Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Largo Trail #51

The Largo Trail is a primary access route into the eastern Blue Range Primitive Area. The trail is 5.6 miles long (one way) and is rated as moderate to strenuous. It sees moderate traffic from April through November. The Largo Trail splits off from the Lanphier Trail about 1/2 mile from that trailhead and climbs out of that canyon toward the south. It reaches and then follows the ridge that separates Lanphier Canyon from Largo Canyon. The views are large and beautiful before the route drops down into Largo Canyon and heads to its end at the canyon rim.

Just after passing Maple Springs, the Telephone Ridge Trail splits off toward Sawmill Canyon and that trail's namesake ridge. The Largo Trail continues up the canyon criss-crossing the streambed until it heads steeply up the canyon's southern slope through a series of switchbacks. In an old-growth stand of Ponderosa, the trail splits again. The Little Blue Trail heads left on its way to meet the WS Lake Trail before heading into Bear Valley. The right fork is the Largo Trail, which goes steadily up for about 0.6 miles to meet the WS Trail at the foot of a series of switchbacks heading up to Bear Mountain Lookout.

There is reliable water at the Blue River and at Dutch Oven Spring. Sometimes there is water in the creek at Maple Springs. No motorized or mechanized vehicles (mountain bikes included) are allowed in the Blue Range Primitive Area.

Elevation: 5,600' to 7,840'

Access: Go 3 miles east of Alpine on US 180 to the Blue River Road (Forest Road 281). Turn south, go 23 miles to the Blue Range Administration Site. A trailhead there is marked for the Lanphier Trail, S Canyon Trail and Foote Creek Trail. The Largo Trail starts about 1/2 mile down the Lanphier Trail.

USGS Maps: Blue, Bear Mountain

Trail map