Strayhorse Canyon Trail starts near Rose Peak Lookout and goes to the Blue River. It's 9.4 miles long and is rated as moderate. From April through December it sees light usage. You'll start out in the Ponderosa's and conifers, then as you go down the hill toward the Blue River, pinons and junipers will come to dominate the landscape. About 1/2 mile in from the trailhead you'll pass an old cabin used by the lookouts on Rose Peak 50 years ago. It's almost another mile to Strayhorse Spring and 6.6 miles past that to the junction with Lengthy Trail. Just east of the junction with Lengthy Trail you'll see the remains of the old Strayhorse Cabin. From there it's 1.4 miles to the trail's end at the Blue River. This lower section of the trail saw some exploratory mining years ago. The holes were never capped and if you listen carefully, you can hear the water still running in them down below.

Just past the information kiosk at the trailhead this trail enters the Blue Range Primitive Area so no motorized or mechanized vehicles (mountain bikes included) are allowed. Bring your own water or bring water treatments.

Elevation: 8,200'

Access: The trailhead is on the east side of US 191, 49 miles north of Clifton.

USGS Maps: Dutch Blue 326 NW, Rose Peak 325 NE