The Bonanza Bill Trail is rated as moderate and is about 12.1 miles long each way. Usage is light to moderate from April through November. The trail is named for Bonanza Bill Point, a very prominent feature along the route. This is one of the main trails going into the remote eastern reaches of the Blue Primitive Area and connects with several other trails along the way. The trail follows the divide that separates the Blue and San Francisco Rivers, a line that roughly follows the border between New Mexico and Arizona. There's lots of bears out here so take care with your camp, your food supply and your garbage.

No mechanized or motorized vehicles (including mountain bikes) allowed. Hinkle Springs offers reliable water. When it's dry, Steeple Canyon will be dry too. WS Lake has stock water only, except when it has no water in the dry season. Bonanza Bill Trail meets with Tige Rim Trail, Hinkle Spring Trail, Cow Flat Trail and ends at the Franz Spring Trail.

Elevation: 7,040' to 8,400'

Access: Go 3 miles east of Alpine on US 180 to Forest Road 281. Go south on FR 281 20.7 miles to Forest Road 232 (Pueblo Park Road). Go east on FR 232 4.7 miles to the Bonanza Bill Trailhead, just before the road crosses into New Mexico. There is a wood-fenced corral here as a landmark.

USGS Maps: Blue

Trail map