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It's not the destination, it's the journey. by PrestonSands  Overview: This hike follows what is known as the "Blackjack Trail" (trail #568), and its spur trail #568A, from Blackjack Campground to a little hilltop overlook in Arizona's Big Lue Mountains. If you are camping in the area, this hike makes for an easy outing. If you are looking for something more adventurous, it should be possible to connect with the 8345 trail in Coal Creek canyon, roughly a 1.5 mile off trail journey to the northeast from the end of this hike (study a topo map first). Although this hike follows a road and atv trails, it is highly unlikely that you will encounter anyone else in this out of the way place. Hike: The hike begins at the Blackjack Campground, along highway 78. About 500 feet east and directly across from the campground entrance is a spur road that passes through an opening in the barbed wire fence, near a large dirt pile. This is mile 0.0 for this hike. Although unmarked, this is trail #568 (Blackjack Trail). Park at the campground, and start following the road (trail 568), which, after passing through the barbed wire fence, immediately turns north to parallel it. After passing a cattle pond, the road makes a sharp bend to the right, and reaches a pass among the tall pines. The road rapidly deteriorates into a lightly used, atv trail when it drops down the east side of the pass. At 0.6 miles, trail 568 reaches the bottom of White Mule Creek, and makes a sharp right to follow it upstream. After traveling along the west bank of White Mule Creek for a tenth of a mile or so, the trail descends into the creek bed. At this point (33.06112 N, 109.07308 W) trail 568A, in the form of an atv trail, splits off to the left to begin a climb up the east side of the canyon. Tall ponderosa pines give way to a healthy stand of border pinyons, before the trail reaches a "T" junction at the top of a ridge at 1.0 miles. Go right (south) at the junction. Trail 568A now heads south along the rocky spine of a ridge that offers views of the surrounding wooded canyons, and comes to a rain gauge/weather station tower at 1.1 miles. At this point, the trail becomes a bit more primitive, but is still readily apparent. Turning southeast to continue along the rocky ridge, the trail crosses a saddle and passes a nice viewpoint ledge on the north side of a rounded hill, before reaching another saddle at 1.3 miles. At this saddle, our trail makes a left (northeast), climbs briefly, and reaches an open hilltop overlook at 1.4 miles. At this spot, one can enjoy 360 degree views of Maverick Hill, the Big Lue and White Mountain ranges, and New Mexico's towering Mogollon Mountains. A vague path does continue east from the hilltop along the gentle ridge, but it peters out within a quarter mile. Return the way you came. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Blackjack Spur Trail #568A
Another after work hike to the end of trail 568A, for some exercise and cactus study. I turned south on the way back to follow trail 568 (Blackjack Trail) to the 6674' hill. Snowy looking plumes drifted down from ragged clouds onto the Mogollon Mountains on this unusually cold Spring day. Nice little hike.
2009-04-16 PrestonSands
Blackjack Spur Trail #568A
After work hike. I hiked to the end of trail 568A, enjoying absolutely PERFECT spring weather, and studying specimens of the mystery cactus along the way. On the way back, I turned south at White Mule Creek to follow trail 568 (Blackjack Trail) aways, to get a bit more exercise. The ponderosa resin smelled especially sweet today in the cool canyon bottom. Enjoyed a great sunset at my 6674' turnaround. Most of the snow appeared to be gone from the high peaks of the Gila Wilderness. Didn't see anyone, as usual, but hauled out 18 beer cans and 3 bottles from some dirty pigs. 
So, my own personal mountain range is once again pristine. 
So, my own personal mountain range is once again pristine. 2009-03-19 PrestonSands
Blackjack Spur Trail #568A
Explored this little side trail on a perfect fall day. Turned onto 568B which was a dead end, before I found 568A (this hike). As is the norm in the Big Lues, I had the place to myself. I wouldn't recommend driving a long distance just to hike this trail, but if you are passing through the area it offers a nice little hike and pretty scenery.
2008-10-16 PrestonSands
