DESCRIPTION:

Heavily used T 19 threads through some of the most beautiful canyon scenery found in the White Mountain Wilderness.  The path follows South Fork Rio Bonito, the largest creek in the wilderness, for about four miles. Along its lower portion it passes through a large majestic meadow with scattered mixed conifers in an impressive box canyon. The path crosses the creek a dozen times with no bridges, except for the first two log crossings at the lower end. Caution must be exercised when making the crossings since they are usually wide and quite rocky; water may flow more than a foot deep.  Although gradients are mostly 10% or less along the first 3.6 miles, they become much steeper (up to 50%) with 30% to 40% being common along the last 2.4 miles of pathway.  Highlights of the forested upper section are large trees with diameters ranging from three to seven feet, and some more than 100 feet high!  Although canyon views are great, vistas become even better after mile 5.4 when the high mountain meadows are reached.