Ws Lake

No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.

Ws Lake is an 18.2-mile out-and-back trail located in Arizona. The route features 874 feet of elevation gain, making it a moderate hiking challenge suitable for those with solid endurance. The out-and-back format means hikers will experience the same scenery on both the approach and return, allowing for different perspectives depending on lighting and time of day. This trail offers a full day of hiking for most participants, with roughly 9 miles of travel before reaching the turnaround point at Ws Lake. The elevation gain is distributed throughout the hike rather than concentrated in a single section, creating a gradual difficulty progression. The relatively modest elevation gain compared to the total distance indicates a trail with rolling terrain and occasional climbs rather than steep ascents. The destination at Ws Lake provides a rewarding endpoint for the long approach, offering hikers a destination to reach and explore before retracing their steps. This trail is best suited for hikers with previous trail experience and good cardiovascular fitness due to the overall distance involved.