are in good to excellent shape. Although the Fish Creek Trail has been used by the Forest Service for over 50 years for moving fire fighters and other personnel through the backcountry, it fell into disrepair after 1970 when maintenance was discontinued for lack of funds and use. At that point the task of keeping the trail open was left to ranchers who continued to use it to move cattle between Fish Bench and the Fish Creek drainage. The trail stayed open but became quite rough in a number of places. During the summers of 1990 and 1991 three volunteer work groups, consisting of two Sierra Club and one American Hiking Society trips, were successful in restoring and reconstructing the entire 5.5 miles from the junction with Fish Bench Trail # 320 to the Black River.

Fish Creek harbors a pure population of Arizona's state fish, the Apache trout. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has installed a barrier across the creek to keep introduced rainbow trout from swimming upstream from the Black River and hybridizing with the population of threatened natives. You'll find this pleasant path an excellent place to enjoy a day trip or an overnight hike.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 mile:  Depart Hannagan Campground or Trailhead.
• 1.5 mile:   Junction with Fish Creek Bench Trail (# 320).
• 4.5 miles:   Tornado damage
• 5.5 miles:  Old cattle camp.
• 6.4 miles:   Confluence of Fish Creek and Black River.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, River and Stream Fishing

The Double Cienega Trail (# 319) is 3.4 miles long. It begins at Jct. Trail # 60 and ends at Double Cienega. The trail is open for horseback riding and hiking.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Fishbench trail is 0.8 miles long. It begins at a trailhead off FR 24 and ends at the junction with Fish Creek Trail (# 60). The trail is open for horseback riding and hiking.

Trail Log:

• 0.0 mile:  From the trailhead poster board, follow the trail across a flat rocky area to where it drops down a rocky point into the canyon.
• 0.6 mile:   Junction with Fish Creek Trail (# 60).
• 3.6 miles:   Tornado damage.
• 4.4 miles:  Old cattle camp.
• 5.5 miles:  Confluence of Fish Creek and Black River.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, River and Stream Fishing

The Aker Lake Trail drops gradually 400 feet over its 3.5 mile span to Aker Lake. The trail passes through a mixed forest area of aspens and conifers. This trail is open to non-motorized uses including mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding.

Songbirds can often be heard when riding quietly and slowly. As you continue your ride, you'll come to a meadow called Butterfly Cienega and once you ride along the meadow, you will reenter the forest. This may also allow a rider to catch a glimpse of the area's wildlife including elk, mule deer, or even black bears. From the forest, you'll renter the valley and follow the trails as it brings you to Aker Lake where you will cross a log bridge across the dam. You can loop this trail by following Aker Lake Road (FR 8312) back to Butterfly Cienega and retracing your route from the meadow.

This trail is here for your enjoyment due in large part to volunteer Don Yates. Yates worked as a campground host at the nearby campground and planned and constructed this trail over a three year period.quietly and slowly. As you continue your ride, you'll come to a meadow called Butterfly Cienega and once you ride along the meadow, you will reenter the forest. This may also allow a rider to catch a glimpse of the area's wildlife including elk, mule deer, or even black bears. From the forest, you'll renter the valley and follow the trails as it brings you to Aker Lake where you will cross a log bridge across the dam. You can loop this trail by following Aker Lake Road (FR 8312) back to Butterfly Cienega and retracing your route from the meadow.

This trail is here for your enjoyment due in large part to volunteer Don Yates. Yates worked as a campground host at the nearby campground and planned and constructed this trail over a three year period.

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

The Clell Lee Loop trail is 4.2 miles long, and begins and ends at Hannagan Meadow. There is access and parking at both the Hannagan Trailhead and the Snowmobile Trailhead to the south and north of Hannagan Lodge.

This trail is groomed for cross-country skiing when conditions allow, but makes for a great backcountry ski or snowshoe route when grooming is not available. Call the Alpine Ranger Station for information on grooming and trail conditions.

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

The moderate length and easy terrain make this trail a popular pastime for campers at neighboring Luna Lake Campground. In fact, campers can ride directly from their campsites and start enjoying this scenic trail.

From the trailhead, follow the blue diamond trail markers north through the gate to a signed trail junction and take the left fork. Continue 1 mile through the gate across Little Creek, a cattle guard, and down the main road about 1/4 mile to a signed road and gate on the right. Go through this gate and enjoy relatively flat riding for 2.5 miles. A series of short climbs and drops leads back to a signed junction.

The right fork marked  "easiest " will take you back to the trail system (Short Loop Trail), while the left fork will bring you back to Luna Lake Campground in a half mile.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking          

The relatively short length and easy terrain make this trail a popular pastime for campers at Luna Lake Campground. 

From the trailhead, follow the blue diamonds north through the gate to a signed junction where the words  "easiest " mark the right fork. Follow this right fork for 1 mile to a second signed junction. At this junction, the right fork will return you to Luna Lake Road, 100 yards south of the trailhead.

Uses: Mountain Biking

Terry Flat is a large meadow in the shadow of Escudilla Mountain, Arizona's third highest peak at nearly 11,000 feet. This is a very scenic and quiet ride on a little used forest road.

Once you depart the parking area that also serves as the Escudilla Wilderness Trailhead, you will likely have the trail to yourself. These high meadows offer a wonderfully scenic ride without any fierce climbs, making it great for riders of all levels. Elk, mule deer, coyotes and black bear can be seen in this area occasionally. The bordering Escudilla Wilderness was home to Arizona&rsquo;s last grizzly bear as well. But don&rsquo;t worry; no grizzly bears have lived in Arizona since  "Big Foot, "&mdash;the moniker for the last bear holding out on Escudilla&mdash;was shot in 1939. Aldo Leopold gives a famous account of the big bear on Escudilla in  "A Sand County Almanac. " Upon your ride's end, you can impress your friends with your story of riding through  "Big Foot's " former territory.

Terry Flat Loop begins as the road forks to circle the large meadow of Terry Flat. Most riders start to the left. Watch for several spur trails that lead to scenic views off the plateau rim. These are great places to take a break for lunch, a rest, or just to take in the sights.  To add miles to your ride or to feel your lungs a little more, consider riding Forest Road (FR) 8056 from the highway. You&rsquo;ll be climbing 1,400 feet from the highway to the elevation of Terry Flat where you can ride the loop and then bomb your way back down FR 8056 to US 180/191. Be careful though, Escudilla is one of the most popular trails for hikers and there is likely going to be automotive traffic on the road. Be alert and especially cautious around curves where visibility is limited. Drivers are not always expecting to see a bicycle on the road.  Please note that all motorized use and mechanized transport (including mountain bikes) are prohibited anywhere within the Escudilla Wilderness, and on the Government Trail # 119 and Escudillla National Recreation Trail # 308.

Uses: Mountain Biking

Winter Sports Area - sledding, tubing, tobogganing, cross country skiing, and picnicking. Within the Williams Valley Restricted Use Area, motorized cross-country travel is prohibited.

Uses: Day Hiking, Picnicking, Sledding/Tubing, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing        

The Williams Valley Trail System consists of a number of interconnected loops, some of which are groomed for winter cross-country skiing, with others suitable for un-groomed backcountry skiing. During the spring, summer and fall, all are suitable for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding.   The Williams Valley Recreation Area is closed to all motorized use year round. There is a snowmobile trailhead for winter access just beyond the boundary to the non-motorized area.

There are four trailheads to access the trail system: three along FR 249, and one at the junction of FR 249 and FR 276.  The Williams Valley trails are rated according to difficulty: Easiest, More Difficult, and Most Difficult.

Easiest Trails: The Valley Trail (# 80A) is 2.8 miles long. It begins at Forest Service Road 249 and ends at a junction with the Sidewinder Trail (# 80G) at its east end. For winter use, the trail is groomed for interconnecting loops within the meadow. The Lookout Meadow Loop Trail (# 80E) is 1.3 miles long. It begins at a junction with Valle Trail (# 80A) and ends looping back to (# 80A).

More Difficult Trails: The Isolation Trail (# 80B) is 2.1 miles long. It begins at a junction with Valley Trail (# 80A) and ends at a junction of Yahoo Trail (# 80D) and Half Moon Trail (# 80C).The Sidewinder trail (# 80G) is 0.9 miles long. It begins at Toboggan Trailhead and ends at a junction with Valley Trail (# 80A) at its west end. The Half-Moon Trail loops from the Lookout Meadow Loop (# 80E), past the junction with the east end of the Yahoo Trail (# 80D) around to the junction with Isolation Trail (# 80B) and the west end of #80D.

Most Difficult Trails: Yahoo Trail (# 80D) is only .10 mile in length, but steep, and joins Half Moon Trail to the east, with a junction between Isolation Trail and Half Moon Trail to the West. Up and Over Trail (# 80F) joins Lookout Meadow (# 80E) to the east with Isolation Trail (# 80B) to the west.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing        

This trail is located in a Wildlife Habitat Area which is closed to motorized vehicle use to provide a "quiet" area for a variety of wildlife species. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The 237 B OHV trail is 0.5 miles long. It begins at 237 B Trailhead and ends at Larson Canyon Trail. 

Uses: OHV Trail Riding

Located just past mile post 1 off Forest Road 237, this trailhead offers access to the Forest Lakes Off Highway Vehicle Trails. The 237B offers a good parking and staging location.

Uses: Day Hiking

The 7th Heaven trail is 1.0 miles long. It begins at Fr 50 and ends at Gauntlet Trail. 

Uses: Day Hiking

The 99a Access trail is 0.9 miles long. It begins at West Loop and ends at 99a Trail. 

Uses: OHV Trail Riding

The 99a OHV trail is 3.9 miles long. It begins at Wildcat Road Access and ends at Fr 172. 

Uses: OHV Trail Riding

Inaccessible until 4/15.

The Aspen trail is 5.5 miles long. It begins at Carr Lake Trailhead and ends at Carr Lake Trailhead. The Aspen trail forms "loop A", the red loop of the Carr Lake Trail System.  After the trail passes the end of trail #412, it travels past an enclosed fence built to keep eld out of an area to protect young aspen trees. The General Crook Trail follows this trail briefly from Carr Lake Trailhead.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking   

Inaccessible until 4/15.

The Back Alley trail is 2.2 miles long. It begins at Canyon Point Campground and ends at Mogollon Rim Edge. 

Uses: Horse Riding

A trail along the west bank of Bear Canyon Lake can provide a few hours or a full day of scenic lakeside fishing, viewing, or hiking.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Bear Snowmobile Loop trail is 17.1 miles long. It begins at Forest Roads 300 And 84 and ends at Forest Roads 300 And 84. Please call ahead for snow conditions. 

Uses: Snowmobiling

The Boulder Hop trail is 0.8 miles long. It begins at Carr Lake Trail and ends at Aspen Trail.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

NO trash collection available. This is a pack-it-in / Pack-it-out area. Take your trash with you when you leave.

Uses: Day Hiking

Inaccessible until 4/15.

The Carr Lake trail is 5.6 miles long. It begins at Carr Lake Trailhead and ends at Aspen Trail.

Uses: Horse Riding

Inaccessible until 4/15. Signs along the Carr Lake Trail System are in disrepair and need replacement. Trails are difficult to follow and signs may be misleading. 

Carr Lake Trailhead is located on Forest Road 9350, just off Forest Road 300. Horse corrals and vault toilets are available at the trailhead.  This trail system may be closed for Forest Health Projects from Summer 2016 through Fall 2020.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Chevelon Crossing trail is 0.7 miles long. It begins at Cheveron Crossing Bridge and ends at Cheveron Crossing Bluffs. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback Riding

NO trash collection available. This is a pack-it-in / Pack-it-out area. Take your trash with you when you leave.

Uses: Horse Riding

The Chevelon Lake trail is 0.8 miles long. It begins at Fr 189b and ends at Chevelon Lake. The trail is open for the following uses: ATV Trail Riding

This trail is open to foot traffic and ATVs only. No street vehicle access permitted.

Uses: OHV Riding

The Cottonwood trail is 7.0 miles long. It begins at Cottonwood Trailhead and ends at Fr 132. 

Uses: Horse Riding

This old pioneer trail, which was built prior to 1909, starts high in the ponderosa pine, firs, and bracken fern. It originates at the Crook Trail, crosses the Hole-in-Ground gravel pit road and drops off of the Rim.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

Inaccessible until 4/15

Uses: Day Hiking

The Durfee Crossing trail is 0.5 miles long. It begins at Durfee Trailhead and ends at Chevelon Creek. 

Uses: Day Hiking

The Feelin' Blue trail is 2.0 miles long. It begins at Spring Loop Trail Sno-514 and ends at Canyon Point Campground. 

Uses: XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

The Fenceline trail is 0.8 miles long. It begins at Fr 50 and ends at Fr 50.

Uses: Day Hiking

The Fisherman trail is 0.6 miles long. It begins at Fr 149 and ends at Willow Springs Lake. This short trail provides access to potentially secluded areas of the lake's shoreline.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The Crook Trail is named after General George Crook, the Commander of the Military Department of Arizona in 1871. The General Crook trail is 58.9 miles long. It begins at Coconino National Forest and ends at Cottonwood Trail. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

The Hangman Trailhead &amp; FR 86 provides access to this trail. This trail traverses areas affected by the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski Fire. Visitors travel about 1 mile along an old 2-track road to the historic cemetery for which the trail is named. Be sure to follow the blue diamonds and stay to the right as other logging roads branch off to the left. A blue diamond with an arrow indicates the left-hand turn to the cemetery.  The main trail continues up a rocky 2-track to FR300 east of the Black Canyon Rim Campground.

The Cemetery contains the grave sites for Jamie Stott, Jim Scott, and Billy Wilson. Three men lynched by vigilantes during the Pleasant Valley Feud.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The Horse Trap Trailhead is accessed off FR 237 by way of the Willow Springs Loop Trail.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The first 1/4 mile of this trail is mostly level and very beautiful; then the trail drops steeply giving some fantastic views. 

This trail is open but has not been cleared of debris for the season. Only persons with strong navigational skills should attempt this trail at this time. 

Uses: Day Hiking

The Larson Canyon trail is 3.5 miles long. It begins at Canyon Road Access and ends at Fr 172.

Uses: OHV Trail Riding

Accessed off the 237 road at the Willow Springs Loop Trail.

Temporarily impacted by timber harvesting project beginning winter 2018. Non motorized trail - Bicycle, horse, foot traffic Only. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The Long Draw North Trailhead is located at the Chevelon Crossing Campground, providing adequate room for parking and staging. Camping is available when weather allows and vault toilets are available during warmer months. From the campground, the trail follows FR 504 North for approximately 1 mile to FR 169 where the trail then veers south onto the FR 169.

Uses: OHV Trail Riding

Located on the Mogollon Rim approximately 50 miles northeast of Payson. The route is a 30-mile loop starting at either Long Draw North Trailhead (Chevelon Crossing Campground) or Long Draw South Trailhead (Chevelon Lake Campground). The route is restricted to street-legal /licensed vehicles (vehicles must have a m/c plate and OHV tag.) Trailheads includes staging area, toilets and campsite facilities. The trail takes you through a forest of pinyon pine and juniper intermixed with Ponderosa, oak, and Douglas fir. The trail follows existing forest service level 2, 3, and 4 roads and offers some challenges to riders along the FR 213 section of the route.   The Long Draw Trail is generally open all seasons, however, routes may be closed due to winter snow, or high fire danger.

Uses: OHV Trail Riding

The Long Draw OHV Shortcut trail is 1.9 miles long. It begins at Fr 169 and ends at Long Draw OHV Trail. 

Uses: OHV Trail Riding

The Long Draw OHV South trail is 1.9 miles long. It begins at Fr 169 and ends at Long Draw South Trailhead. 

Uses: OHV Trail Riding

Inaccessible until 4/15

Uses: Day Hiking

Inaccessible until 4/15

The Meadow trail is 1.6 miles long. It begins at Woods Canyon Lake Vista and ends at Woods Canyon Lake Store. 

Uses: Day Hiking

Inaccessible until 4/15

Uses: Day Hiking

Inaccessible until 4/15

Uses: Day Hiking

Inaccessible until 4/15

This is probably the easiest trail down the Mogollon Rim in terms of steepness and hazards along the way

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The Mogollon Rim Snowmobile B trail is 1.5 miles long. It begins at Trail # 404 and ends at Trail #403. Call for snow conditions. 

Uses: Snowmobiling

The Mogollon Rim Snowmobile C trail is 5.1 miles long. It begins at Sno-403 and ends at Sno-402. Call for snow conditions. 

Uses: Snowmobiling

The Mogollon Rim Snowmobile D trail is 2.8 miles long. It begins at Sno-403 and ends at Sno-402. Call for snow conditions. 

Uses: Snowmobiling

The Mogollon Rim Snowmobile E trail is 3.2 miles long. It begins at Sno-404 and ends at Sno-403. Call for snow conditions. 

Uses: Snowmobiling

Inaccessible until 4/15

Uses: Day Hiking

Inaccessible until 4/15

The One Eighty trail is 1.2 miles long. It begins at Fr 180 and ends at Chevelon Creek.

Uses: Horse Riding

The Pasture trail is 1.3 miles long. It begins at Fr 50 and ends at Fr 50. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Promontory Snowmobile Loop trail is 4.6 miles long. It begins at Fr 300 and ends at Fr 76. Call ahead for snow conditions. 

Uses: Snowmobiling

Inaccessible until 4/15

This trail meanders along the Mogollon Rim and provides spectacular views overlooking the rim. Interesting rock outcroppings can be seen along the way.

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking

The Rocky Bluff trail is 0.5 miles long. It begins at Black Canyon Lake Day Use Area and ends at Black Canyon Lake Dam. 

Uses: Horse Riding

Inaccessible until 4/15

Uses: Day Hiking

The Ross Draw trail is 1.7 miles long. It begins at Fr 50 and ends at Fr 51. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The Section Line trail is 0.9 miles long. It begins at Fr 50 and ends at Fr 51. 

Uses: Horse Riding

This is a beautiful, creekside hike down the Mogollon Rim. It passes through See Canyon. The trail follows the creek off the rim to the community of Christopher Creek.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The trail, which begins at Loop B of Canyon Point Campground, provides the forest visitor with a unique experience.

Canyon Point Campground is closed November 1 to May 1 annually. Visitors must park outside of the campground to access trail during winter months.

Uses: Day Hiking

This trail is 2.4 miles long. It begins at Willow Springs Bike Loop #535 and ends at 235 Bike Trail #504. Call ahead for snow conditions. 

Uses: Snowmobiling

Inaccessible until 4/15 

This trail descends into Chevelon Canyon down to Chevelon Creek, just south of Chevelon Canyon Lake. The trail offers some spectacular views of the canyon and takes the hiker through beautiful vegetation. The trail is steep and may be hazardous. Watch for snakes.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The The Maze trail is 1.7 miles long. It begins at Fr 50 and ends at Pineloop Trail. 

Uses: Horse Riding

The Three Oaks trail is 0.5 miles long. It begins at Black Canyon Day Use Site and ends at Black Canyon Lake Shore. 

Uses: Horse Riding

Inaccessible until 4/15

Uses: Day Hiking

Elk and deer can often be observed, especially in the summer, along this system of old logging roads.

Total loop is 7.9 miles long. It is 1.25 miles to Hidden Lake and Jacob's Well Trailheads if you stay to the right at the start of the loop.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

Inaccessible until 4/15

The self-guided nature trail is 1/2 mile in length and takes 1-2 hours to complete.

Uses: Day Hiking, Outdoor Learning

Inaccessible until 4/15

Just beyond the dam at Woods Canyon Lake lies a creekside trail that is possibly one of the most beautiful trails on the district.

Uses: Day Hiking

Inaccessible until 4/15

Uses: Day Hiking

This trail offers a variety of terrain and vegetation.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Bear Spring Trail starts out in ponderosa pine and mountain mahogany and drops to a pinyon pine and juniper woodland.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The Bear Valley Trail starts at the junction of Trail # 23 near Bonanza Bill Flat and stays relatively level as it crosses Cow Flat until it drops into the canyon near Franz Spring.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Here is an opportunity to see one of the largest Arizona cypress trees in North America. It is 97 feet high with a circumference of 18 inches, a crown spread of 41 feet, and is listed on the National Register of Big Trees.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The trail originates at the end of Forest Road 8375, 1 mile from Highway 191.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

Although hard to access, this trail has some special attractions including a small waterfall and bright, fall colors from maples in the canyon.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

This is an extremely rough 4-wheel drive road.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, OHV Road Riding

This trail is in the ponderosa pine type with scattered southwestern white pines.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

This is a nice trail for a day hike because it is not as steep as many of the trails in this area.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

This trail is scenic and rough.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The HL Canyon Trail is a loop trail and makes an excellent day hike.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

This trail from the trailhead at Highway 191 to the bottom of the drainage is extremely steep for the last 1/2 mile, then it drops into the riparian area.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

This is an extremely difficult trail from the San Francisco River to Hickey Springs and is of moderate difficulty from Hickey Springs to the Forest boundary.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

Highline Trail is nearly 15 miles from east to west as it follows contour lines from 7600 feet to about 7000 feet in elevation.

Uses: Day Hiking, Backpacking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

This trail starts on the Blue River about 3 miles upstream from XXX Ranch.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The trail follows the canyon bottom and becomes rough due to the seasonal high water that comes from Hot Air Creek.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

This trail is in the ponderosa pine and oak forest and enters the Blue Range Primitive Area.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

This trail starts on Alma Mesa at the Arizona-New Mexico state line. The upper end of Alma Mesa is very open with spectacular 360-degree views.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

This trail is steep at the top and follows the ridge line to Dry Prong Canyon.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

This trail offers a variety of scenery and vegetation.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The Pleasant Valley Trail is actually an extremely hazardous road that is used by high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle but it is not recommended for motorized vehicles.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, OHV Road Riding

Ponderosa pine and other conifers are prominent at the highest elevations as Raspberry Trail drops 2,500 feet to the Blue River.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

In the fall (October) the colored leaves at the top of the trail are quite colorful.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

For the first five miles from Honeymoon Campground, this trail is in the riparian area of Eagle Creek.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

Salthouse trail is very steep on the upper end; as it drops down to East Eagle Creek it becomes more gentle as it follows the slope of the creek.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

A popular area for hunters, this trail receives little use except for hunting season.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

This trail accesses the old Spur Cross homestead and it provides a variety of vegetation and rock formations.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The first mile of the trail is on a gentle slope and provides a beautiful view of aspen. About 2 miles down the trail there is a usually reliable spring.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

The public is restricted from this trail in addition to several Forest Service roads in an effort to minimize risk for fire starts.

Uses: Day Hiking

A popular route to the Blue River, Strayhorse Canyon Trail #20 starts near Rose Peak Lookout.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

This trail is along, moderate slope that starts in the ponderosa pines and goes through oak woodlands onto Robinson Mesa, where you will see pinyon pines, juniper, and grass.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

This trail connects the Highline Trail #47 at Saunders cabin (6600 feet) with Dry Prong Trail #45 (5800 feet). The portion of this trail that winds through Warren Canyon is built through a stand of timber.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

Where the trail begins off of Forest Road 475C, the vegetation is just brush, but the elevation and number of trees increase so a recognizable forest is found where Trail #7 joins the Horse Canyon Trail.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Billy Creek Connector trail is 0.8 miles long. It begins at 0.0 and ends at 0.7600. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

The Blue Ridge Cave Trail offers a variety of points of interest in a relatively short distance. From the trailhead on porter Mountain Road (Forest Road 45), one will experience a riparian environment along Porter Creek and Scott Reservoir before climbing to higher elevations.

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

The trail follows Billy Creek and winds its way through a ponderosa pine forest to the top of Blue Ridge Mountain.

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

Buena Vista is a beautiful trail just a short drive from Show Low.

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

Country Club is a moderate to easy trail just a short distance from Pinetop-Lakeside. The trail loops three and 1/2 miles through ponderosa pine, juniper, and oak woodland.

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

The Country Club - Los Burros Connector Trail provides a nice way to connect both trails for a longer trip.

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

This connector was built to link the White Mountain Trail System to the historic General Crook Trail.

Uses: Day Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Biking

Ghost of the Coyote covers more than fifteen miles of the most beautiful pinon-juniper forest on the district. Fascinating plants abound including several types of cacti, yucca, agave, and wildflowers.

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

Ice Cave Trail winds its way along Porter Creek and the south side of Scott Reservoir before connecting to Blue Ridge Trail.

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

#640A Juniper Ridge Connector #640B Juniper Ridge Short Loop are also temp closed

Juniper Ridge Trail passes through several types of vegetation including pinon-juniper, pine-oak, and manzanita scrub. There are several good views of the surrounding areas, the best of which is from Juniper Ridge Lookout. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

#638A Los Caballos Connector is also temp closed

Los Caballos is one of the longest trails in the White Mountain Trail System.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

Reservations only

This is an ideal trail to take during the hottest days of summer because of the high altitude and many sections of the trail are shaded. A side trip to Lake Mountain Lookout can give you a wonderful view of the area. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking

Los Caballos is one of the longest trails in the White Mountain Trail System. The trail winds its way through beautiful ponderosa pine and pinon-juniper woodland at elevations much lower than the east side of the district.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

The Maverick Motorized Trail spans almost 50 miles through the diverse habitats of the Lakeside Ranger District.  From flat, open grasslands to hilly and rocky terrain, the trail winds through mostly cool and green ponderosa pine forest and some pinon-juniper woodland, with breathtaking views of the White Mountains.  Starting from the Sky Hi Trailhead north of Pinetop-Lakeside in the pines, the trail junctions with the Porter Mountain Loop trails just past the Panorama Trailhead.  The Porter Mountain Loop Trail offers the opportunity to add about 11 additional miles, making the total trail over 60 miles to the Clay Springs Trailhead. The entire trail and loop is marked with orange diamond-shaped markers, however the marker color is changing to brown.  Another trailhead provides direct access to the Porter Mountain Loop; it is located at the Timber Mesa Trailhead just off Porter Mountain Road. An intermediate trailhead, the Burton Trailhead on the main Maverick Trail, is located at the intersection of Burton Road and Lone Pine Dam Road. Camping is not allowed at the trailheads; however, there are dispersed camping opportunities along the trail, provided users bring their own water.   Future plans for the trail include extensions east to the Springerville area and west to the Heber-Overgaard area, with loops into the towns along the route.  Ask the local ranger district for the status of these extensions. Construction and maintenance of the Maverick Trail is a joint effort between the Forest Service and volunteers from the White Mountain Open Trails Association. Volunteers also assist in educating the public about safe and ethical use of OHV trails

Uses: OHV Trail Riding

Panorama is a relatively level eight-mile trail of moderate difficulty.

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

Pintail Lake is an excellent observation and study area for anyone interested in waterfowl and waterfowl habitat. Two wildlife viewing blinds offer unique views over the ponds.

Uses: Day Hiking

The Springs trail is perfect for the beginner trail user or even for the more advanced who are looking for a less strenuous loop. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

Timber Mesa is a good trail of moderate difficulty just a short drive from Lakeside Ranger Station.

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding

Woodland Lake Park may be the ideal outdoor area for the entire family. Facilities include tennis courts, softball fields, spacious picnic shelters and public restrooms.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horseback Riding

Trail has not been cleared of hazards. Use at own risk.

If you want a short hike to stretch your legs, here's the trail for you. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking

Big Lake Nature Trail is a self-guided trail. Pamphlets are available at the Big Lake Visitor Center. 

Uses: Day Hiking

Trail has not been cleared of hazards. Use at own risk.

This cool, verdant canyon has long been a favorite with tourists. 

Uses: Day Hiking

Trail has not been cleared of hazards. Use at own risk.

The trail follows the East Fork of the Little Colorado River through a long meadow. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Trail has not been cleared of hazards. Use at own risk.

The trail immediately crosses the West Fork of the Little Colorado River, so roll up your pants and prepare to get your feet wet because there is no bridge here.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Day use only is permitted. No overnight camping. Open, with advisory TRAIL NOT CLEARED OF HAZARDS, USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Portions of the trail lie within the West Fork Closure Area.

The trail begins in a meadow but soon plunges into the forest, dominated by ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir trees. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking

Trail has not been cleared of hazards. Use at own risk.

The trail meanders through dense forest with large, old ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir and spruce. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The trail system consists of 10 separate trails, each offering a different challenge and experience. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

Trail has not been cleared of hazards. Use at own risk.

The first 5 miles of the trail are strenuous,  climbing about 1,500 feet, whereas the remainder of the trail is a moderate degree of difficulty.  

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking

Trail has not been cleared of hazards. Use at own risk.

The entire trail follows an historic railroad route offering gentle trail grades and beautiful scenery. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking     

Saffel Canyon OHV Trail includes some of the most spectacular views in the White Mountains. 

Uses: OHV Trail Riding

Trail has not been cleared of hazards. Use at own risk.

Please note that the campground has been converted to a day use area. No overnight camping is permitted.

Cool water, great views and three seasons of use make the South Fork trail one of the most rewarding trails on the District. A round trip hike adds up to 14 miles so many people like to leave a vehicle at each trailhead. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking     

campground to reach the trailhead.

Uses: Day Hiking

Trail has not been cleared of hazards. Use at own risk.

The Thompson Trail follows the course of the West Fork of the Black River and passes through some of the most striking country to be seen on the District. 

Uses: Day Hiking

Trail has not been cleared of hazards. Use at own risk.

The trail is easy to follow as it cuts across a wide meadow and edges up to the West Fork of the Little Colorado. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Trail has not been cleared of hazards. Use at own risk.

The trail begins on a fairly level grade and takes you through stands of Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine and aspen, with some grass meadows thrown in for variety. 

Uses: Day Hiking

West Fork Trail travels through a checkerboard of forest and meadows. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking