Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
West Fork Black River Trail #628

This trail is rated as moderate and sees light use in April and May, and again from Labor Day to November but that period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is pretty heavy. The trail was designed specifically for bikers and hikers but not for horses. No horses or motorized vehicles allowed. This trail connects with the Indian Springs Trail #627 and the Thompson Trail #629 but does not go to the West Fork Campground.

The first 2.5 miles of the trail are level to rolling, going through stands of Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine and aspens, then the trail reaches the edge of the Black River Canyon and gives you some good views before it drops over the edge and heads down to the stream. This is a pretty steep section and bikers may not like the trip back up. For that matter, the ride down is only for the experienced. About halfway down is an old rustic bridge crossing a rockslide.

The river offers excellent fishing, especially in the beaver ponds. The way out is back up the hill, the way you came in.

Elevation: 9,000'

Access: On the west side of Forest Service Road 68, south of Big Lake, is where you'll find the trailhead.

USGS Maps: 280 SW Big Lake. Completed in the summer of 1991, the trail is probably not on the map yet.

West Fork Black River Trail map