This 4.5 mile long trail is rated as moderate to strenuous and sees light use from May through October. Most folks start this trail at the bottom: beside the Blue River. Heading up through several switchbacks, the trail will reach the canyon rim and then goes up into the rocky high ground of the divide between Cow Creek and Steeple Creek. The spectacular views to the west are of Blue River Canyon and the Blue Range. The trail was originally built for moving cattle and spring and fall still see that kind of traffic. Hinkle Springs is a reliable water source near the trail junction with the Bonanza Bill Trail in the Ponderosa's near the canyon rim.

Primitive Area: no motorized or mechanized vehicles (including mountain bikes) allowed.

Elevation: 5,700' to 7,220'

Access: 3.5 miles east of Alpine on US 180, turn onto Forest Road 281 (Blue River Road) and go south for 21.3 miles to the Hinkle Springs Trailhead on the east side of the road.

USGS Maps: Blue