Blue Jay Ridge Trail #314 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Sep 01 2024
		ShatteredArm • Triplogs 356

Hiking	6.80 Miles	1,824 AEG

Hiking	6.80 Miles	2 Hrs 56 Mns	2.32 mph
	1,824 ft AEG

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Decided I had to get out of town at some point during the holiday weekend, despite having just come back down from an extended stay in the White Mountains... Originally planned on camping out on West Peak, but was too lazy to load up my basic camping gear, so just did the whole 4-hour-each-way day trip thing.

The drive in was definitely part of the fun. Not a lot of people back there despite being a holiday weekend, and Tripp Canyon Road is fun. Got to the lower TH right at around 9am.

Temperatures were pleasant the whole way. At one point I thought it might rain, but the cloud cover turned out to be short-lived. Trail was easier to follow than I expected, with a few overgrown sections mostly in the northern reaches. There was one really confusing spot along the ridge where the tread is gone for about 10 feet, but it didn't take too much poking around to figure out where it resumes. Some cool looking mushrooms out there too; some varieties I never saw in the White Mountains.

On the way back, I started down towards the plane wreck, but quickly decided that I would need a better map than the one in my head to find it. It was also quite a bit brushier on that side of the mountain, and I had little tolerance for brush at that point.

The jog down the road was pleasant enough. Only one of the campsites up there appeared to be occupied.

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Sep 27 2023

Mike_W

Guides 104
Routes 256
Photos 16,118
Triplogs 528

53 male

Joined Dec 30 2005
Tucson, AZ

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Sep 27 2023
		Mike_W • Triplogs 528

Hiking	7.60 Miles	2,103 AEG

Hiking	7.60 Miles	5 Hrs	1.52 mph
	2,103 ft AEG

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Stats are for the entire loop, summiting a total of 5 peaks in this order:

1. West peak (8684) - was mostly road to get here, except for the final few hundred feet. There was a fire lookout tower at the top, and a sign indicating the peak name and elevation. The topo map shows a dashed line (trail) going East from the peak and connecting to the "pack trail", but I did not see a trail. I ended up doing an open country/bushwhack to get down to the pack trail, which is a road at this location.
2. Bluejay peak (8840) - Getting to this peak was a bushwhack. I believe I needed to step over a barbed wire fence. After getting to the top, I decided to walk North along the ridge instead of dropping hundreds of feet to get to what may or may not have been a trail.
3. Peak 8681 - only 81 feet of prominence. This was an open country hike + light bushwhack from the saddle North of Bluejay peak (8840). Quite easy to get to. Saw some hedgehog cactus near the top. Nice views of Bluejay peak (8840) when looking South.
4. Bluejay Benchmark (North) (8529) - also had a US Survey marker specifying "Bluejay" with a date of 1943. Why are there 2 peaks of the same name so close to one another? Anyway, this was a very enjoyable route with some tricky navigation and simple rock hopping. I found a rock pile at the summit but no registry so I left a registry here, a glass jar placed in the rock pile. After this summit, I went back to the Bluejay ridge trail and was able to follow it for a while. The trail was extremely overgrown and a bit hard to follow.
5. Peak 8035 - only a few minutes from the trail, or pieces of trails. Quite easy to do since I was already there. From here, there were pieces of trails leading down the ridgeline. I eventually made it down to a saddle and saw a sign saying Bluejay Ridge trail 2 miles to Turkey Spring. The sign looked 50+ years old and the trail heading South was again very overgrown and washed out in some places. When in doubt, I just kept going straight. There were several times when I had to plow through gamble oak bushes to see the trail continue on the other side. This trail is in severe need of maintenance. This trail would be much more enjoyable if it was maintained more often. On the way back to Turkey Spring, I found the areas in the pines to be more enjoyable. In these areas, there was not a lot of brush in the way.

Total distance = 7.62 miles
AEG = 2,103 feet
Strava moving time = 4 hrs 10 mins
Strava elapsed time = 5 hrs 56 mins

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Silverleaf Oak

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Michael Williams
IT Professional
Rocky Point Vacation Rentals
Ocean Front Condo in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico
www.beachfrontmexico.us

Jun 26 2021

nonot

Guides 107
Routes 249
Photos 2,067
Triplogs 514

male

Joined Nov 18 2005
Phoenix, AZ

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Jun 26 2021
		nonot • Triplogs 514

Hiking	7.60 Miles	2,271 AEG

Hiking	7.60 Miles
	2,271 ft AEG

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Trail is getting eroded and in spots is very overgrown with oak on the northeastern leg of the loop. The West Peak lookout tower is closed to public access but you can walk to the base of it.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

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3 archives

May 26 2018

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 840
Photos 22,055
Triplogs 1,993

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		May 26 2018
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	7.27 Miles	2,334 AEG

Hiking	7.27 Miles	3 Hrs 16 Mns	2.26 mph
	2,334 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

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BiFrost

John9L

With reports of the entire state being closed being greatly exaggerated, we opted for a quick overnight in the mountains with some good hiking, no crowds, and no holiday traffic. This loop fit perfectly into those requirements.

We arrived after noon and set up camp before beginning the hike, heading to Blue Jay first and then down the ridgeline in a ccw loop. The mile climb up the road wasn't as bad as I had told myself it would be, and the reward views from the West Peak lookout followed immediately by a cold beer back at camp made the road walk a distant memory.

This place doesn't seem to get much hiking traffic, and I'm ok with that! The trail is in pretty good condition.

It was surprisingly overcast and breezy with some occasional very strong gusts.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Trail Signs and Markings

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Blue Jay Peak West Peak West Peak Fire Lookout

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I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

May 26 2018

BiFrost

Guides 4
Routes 491
Photos 10,890
Triplogs 1,257

55 male

Joined Nov 20 2012
Phoenix, AZ

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		May 26 2018
		BiFrost • Triplogs 1,257

Hiking	7.27 Miles	2,334 AEG

Hiking	7.27 Miles	3 Hrs 16 Mns	2.26 mph
	2,334 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

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chumley

John9L

Nice loop over Blue Jay Peak and then out Blue Jay Ridge Trail. The ridge was a fun hike with excellent views most of the way and some aspens mixed in. We then hiked some road and hit West Peak/tower on the way back to our car camp for the night.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Point

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Aug 27 2017

SkyIslander18

Guides 4
Photos 4,732
Triplogs 2,607

55 male

Joined Sep 29 2004
Small Town USA

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Aug 27 2017
		SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,607

Hiking	8.75 Miles	2,375 AEG

Hiking	8.75 Miles
	2,375 ft AEG

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Pinaleno Mountains - GET #10

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PrestonSands

FINALLY!
Definition: after a long time, typically involving difficulty or delay.

After talking with Preston for years now about hiking Blue Jay, we finally got it done!
Preston picked me up in Safford and together we took off up Tripp Canyon road to the Pinaleno's west side.
With this mountain range being my backyard wonderland and love, I really don't know why I haven't been up this side in well over a decade. I was just blown away with the scenery on the drive up including Bear Springs Flat down low and the road's beauty going up high. There is so much along the way I never knew about.

We arrived and parked at the Turkey Spring trailhead under the lush forest. We chose to do the loop counter clockwise which IMO is the way to do this one. Up the steep & rocky road we headed :next:

side trip up to West Peak and the lookout tower at 8670 elev :next:

back down and around the south side :next:

then looped Blue Jay peak :next:

back down to Turkey Spring on the north side.

I loved every second & step of this hike!
West Peak, the lookout tower, the views over to the east side range, Taylor Pass (next trip for sure), expansive views down to the north & east, Blue Jay Peak, the mossy green north side forest, ferns, ferns & ferns throughout, endless amounts of summer flowers & butterflies and a lot more that I would just end up rambling about.

The drive back home down Tripp Canyon road was the cherry on top with an amazing sunset/storm scene back at Bear Springs that I won't soon forget.

Blue Jay was well worth the wait, the long wait won't happen again. The eastern range will Always be my heart, but right now she needs time to recover ..... I shall return to West Peak and continue to explore all it has.

I rarely use this word, but on this day with this good friend and on this trail ..... Epic!

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Moderate throughout - Substantial in places.

	Turkey Spring	Dry	Dry
	Did not see water, but ground was wet.

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1 archive

Aug 27 2017

PrestonSands

Guides 170
Routes 148
Photos 5,914
Triplogs 2,097

48 male

Joined Apr 12 2004
Tucson, AZ

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Aug 27 2017
		PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097

Hiking	8.75 Miles	2,375 AEG

Hiking	8.75 Miles
	2,375 ft AEG

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Pinaleno Mountains - GET #10

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SkyIslander18

After talking about it for years, Chad and I finally made the long dirt road trek out to West Peak for the Blue Jay Ridge Loop, with some photo stops along the way. Tripp Canyon Road was in great condition across the flats and mesas, and has been improved going up to West Peak. We parked at Turkey Spring switchback, where the road turns steep, and started hiking up the road. The sun was hot and we were thrilled to have a strong breeze greet us as we made West Peak. Chad and I cooled off in the shade on top and then began our walk through the mountain top garden that is Blue Jay. Waist high ferns and a scattering of wildflowers covered the slopes in between stands of pines spared from wildfire decades ago. The main mass of the Pinalenos loomed large to the south, and we could plainly see some of the areas with crown fire damage. The Pinalenos are still beautiful though. I was reading the map wrong, and we blew well past the ideal turnoff for summitting Blue Jay Peak. There wasn't enough time to back track, so the summit would have to wait until next time. A big rock promontory on the east side of the ridge provided us an amazing view of the Pima-Safford area, and an angry thunderstorm parked across the valley. We passed a family of hikers once the road transitioned into trail, and began a long descent on Blue Jay's north ridge. The hairpin turn into Sawmill Canyon's bowl brought a return of the heat from lack of wind, and overgrowth of oak brush along the trail. The last couple of miles contouring across the steep, forested slopes was longer than I remembered, but just as beautiful and green. Deep green grass and clover covered the impossibility steep slopes on the last mile to Turkey Spring. Back at the trailhead, we took a much needed hydration break on the tailgate before voyaging back down the road. Storms and setting sun aligned perfectly on the drive across the mesas to give us some great photos over the badland canyons below. A great day of adventure, Mr. C!

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

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"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan

Jul 11 2015

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 840
Photos 22,055
Triplogs 1,993

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Jul 11 2015
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	7.02 Miles	2,320 AEG

Hiking	7.02 Miles	3 Hrs 41 Mns	2.37 mph
	2,320 ft AEG	43 Mns Break

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[ checklist ] Blue Jay Ridge Sulphur Springs Valley West Peak West Peak Fire Lookout

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	BobP	BrunoP
	sbkelley

Scott had this peak in his sights. I think it's pretty high up on Arizona's prominence list. I had been up on West Peak earlier this summer and was very interested in a return trip. Somehow we roped Bob in on it too. Instead of making it a long day trip, we decided to head out on Friday afternoon and spend a night camping ahead of the loop and peak.

The weather was magical ... and at times, downright cold. Stuff I love in mid-July! :y:

We spotted the biggest turkey I've ever seen, followed shortly thereafter by a very healthy black bear. Both nice sightings! Friday's sunset was spectacular, and we enjoyed the views from the West Peak Lookout tower. Saturday we hiked down the road to the 314 trail and followed it the 2 miles out to the end of the ridge. This part of the trail was very recently maintained and in pristine condition.

From there, the trail climbs very steeply and relentlessly switchbacks through some overgrown oak, but the trail cut is easy to find and follow. The trail drops down to the end of the road, which circles the peak about 500 feet below the summit. You can follow the road back to your car, or if you want to bag the peak as we did, it's a steep off-trail scramble. Pick your route and claw your way to the summit.

It took us several minutes to find the register, but it was well represented with many of the usual names. As we were enjoying a break on the peak, it became apparent that a storm was quickly developing and heading our way. We cut our break a few minutes short and huge drops of rain began to pelt us on our way back down to the road. The shower passed quickly and we were back at camp a few minutes later.

This is a beautiful area to visit, and I'll be back for sure.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Black Bear

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark Intrepid Back Shot

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Crepuscular rays Cumulonimbus Rainbow Thunderhead

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I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

Jul 11 2015

sbkelley

Guides 6
Routes 13
Photos 1,377
Triplogs 184

41 male

Joined Mar 29 2007
Reno, NV

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Jul 11 2015
		sbkelley • Triplogs 184

Hiking	7.02 Miles	2,320 AEG

Hiking	7.02 Miles	3 Hrs 41 Mns	2.37 mph
	2,320 ft AEG	43 Mns Break

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	BobP	BrunoP
	chumley

It's always a blast checking out new areas in this state, and this mountain is a good reminder to continue doing that. For starters, the campsite was beyond spectacular. We had a great time watching the storms in the distance mixed with the setting sun while having a brew atop West Peak, then a nice campfire to wind down the night.

Woke to clouds rolling over the ridgetop, and headed out on our loop. Though the stats are modest, they pack quite a wallop as flat ground is rarely found, and well worth the effort. The trail leaving the main road was in good condition for a bit before fading out a bit in the brush, though the track was never hard to find. Steep climb after steep climb put us beneath Blue Jay's top, and it was one more steep push to the summit. Dark clouds didn't let us linger long, but the views on this mountain are absolutely ridiculous in every direction. Rincon and Bruno had a good time and were worn out by day's end: success!

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Blue Jay Peak Mount Graham

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Rainbow

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Jul 11 2015

BobP

Guides 2
Routes 251
Photos 4,593
Triplogs 3,212

63 male

Joined Feb 26 2008
Scottsdale, AZ

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Jul 11 2015
		BobP • Triplogs 3,212

Hiking	7.02 Miles	2,320 AEG

Hiking	7.02 Miles	3 Hrs 41 Mns	2.37 mph
	2,320 ft AEG	43 Mns Break

no routes

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