Hike Aspen Corner to Bismark Lake on the Arizona Trail

I started this hike at 7:00am. It was a perfect time of day. The sky was clear and the air was cool. I chose this section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail because I heard it passes through beautiful prairie and stands of Ponderosa Pine and Aspen trees. The trail did not disappoint!

I started at Aspen Corner. This trailhead is on SnowBowl road just before the ski resort. The altitude is 8800 feet but fortunately most of the trail is relatively flat. You walk a .3 mile long connector trail from the roadside parking. When you reach the Arizona Trail, turn right. The trail junctions are well marked. The trail continues through Aspen, open fields and pine trees. Words can't explain the feeling of hiking this type of countryside. It takes me to a special feeling I seldom feel these days when hiking. Maybe because I hike so much. But this scenery is new to me.

After about 3.5 miles you reach a trail junction with the Bismark Lake Trail. I opted to turn back here. The Arizona Trail continues to the north until you reach Utah. I would definitely hike this trail again as well as others like it in the area. Early morning is best to avoid the people and have a better chance of clear blue sky.