Blue Grade Road

4.2/5 (9 reviews)
In 1864, President Lincoln tasked Lieutenant Colonel J. Francis Chavez to escort the new territorial governor of Arizona from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Prescott, Arizona. Unfortunately, there was no road between the two cities. One major obstacle was the descent off Arizona's Mogollon Rim into the ...Read More
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Highlights of Blue Grade Road

Camping Category IconCamping
Desert Category IconDesert
Forest Category IconForest
Rock Category IconRock
Highest Elevation
5468 ft
Shape of Trail
Straight Through
Typically Open
Year Round
Best Direction
N/A
Official Trail Name
689
Nearest Town
Camp Verde
Nearest Services
Camp Verde
Management Agency
Coconino National Forest
District
Red Rock Ranger Station

Overview

In 1864, President Lincoln tasked Lieutenant Colonel J. Francis Chavez to escort the new territorial governor of Arizona from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Prescott, Arizona. Unfortunately, there was no road between the two cities. One major obstacle was the descent off Arizona's Mogollon Rim into the Verde Valley. Chavez's navigation skills led to a stage route and thus was born the path of the Blue Grade Road. Today's hearty traveler can exit the interstate and climb the scenic Blue Grade in far more comfort than those who once negotiated the rocky passage in a rickety stagecoach. With excellent views along the way, the road leads you up from the lush Wet Beaver Creek area into a pine and juniper forest. Located in the Coconino National Forest, be on the lookout for elk, deer, bear, and wild turkeys. And yes, this is also cattle country, so watch out for cows on the road as well as where you step.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Guide Overview
10 Waypoints
32 Trail Photos
2 Trail Concerns
9 Community Reviews
1 Video
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