This trail has only been partially surveyed at this time. Length and other trail data may be incorrect or missing. Please consult other resources before planning any trips based on this page.
The trail from the eastern terminus to North Bruno Tank is almost nonexistent in most places and cannot be found at all for long stretches. Unless you are very adventurous and skilled at navigating, it is currently recommended to approach via the Devil's Canyon Trail.
There is a trailhead sign at the western terminus at Bruno Tank which incorrectly identifies this trail as being a continuation of the Devil's Canyon Trail, which more recent Forest Service data and maps contradict.
This guide refers to both North Bruno Tank and Bruno Tank. These are two different locations.
Length: ~4.59 mi
Difficulty: moderate
Condition: moderate
The North Bruno Trail is accessible from three locations.
The eastern terminus is near the end of Forest Road 4818, accessed via Tex Canyon Road (FR 74). About 300 feet from the end of the road, (31.71789, -109.35935) there is an old road heading southwest towards an unnamed dirt tank. The junction of this old road is presumably the trailhead, and traces of trail can be followed from it for a short distance, but the full route has not been found from this end. There is no signage here. It is recommended to use an alternate approach unless you are in the exploring mood.
The Devil's Canyon Trail connects in from the north at a crossing of North Bruno Creek. (31.71191, -109.38402) There are no signs for either trail, and the eastern segment of the North Bruno Trail can be difficult to see at this spot, while the western segment crossing the creek is usually quite visible. To head east, stay on the north side of the creekbed and you should eventually pick it up as it goes up onto a slightly higher level.
The western terminus is near Bruno Tank, at a signed junction near the end of Bruno Canyon Road (FR 717). (31.70901, -109.41830) This road is not accessible by vehicles, but the South Bruno Trail also connects in a short distance to the southeast, at the turnaround loop at the end of the road. Note that the sign here identifies the North Bruno Trail as still being the Devil's Canyon Trail.
Bruno Canyon was originally called Brunner's Canyon.
This segment has not been completed at this time.
From the east side of North Bruno Tank (31.70775, -109.37461), the trail crosses the dirt dam downstream of the tank, then heads west. Over the next 500 feet, it curves gradually to the northwest to climb over a small saddle. (31.70789, -109.37689)
For 0.35 mile, the trail contours downhill in roughly the same direction, before swinging north (31.71030, -109.38162) and dropping more steeply towards the creek as it contours again to the northwest. After about 400 feet, you should begin picking up traces of old road—presumably constructed to build North Bruno Tank—then after 75 feet, another sharp swing to the north followed 90 feet later by a turn to the west-northwest. In another 200 feet, the trail crosses the creek (31.71177, -109.38277) and travels along its north side for the remaining 400 feet of the segment. The final approximately 80 feet are washed out and it can be difficult to see where to go from the opposite direction. The junction with the Devil's Canyon Trail lies here along the creekbed, (31.71191, -109.38402) that trail heading north and quite visible.
Heading away from the junction, the North Bruno Trail crosses the creek heading southwest, then shortly after swings west-southwest and parallels North Bruno Creek on its southern bank. After 0.13 mile, with the creek swinging south, the trail crosses to the opposite bank. (31.71124, -109.38595) A large, beautiful grassy meadow exists through here, the trail passing right through it, maintaining a roughly southwestern heading for another 0.22 mile before angling slightly towards the creek and dropping to another crossing 100 feet later. (31.71009, -109.38973)
The next crossing, in another 300 feet, can be more difficult to spot due to flood damage. (31.70967, -109.39058) Head northwest to the opposite bank, passing through a bit of an "island" in the middle, and you will pick it up again. Another 300 feet and the trail is somewhat washed away. (31.70930, -109.39132) Remain in the creek bottom or alongside it for 200 feet until the trail climbs back onto the northern bank. (31.70894, -109.39182)
A 0.29 mile segment ensues where the trail is easy to follow and remains above the creek heading west-northwest. It then drops down to the edge of the creekbed (31.71006, -109.39639) and travels alongside and in it for 250 feet before once again climbing the northern bank. (31.71017, -109.39719) The next creek crossing is almost a quarter mile later, (31.71133, -109.40075) but only about 300 feet pass before the trail returns to the north bank yet again. Very frequent crossings with the trail alternating back and forth or spending some time in the creekbed itself occur over the next 0.2 mile, until coming to a fence and gate across the creek. (31.71271, -109.40481) It may be easier to just stay in the creek until reaching the fence, unless the crossings make themselves obvious to you. The fence has been built across the original trail and the gate is in the creek, so you will have to make a brief bypass before returning to the bank.
From the fence, the trail cuts southwest while the creek makes a wider bend. Another four crossings occur over the next nearly half mile. Approaching the fifth crossing after the fence, it becomes briefly quite clear that the trail is following the remnants of an old road. It drops to the creek, where bedrock pools can sometimes hold water even while the rest of the creekbed is dry. (31.71305, -109.41191)
Last updated November 19, 2013.