Arizona Trail-Blue Ridge

Arizona Trail-Blue Ridge


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com

The Arizona Trail-Blue Ridge segment stretches across meadows, forests, and canyons from the top of the 2,000-foot-high Mogollon Rim to Highway 87 near the Blue Ridge Campground. The route begins at the General Springs Cabin work station, named after a nearby water source discovered by General George Crook. Crook was famous for his campaigns against the Apaches in this area. Legend has it that he narrowly escaped a band of marauding hostiles here.

The trail then winds down General Springs Canyon to the Fred Haught Trail #141 in mixed conifer forests. Stands of aspen and bigtooth maple trees occur in damp draws. The trail climbs to the top of Battleground Ridge, gets good long-distance views of the surrounding countryside, then descends into East Clear Creek Canyon. After crossing the narrow stream, the segment ends at the Blue Ridge Reservoir.

With a length of 8 miles and an elevation change of 600 feet, this trail is considered moderate in difficulty. Accepted uses for Arizona Trail-Blue Ridge are hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Facilities: Arizona Trail-Blue Ridge offers a parking area, campgrounds, and water along the trail.

Reservations: Arizona Trail-Blue Ridge does not require or accept reservations.

Best Time To Visit: Arizona Trail-Blue Ridge is recommended April through October.

Fees: No fees are charged to use this trail.

Accessibility: This trail is not handicapped-accessible.

Rules: Pets are allowed. Trailside water must be purified.

Directions: To reach Arizona Trail-Blue Ridge from Payson: Drive west on highway to highway 87 and head north. Continue about 25 miles past Clints Well to FR 751, and turn southeast. Go about 3 miles, and turn south to the trailhead in the Rock Crossing Campground.

Address

Coconino National Forest

HC 31, Box 300

Happy Jack, Arizona 86024

Phone
General: (928) 477-2255
Fax: (928) 527-8282

Website

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