Jupiter Ridge Trail 640
Jupiter Ridge Trail 640 is a long-loop hiking route in Arizona’s Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, near Show Low in the White Mountains region. It’s a moderate-to-difficult hike when you choose the full loop, with the trail set up around two loops that can be combined for different day lengths.
Most parties do either the short loop (6.5 miles) or the long loop (13.5 miles). The long loop also brings substantially more climbing—about 1,000 ft total elevation change—while the short loop is closer to ~400 ft of gain.
From the trailhead area on Farnsworth Ranch Road near Pinedale, the route spends time in logged forest and transitions through vegetation types including pinon-juniper, pine-oak, and manzanita scrub. Expect a mostly unpaved single-track feel, with an exposed middle section on the ridge hill where sun and wind can be limiting.
Route-finding is a real part of the hike. The route uses blue-diamond markers; you’ll cross and intersect multiple roads and junctions, including places where an obvious turn can take you onto the other loop or a shortcut. Start by checking the map at the trailhead signpost, then commit to the loop choice you want before you move deeper.
A key landmark on the long loop is Juniper Ridge Lookout. The fire lookout is used during peak fire season, visitors are generally welcome, and the staff may refuse entry if it’s unusually busy; plan your timing around that and be ready for a guided/controlled feel rather than open-access.
On the long loop, there’s a sequence of junctions before and after the lookout connector—plus short dirt-road stretches you can easily miss turning off—so pay attention to marker placement when the trail walks along forest roads. For the return, you’ll re-find the shortcut turnoffs using the signed junctions and the blue-diamond numbering.
Because parts of the route are exposed and the marker-following depends on clear tread and visibility, give yourself extra margin in wet weather. Scout the route near road crossings and junctions before committing, and if the ground is slick, take extra care on the steeper, looser sections you may encounter along the corridor.
The long loop can take roughly 7 hours based on posted trip timing, while the short loop is closer to about 3 hours. If you’re chasing solitude, the route is described as having high solitude potential, but you should still expect other hikers at the lookout area during busy periods.
More information: Visitor information, Juniper Ridge Trail #640 - Arizona Hiking, Juniper Ridge Trail #640 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs