Springs Trail
State: Arizona
Location: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Length, One-Way: 3.8 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 7140 feet
Maximum Elevation: 7190 feet
Best Season: Spring to Fall
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy
Arizona Sunset
Trail Information
The Springs trail is perfect for the beginner trail user or even for the more advanced who are looking for a less strenuous loop. The Springs trail is on Forest Road 182, a short distance from Pinetop-Lakeside. It consists of 3.8 miles of trail with little change in elevation. During the rainy season the trail may become very muddy. Equestrians should think twice about riding this trail at these times because horses can do great damage to a muddy trail. The most distinctive and certainly an attractive part of the trail is where it crosses and parallels Thompson Creek. Areas in close proximity to streams and rivers, known as riparian habitat, harbor a great variety of interdependent plant and animal life. For that reason, they are extremely sensitive to human interference. Watch for signs of animals that are directly dependent on the creek as well as those that are attracted by ample food and cover.
If you’re looking to do a longer hike, take the Little Bear Connector to the Blue Ridge loop, or the Iron Horse Connector to the Country Club loop.
Directions
From Lakeside:
Take State Highway 260 towards McNary. Turn left on Bucksprings Road. Drive 0.6 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 182 (road to Sky Hi Retreat). Drive 1.1 miles to the trailhead on the left.
