Wildbunch Trail #7

Wildbunch Trail #7 is a remote, hunter- and backcountry-hiker–used hiking line in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests near Morenci, Arizona. It’s a rocky route that climbs about 2,400 ft over roughly 11 miles one-way, with little infrastructure once you leave the road access.

Plan on a serious approach: the southern access runs off Forest Road 475 / Juan Miller Rd (signed FR 475 / Juan Miller Rd). Forest Road 475C drops into the Blue River canyon and after a Blue River crossing the hiking route branches off Forest Road 475C to the north.

The Blue River crossing is the key logistical constraint. When the river is high, expect a need for high-clearance 4WD to reach the trailhead area and fording may be necessary as part of the approach to the trail’s network connections.

As you start hiking, the character shifts from brushy vegetation at the lower start toward a more recognizable forest where Trail #7 joins the Horse Canyon Trail (#36). From there, the route is described as rising through rocky, untamed terrain and connecting onward with other backcountry trails in the Blue River country.

For long-distance hikers and through-travel, Trail #7 is commonly treated as part of the larger Grand Enchantment Trail linkage: the route eventually leaves Wildbunch Trail #7 at the Snare Canyon area and joins Horse Canyon Trail #36 heading north toward the higher Blue Range ridges.

Maintenance and wayfinding are not guaranteed. The trail is characterized as reconstructed and maintained to a limited extent, but it remains remote and little used, so navigation effort and careful routefinding matter—especially away from any obvious junctions or cairned tread.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, GET Guidebook Segment 16 - The Grand Enchantment Trail