This is a steep, connector trail that serves as a shortcut between the Largo Trail (# 51) and the portion of the Sawmill Trail (# 39) that runs along the top of Telephone Ridge.
As with all Wilderness and Primitive Area trails, # 42 trail is open to hiking and horseback riding, but all types of motorized and mechanized travel are prohibited.
This trail has been used by Forest Service lookouts in a hurry to get from the Blue River Road to their lookout tower at the top of Bear Mountain. It effectively cuts one mile off the more frequently used route via Largo Trail and the WS Lake Trail (# 54) by making it possible for hikers to climb out of Largo Canyon and head up the mountain via the more direct Sawmill Trail.
In addition to proving useful to those who are in a hurry to get to the summit of Bear Mountain, this connector enables backcountry travelers to put together a loop hike via Largo, WS Lake, Sawmill, and Telephone Ridge trails that covers some very scenic country and takes you back to your car at the Largo/Lanphier Trailhead. Or if you're hiking in Largo Canyon and find yourself hoping for some big views of the surrounding area, Telephone Ridge is the place to go. The opposite holds true as well. If you're on the ridge and longing for a cool canyon with green trees and a clear running stream, you may want to use the Telephone Ridge Trail to drop down to Maple Spring in Largo Canyon. You can usually find running water there. This trail offers good views into the canyon while you're picking your way down the switchbacks, and you'll probably appreciate the opportunity to take a breather and enjoy them.
Trail Log:
0.0 Junction with Largo Trail (# 51)
0.3 Leave ponderosa pine forest, enter pinyon-juniper woodland
0.9 Junction with Sawmill Trail (# 39)
USGS Maps: Blue, Bear Mountain
At a Glance
Usage:
Light
Best Season:
April through November
Restrictions:
No mechanized vehicles (including mountain bikes) permitted in Primitive Area
