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Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking
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WEST FORK BLACK RIVER TRAIL #628
If an easy walk through a pine forest into a canyon with a river appeals to you, this is your hike. This hike is located near Greer, AZ. To the Trailhead: From the Show Low area, go East on HWY260. Turn right onto the well graded dirt road HWY-273 and drive for about 14.5 miles to the junction with FR-116. Turn left onto FR116 (following the signs to Big Lake) and drive to the intersection with FR249. Turn left onto FR249E (again, following the signs to Big Lake). At the intersection with FR68, turn right and go about 1.5 miles to the signed trailhead and parking on the right. All the dirt roads to get to this trail are well graded. Be Aware of: mountain bikes. 35 yr old Recommendation: This hike is nice for the variety of forest hiking and the creek side destination. This is an easy hike. Elevation change: about 300 ft loss.
Distance: 5.0 miles to the river and back Time: 2.5 hours Time of year: Summer Solitude: Average. Expect to share this trail with between 5-10 people. Map: Click here for the map. From the signed trailhead, walk along the well work trail through a peaceful pine forest. It's possible you'll share this trail with mountain bikers, so be aware. Fishermen also like this trail for it's access to the West Fork of the Black River. You'll cross a few meadows before reaching the impressive views of the rim of the river canyon. The trail becomes more rocky as it drops all the way down to the river. The rocks of the river are a great place to relax and enjoy the area. When ready, return the way you came.
[hiking along the trail]
[meadow]
[West Fork of the Black River canyon]
[West Fork of the Black River]
This hike was taken in late May 2009 |
