Upper Painted Bluff Trail

Upper Painted Bluff Trail (Painted Bluff Trail #13) is a long-distance out-and-back hike in Clifton/Morenci, Arizona in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Plan on a shorter turnaround of about 3.8 miles round trip, or extend to roughly 11.5 miles round trip depending on where you turn.

Expect a rocky tread with a few steep spots. Vegetation is sparse at lower elevations, and the route can get progressively overgrown in some sections as you move away from the start.

Early on, you pass through a stand of Arizona cypress near the beginning of the trail, and the route is known for rock formations and Painted Bluff landmarks. Some sections are described as feeling more enclosed later in the hike, so timing matters if you’re hiking in hot, exposed conditions.

Water and shade are limited: vegetation at lower elevations doesn’t provide much cover. Carry plenty of water and treat any natural water you find before drinking.

For access, get yourself to Highway 191 north of Clifton; the trailhead is on the west side. One common approach is to continue on Highway 191 north for about 19 miles, then locate the trailhead area at the west side; parking is described as limited along the highway at the nearby switchback.

Trail signs aren’t obvious right at the highway. They’re reported to start showing up after about 0.2 miles into the hike at the west end of an old quarry, so plan for a short unsigned stretch at the start.

Preparation: scout the first approach closely once you leave the road, and be ready for changing traction on the rocky/steep sections if conditions are wet—this route is described as having rocky footing and steep spots. Also don’t enter any tunnels or caves encountered along the way.

More information: Visitor information, Painted Bluff Trail #13, AZ | HikeArizona, Painted Bluff Trail #13, north of Morenci : r/arizona - Reddit