The Aspen Corner to Bismarck Lake Hike is located along the westerly side of Mount Humphreys. It is a portion of the Arizona Trail, passage 34. Other than getting out of the heat in the valley for a great hike in Northern Arizona, the additional incentive was the after hike barbecue hosted by John and Roxanne at their Flagstaff home.

My special thanks to Roxanne for staying behind to get everything ready for the barbecue. And thanks to Michael Humphrey for coordinating the carpool from Phoenix and to everyone that provided pictures of the hike.

Sixteen hikers with one guest participated in this hike. The carpoolers left north Phoenix at 7 AM and arrived at Target in Flagstaff at about 9 AM to join up with the Flagstaff hikers. Together we all carpooled to the trailhead at Aspen Corner, located about 6 miles up the Snowbowl Road.

This is an eight mile hike to Bismarck Lake and back, and a little more to hike the small Aspen Loop on the way back or get a little lost as John S and few others did. As Jim Buyens said, we positively earned some bonus miles. This is a mostly shady hike through the Aspen and Ponderosa Pine forest. Along the hike there were fantastic views of Mount Humphreys to one side and to Kendrick Peak off in the distance to the other side. About halfway to Bismarck Lake we passed along the upper edge of Hart Prairie which is owned by the Nature Conservancy. Follow this link if you are interested in learning more about Hart Prairie.

We stopped for a snack and break at Bismarck Lake before turning around to return to the trailhead. This a moderate hike that did not have much elevation changes. The group mostly stayed together a stopped occasionally to let everyone catch up.

Although this is monsoon season, the weather threatened a bit with some loud thunder and looming clouds, but it never rained more than a few stray drops. The clouds did provide for some striking views of the Peaks.

Afterwards, everyone went to John and Roxanne’s for the barbecue. Roxanne had everything ready to cook and serve. Everyone brought their own beverages and thanks to all that left the extras behind. First course were snacks, chips and dip, and a charcuterie board made up with cheeses, salami, prosciutto, and olives. Next course were hot dogs, slightly burned, hamburgers with John’s fresh homemade buns, and chicken kabobs. Dessert included brownies and Mimi’s Berry Cobbler with a toasted granola topping.

Thanks to everyone that brought something to the BBQ. Everything was delicious and everyone had a great time. This was so much fun, we will do it again next year!