Arizona · Hiking

Blue River

33.5 mi
round trip
2,193 ft
climb
5,131 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Blue River open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. It doesn't name Blue River, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Blue River is a 33.5-mile out-and-back hike in Arizona's Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, within the Alpine Ranger District. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is rated hard. It starts at the Blue River Trailhead - Lower (#101), with a total gain of 2,193 feet and a high point of 5,131 feet. The route is back-loaded, with the steepest stretch at about 8.5 miles and a grade of 8 percent. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Glenwood, New Mexico, show April highs around 74°F and October highs around 76°F, while July and August average highs near 91°F with about 10 wet days a month. The trail is open year-round, and parking is at the Blue River Trailhead - Lower (#101). Bikes and horses are allowed, and the trail is not accessible. Nearby, Grant Creek and Old Sawmill are hikes within a few miles. Strayhorse Campground is about 6.6 miles away, and Aker Lake Fishing Site is about 9.9 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Apr–May, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Blue River

    Best months: April–May and September–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      57° / 23°

      4 wet

    2. Feb

      61° / 26°

      4 wet

    3. Mar

      67° / 30°

      4 wet

    4. Apr

      74° / 34°

      2 wet

    5. May

      82° / 41°

      2 wet

    6. Jun

      91° / 50°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      91° / 58°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      89° / 57°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      85° / 50°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      76° / 39°

      3 wet

    11. Nov

      65° / 29°

      3 wet

    12. Dec

      57° / 23°

      4 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Glenwood, NM, 23.6 mi away at 4,725 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.