Trail Run Project Logo

Amazing high-elevation scenery and some of Arizona's best aspen stands.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

8.1

Miles

13.0

KM

98%

Runnable

9,008' 2,746 m

High

8,793' 2,680 m

Low

590' 180 m

Up

591' 180 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

7%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This route uses the Arizona Trail to climb up into the San Francisco Peaks and then continues through high meadows and aspen stands to a small lake. The scenery is first rate on this fantastic day hike or trail run.

Need to Know

This area is popular, especially on weekends, and especially during leaf season (the area around Aspen Corner draws crowds). Be ready to share the trail.

Runner Notes

An excellent high elevation run on a good trail.

Description

This walk starts at Aspen Corner on Snowbowl Road. Follow the trail into the aspen glade, which shortly drops steeply into mixed conifer forest. As the trail descends, look for a signed intersection with the Arizona Trail (Aspen Corner to FR 418), where you'll turn right (north). A quick detour here straight ahead leads to a picturesque water tank that usually holds water and has a great view of the San Francisco Peaks.

Once on the Arizona Trail, the path winds briefly through aspen trees before it breaks out to cross Hart Prairie. Outstanding views in all directions continue for miles as you alternate between meadows and aspen stands. When fall colors are blazing, the scenery is mind-blowing.

After a few miles, there is a signed turnoff for Bismark Lake, which is the turnaround for this route. The lake itself is a bit underwhelming, but there is often wildlife around and the views of Humphreys Peak are great.

Contacts

Shared By:

Almonzo Wilder

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 4 votes

#3440

Overall
  4.3 from 4 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
75%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#139

in Arizona

#3,440

Overall
11 Views Last Month
2,744 Since Mar 24, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Hart Praire HDR - Flagstaff, AZ
Mar 25, 2015 near Flagstaff, AZ
Big views, and lots of them.
Mar 25, 2015 near Flagstaff, AZ
Burly aspen near Aspen Corner.
Mar 30, 2015 near Flagstaff, AZ
Fall color on the Arizona Trail.
Mar 24, 2015 near Flagstaff, AZ

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.