Aspen Canyon Loop White Mountain Wilderness General Description: A 10.5-mile round-trip hike into the upper Bonito drainage of the White Mountain Wilderness Special Attractions: Views of Nogal Peak and White Horse Hill. Opportunities to see deer and elk. Net Elevation Gain: 2200 feet. Difficulty: Strenuous Estimated Hiking Time: 8 hours. Directions:Take USFS Road 107 off Hwy 37 toward Bonito Lake, approximately 8.5 miles to the trailhead located at the end of the road. The road is easily passable by car.

The hike starts on Big Bonito Trail (36) and climbs slowly up Bonito Creek. Less than 1/4 mile from the trailhead the trail passes a mine located on the south side of the stream bed. This mine is called the Bonita #1. The mine extends almost 55 feet into the hillside. Recent samples collected from the mine showed only trace amounts of silver.

About 3/4 mile farther up the trail the dilapidated head frame of the Silver Spoon Mine appears. The mine shaft is partially collapsed but is reported to be 150-feet deep. Recent samples collected near the mine entrance assayed at only 1.5 ounces of silver per ton of ore. Imagine the effort required to remove a ton of rock from this area for less than 2 ounces of silver. And you thought your job was tough!

Continue 1/3 mile past the Silver Spoon and the trail intersects with Little Bonito Trail (37). Follow Big Bonito Trail (36) as it turns southerly for another 3/4 mile to the intersection with Aspen Canyon Trail (35). Turn up Aspen Canyon on Trail 35. An excellent campsite is located at the Bonito Creek/Aspen Canyon junction. Aspen Canyon Trail (35) climbs steadily toward White Horse Hill over the next 2 1/2 miles. The upper reaches of this hike are through alpine meadows where opportunities"s to see elk or deer are excellent, especially early or late in the day-

Just beneath White Horse Hill, Aspen Canyon Trail (35) intersects with Crest Trail (25) and Three Rivers Trail (44). Turn west on Crest Trail (25) and begin the switchbacks down into upper Bonito Creek toward Bonito Seep. This seep flows during all but the driest seasons.

At Bonito Seep, turn back onto Big Bonito Trail (36) and continue down,the canyon bottom for approximately 5 miles back to the trailhead. Upon reaching the intersection with Aspen Canyon Trail (35) again, the remaining portion of the hike retraces the route from the beginning of the hike.

Water is usually always present in Bonito Creek and Aspen Canyon and fingerling trout can be seen in some of the larger pools. Both drainages have several good locations for campsites. The higher ground near White Horse Hill has an abundance of level ground for campsites, but water is restricted to the canyon bottoms and exposure to the elements can be a problem.

WHAT TO TAKE: Always take a minimum of two quarts of water, plus a poncho, sturdy shoes, hat and long-sleeved shirt, sunscreen, fire starter, waterproof matches, an insulating garment, some extra food, a compass and a map. Leave an itinerary with someone.