Photo by Mare Czinar

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Hovering above the town of Springerville in Arizona’s White Mountains, the Apache Vista Trail No. 617 showcases outstanding high-country scenery. Situated at 9,000 feet in elevation, the gentle path traipses through wide-open alpine meadows along the edge of a deep, forested canyon.

Cool summer temperatures and ample rain foster profuse growths of multi-colored wildflowers and towering old-growth conifers. It’s no accident that the trail has the word “vista” in its name. Expansive views of volcanic fields and river gorges that stretch all the way into New Mexico are this trail’s signature attraction.

Length: 5.2 miles round-trip
Rating: easy
Elevation gain: 50 feet
Getting there: From downtown Eagar, go west on Highway 260 for roughly 3 miles to the Highway
261 junction. From there, turn left (south) on Highway 261 and continue for 7.2 miles to the trailhead on the left.
Information: fs.fed.us/r3/asnf or 928-333-4372