Bulldog Canyon

[Markos]

My wife and I took a trip through Bulldog Canyon today to see the wildflowers. I was suprised to find that it was more of a trail than a scenic road. I thought it was similar to four peaks, but there were some rocky sections. It was a fun short trip close to home!

Check out the flowers! Mexican Gold Poppies and Purple Lupine.

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[grateful]

How awesome!!! I want to go! Please tell me how to get there! What is this trail rated? Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing! :)

[Desertdawg]

Awesome pics! I was out there Saturday and it was unbelievably beautiful!

[Markos]

How awesome!!! I want to go! Please tell me how to get there! What is this trail rated? Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing! :)


grateful,

There are three entrances. The southern entrance is near McKellips & Idaho rd. Take brown to Idaho North. Turn right on McKellips. Turn left on Wolverine Pass rd. Right on Tonto St. Left on Cactus.

The other two entrances/exits are off Bush Hwy. You can get there off of 87, or take Power rd North until it turns into Bush Hwy.

FYI, you need to get a pass from the Mesa Ranger District on Higley and Ingrim. They are open M-F. The pass is free and they give you the gate code.

The trail is passable in a stock jeep. It was rockier than I expected, but pretty straight forward. The north end of the trail is pretty smooth. I only smacked something on my jeep once, and it's because I wasn't paying attention. I was paying more attention to the scenery than the trail. The road is easy enough that you don't have to put much thought into tire placement, except for a few areas.

Have fun!

Edit: Here is a good thread on the Canyon for reference:
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=30428

[Dragonfly]

Is that the same place you get to Willow springs?

[Desertdawg]

Is that the same place you get to Willow springs?

No Willow Springs is off the Apache trail about 5 miles west of Canyon Lake. It requires the same permit though.

[Maddutchman]

A reminder, you need a permit to get into Bulldog Canyon.

You can get it at:

Tonto National Forest
Ranger station
Mesa Ranger Station
5140 E. Ingram Street
Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone (480) 610-3300