Coffee Pot Canyon

Route Description

From the locked gate at about 7,300', start hiking southeast along Forest Trail 69, which is really a primitive road at this point. Continue on the trail through the scenic Coffee Pot Canyon. After about one mile, the trail turns right and starts switchbacking up to a ridge. About this time, you will pass by a trail sign saying that you have entered the Apache Kid Wilderness Area. Continue southeast up the ridge, where you will encounter a burned-out area along the ridge. The trail is faint at times, but was marked by pink ribbons in certain critical areas. There are also some trail signs along the way.

Continue up the trail as you bypass Points 8,996' and 9,000'. Once again, you'll pass through some burned-out areas. At about 9,560', you will reach the signed trail junction with Forest Trail 90. Turn left, and start heading up Forest Trail 90 directly towards West Blue Mountain. About a half mile later, you will hit another signed trail junction with the Maverick Trail 68. This trail turns right at the junction, and circles around to the other side of the mountain before heading down to Forest Road 76. Go straight ahead on Trail 90, which skirts the northeast face of West Blue Mountain. Soon after the junction, we encountered dense tree downfall. There was still snow up here, and the going quickly got tough. The trail had all but disappeared by this point. We then decided to turn right, and headed straight up the slope towards the summit only 150' above. But it was a long 150'. The downfall was bad up here, and our progress was slowed dramatically. However, the slope soon moderated, and the downfall thinned out somewhat. Make the final push to the forested summit, where there are no views. A rock cairn marks the summit.


Hiking Distance: About 15 miles round trip.
Elevation Gain: 3,500'.

Images

View Coffee Pot Canyon Image Gallery - 1 Images