Franz Spring Trail, AZ

Apache - Sitgreaves FS Details
Listed as 3 miles (to forest boundary)

This eastern Blue Range trail is an old route for moving livestock that serves as another link in the maze of interconnecting trails presently used by cattlemen and recreationists alike. It provides a connecting route between the Cow Flat Trail and the WS Lake Trail, both of which are major travelways providing access to extensive areas of forage for livestock and scores of miles of trails for forest recreationists. About a quarter mile from the point at which the Franz Spring Trail branches off from the Cow Flat Trail, an old cabin stands as a testament to the area's long grazing history. Cowboys still take up residence here while they keep the herd grazing in this area. The shallow drainage that the trail cuts just before intersecting the WS Lake Trail has a name that also adds a bit of western ambience to the area. It is named Whoa Canyon for the steep gorge it becomes just a short distance downstream - a very good place to say, "Whoa".

The Franz Spring Trail traverses some of the higher country in the East Blue. There is even a stand of aspen near the point where it joins the WS Lake Trail. This trail adds a number of possibilities for loop hikes or shortcuts to just about any trip in this area, or it's worth a visit for its own merits.

The Franz Spring Trail continues into Bear Canyon in New Mexico after leaving Arizona and the Alpine District.

Notes: No mechanized vehicles (including mountain bikes) permitted in Primitive Area.

Trail Log:
0.0 Junction of Franz Spring Trail #43 and Cow Flat Trail #55.
0.2 Franz Spring on right, old cabin.
1.1 Springs and/or running water intermittently.
2.0 Junction with WS Lake Trail #54 and Bonanza Bill Trail #23.
3.0 New Mexico/Arizona state line, trail descends Bear Canyon to the east.