High Country Tour to Bismark Lake

This walk starts at Aspen Corner on Snowbowl Road. Follow the trail into the aspen glade, which shortly drops steeply into mixed conifer forest. As the trail descends, look for a signed intersection with the Arizona Trail (Aspen Corner to FR 418), where you'll turn right (north). A quick detour here straight ahead leads to a picturesque water tank that usually holds water and has a great view of the San Francisco Peaks.Once on the Arizona Trail, the path winds briefly through aspen trees before it breaks out to cross Hart Prairie. Outstanding views in all directions continue for miles as you alternate between meadows and aspen stands. When fall colors are blazing, the scenery is mind-blowing. After a few miles, there is a signed turnoff for Bismark Lake, which is the turnaround for this route. The lake itself is a bit underwhelming, but there is often wildlife around and the views of Humphreys Peak are great.