BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN

BLUE RIDGE TRAIL 

Pinetop-Lakeside

One of the major loop routes near Pinetop-Lakeside, the layout of Blue Ridge Mountain Trail #107 resembles a wagon wheel with “spokes” that link to the Ice Cave and Springs Trails. This shady, undulating roundabout smothered in oaks and pines, skirts the slopes of the volcanic mountain via old logging roads and tapered footpaths.  As the trail’s high point is wrapped in woodland, there’s no appreciable summit-conquering experience. However, a deteriorating sign at the apex marks the achievement while intermittent clearings reveal views of White Mountain peaks scattered over a misty blue horizon.

LENGTH: 8.7-mile loop

ELEVATION: 6,950’ – 7,656’

RATING: moderate

DOG RATING:  moderate

KID FRIENDLY?: moderate

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 180 miles one-way

GETTING THERE: 

Trailhead #2:  From Show Low, go southeast on SR260 (toward McNary) to Bucksprings Road (located 2 miles before the Hon-Dah Casino).  Turn left at the stoplight and go 0.6 mile to Sky-Hi Road (FR182), turn left and go 1.5 miles to FR 187, turn left again and go 0.3 mile to the large trailhead on the right.

Trailhead #1:  from trailhead #2, continue up FR 187 roughly 3 miles to the parking area on the left.

INFORMATION: Pinetop-Lakeside Parks & Recreation, 928-368-6700 x 3,

http://www.tracks-pinetop-lakeside.org/TrailsFiles/BlueRidgeTrail.htm

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