This 5.9 mile trail sees light traffic from May through October because it is rated as strenuous. It gets that rating because the trail crosses several ridges (and the drainages in between) as it steadily descends to the bottom of KP Creek Canyon. Along the way you'll get some of the best views the Blue Primitive Area has to offer. The trail passes about 100 yards below the summit of Blue Mountain near the Blue Lookout Tower so you might consider taking that short spur, just to have a look and see what's on the other side...

The trail heads east from Blue Peak along the Mogollon Rim before dropping down below Indian Mountain and cutting across several feeders of McKittrick Creek. Next you'll come to Sawed Off Mountain and cross a saddle on its northwestern shoulder before heading down into KP Creek Canyon.

Because this is Primitive Area, all travel is by foot and horseback only, no motorized or mechanized vehicles (including mountain bikes) are allowed.

Elevation: Between 6,560' and 9,266'

Access: From Alpine, go south 29 miles on US 191 to the Blue Lookout Road (Forest Road 84). Turn east, pass the "Dead End" sign and go 6.5 miles to a parking area and road closure in an open flat. Follow the closed road another 0.5 miles to where the McKittrick Trail cuts off.

USGS Maps: Strayhorse

Trail map