Ready to start on the trail. [photo by Stan]

Michael, Margie, and Lisa.

As the four of us started on the San Francisco Peaks Trail, everyone was declaring that the weather was perfect, and it was temperature wise. We were planning on doing 12 miles with six in and six out. However, just over four miles in the thunder clouds were getting closer and lower, so we decided to turnout with Michael’s advice.

His advice was spot on, as we got rained on during the last two miles out, yet everyone was happy.

It was still a great hike as we got to see the fall colors.

Aspen trees and scenic views of the San Francisco Peaks are the allure of the San Francisco Peaks Trail that begins at Aspen Corner about three quarters of the way up Snowbowl Road.

Aspen. [photo by Stan]

Pine. [photo by Stan]

Aspen. [photo by Stan]

I was on this trail when it opened in the 1990s and Arizona Highways Editor Robert Stieve led a hike here. I liked it enough that I come back at least once a year. Editor Stieve liked it enough that it’s included in Arizona Highways book of Arizona’s 52 best day hikes.

The last time I was on this trail with the Trailblazers, there was snow on it. This time the leaves were turning color on the higher portions of the Peaks. We stopped for a break at Bismarck Lake, which had a little water in it.

Bismarck Lake. [photo by Stan]

Parking at Aspen Corner you are immediately surrounded by the aspens. Less than a mile in you come across a lush meadow with panoramic views of mountains off in the distance as well as above. Plenty of ponderosa pine and aspens dot the trail.

Clouds were coming and going so we would cool off with the clouds and warm up when they would disappear until we reached Bismarck Lake. We stopped here long enough for a short lunch, but and sat on the rocks to enjoy the shade and the views of golden colors of the aspens above.

Golden colors of the aspens above. [photo by Stan]

Golden colors of the aspens above. [photo by Stan]

The San Francisco Peaks Trail starts at 8,928 feet, but doesn’t go up more than 100 feet as it is extremely flat. It is also part of the Arizona Trail.

Michael, Margie and Lisa at Arizona Trail sign. [photo by Stan]

The trail is rated as easy. It is an in and out so you can turn around at any point. Or continue as long as you like.

For more information about the San Francisco Peaks Trail, call the Peaks Ranger District at 928-526-0866.