West Fork (Lc)

West Fork (Lc) is an easy, out-and-back trail of about 10.7 miles in the Springerville Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in Arizona, managed by the Forest Service. The route runs from a low point of about 8,329 feet to a high of roughly 9,264 feet, so the climb is gentle, with only about 40 feet of elevation gain to the top. The trail is marked for bikes and horses on its natural surface, and it is not accessible. The most comfortable months for a visit are typically June through August, when typical averages from a nearby weather station at about 9,370 feet run from highs around 70°F with lows in the mid-40s to mid-40s. That station sits close to the trail's elevation, so expect similar conditions along the way. Winter is cold, with typical January highs near 42°F and lows around 11°F. The West Baldy trailhead parking area, listed as "West Baldy" in Forest Service records, is the trailhead for this route, and the trail is open year round. Winn campground is about a mile away, and the West Baldy and Mt Baldy Crossover hikes are both within about a mile and a half. For another night's stay, Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground is roughly 5 miles off.