THREE RIVERS CANYON LOOP Rugged Beauty Awaits General Description: A 12-mile round-trip hike into the rugged southwestern part of the White Mountain Wilderness Area. Special Attractions: Running streams, alpine meadows. Views of towering rock cliffs. Net Elevation Gain: 3,600 feet. Difficulty: Very Strenuous. Estimated Hiking Time: 9.5 hours.

The Three Rivers Canyon Loop offers the arduous hiker some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the White Mountain Wilderness Area. A hiking distance of 12 miles and a 3,600 feet elevation gain combine to isolate this area from the many visitors to the Three Rivers Campground.

The hike begins at the Three Rivers Trailhead located on the east side of the Three Rivers Campground. The route climbs up Three Rivers Canyon, loops past White Horse Hill on the Crest Trail and then descends Dry Canyon back to the trailhead.

To reach the trailhead, take U.S. Highway 54 north out of Tularosa approximately 16 miles to the intersection with Forest Road 579. Turn right (east) onto Road 579 and proceed another 14 miles to the Three Rivers Campground. The first five miles of Road 579 are paved with the remainder consisting of improved gravel. The route is easily traveled by car. Proceed through the campground to an oval parking area located at the trailhead. Free parking is available in this area.

The hike begins on Three Rivers Trail (44) on the south side of the small stream issuing from Three Rivers Canyon. The trail quickly crosses over to the north side of the stream and begins gently climbing up the canyon. Be extremely careful crossing the stream on this hike as rock-hopping is required to prevent getting your feet wet. If a rock looks even remotely damp it is probably slick as ice due to algae and other slimy growth. So, if you don't want to find yourself lying flat on your back in the middle of the stream, beware of the wet rocks.

The intersection with Dry Canyon Trail (46) is reached after hiking 3/4 mile. A sign marks the intersection. The return hike will be along this trail.

Proceed another 3/4 mile and the Three Rivers Trail crosses the stream back to the south bank. The character of the canyon now begins to change drastically. The trail crosses over into a geologic unit called the Three Rivers Stock. The resistant igneous rocks of this Stock form huge rock pinnacles and towering cliffs.

The trail meanders back and forth across the creek over the next 1.5 miles to the confluence with South Fork. About 1/4 mile past Fall Creek, a jumble of large boulders is present along the trail at the base of a large cliff. A natural shelter has been created in the voids of the boulders that is capable of accomodating a large number of people should a rainstorm pop up.

A large percentage of the surface water flowing in Three Rivers Canyon issues from South Fork. As a result, the flow in the main canyon diminishes greatly above this confluence. A hike with a moderate difficulty level can be created by choosing this location as a turnaround point. The hike would be reduced to 6.5 miles, a 1,750-feet elevation gain and an estimated hiking time of 5 hours.

The Three Rivers Trail begins to steepen above South Fork. It climbs steadily through aspens, limber pines and Douglas firs. This area of the canyon is very pristine and shows few signs of human use. A few small terraces along the creek that would make good camping locations don't appear to have ever been used. By practicing 'Leave No Trace' techniques we can preserve not only the pristine nature of this area but help heal the scars of overused areas.

Approximately 1.5 miles above South Fork, the trail emerges from the timbered canyon bottom at the base of a large meadow that extends up the mountainside. The trail begins a series of long, gentle switchbacks that ultimately emerge at Crest Trail (25) on the Sacramento drainage divide. A few attempts to bypass the switchbacks have resulted in some unnecessary erosion. The switchbacks turn what would otherwise be an almost unbearable climb into a relatively easy section of trail. Besides, this portion of the trail offers some beautiful panaramic views of alpine meadows, aspen groves and the sheer ruggedness of the entire canyon. Take your time and enjoy the view that has unfolded before your eyes.

The trail has also passed out of the Three Rivers Stock and into the Walker Andesite which is comprised mostly of volcanic lava and ash flows. The rocks along the remainder of the hike belong to the Walker Andesite.

Trail (31) is shown on the USFS topo map to cross over the ridge from Three Rivers Canyon to Dry Canyon. This trail seems like it would make a great shortcut into Dry Canyon. The bad news is that the trail does not exist anymore. Only a rough, cross-country hike exists now.

At the intersection with Crest Trail (25), continue the hike by taking the Crest Trail northwest around White Horse Hill and then switchbacking down the slope toward Bonito Seep. By the way, Bonito Seep isn't seeping this year. About 1/3 mile past Bonito Seep the Crest Trail emerges back on the divide at the intersection with Goat Canyon Trail (47) and Dry Canyon Trail (46).

Follow the Dry Canyon Trail to the ridge separating Dry and Goat Canyons as shown on the USFS topo map. Upon reaching the ridge, the Dry Canyon Trail turns west and briefly follows the ridgetop for around 100 yards. At this point the trail switchbacks and begins descending into Dry Canyon. The switchback is almost impossible to see as this area partially burned years ago and consequently has a large number of downed trees which have effectively obliterated parts of the trail. However, the trail does generally follow the route shown on the USFS topo map down into Dry Canyon and is easier to recognize further down the slope.

Once the Dry Canyon Trail reaches the canyon bottom, it follows the dry stream bed for approximately two miles to the intersection with Three Rivers Trail (44). In contrast to the upper switchbacks, this section of the trail is well maintained and easy to follow.

Follow Three Rivers Trail (44) west for about a mile back to the trailhead to conclude the hike.

Camping locations are abundant along the lower section of Three Rivers Canyon but generally see heavy use. The middle part of the canyon has 3-4 potential campsites per mile. A great campsite for larger groups is present at the confluence of South Fork and Three Rivers. All of these locations have abundant water available in the streams. Other marginal sites are present along the divide and in Dry Canyon, but a lack of water presents another problem.