Big Springs Environmental Study Area
Arizona's White Mountains
Access: Drive south through the Lakeside business district
on State Highway 260. Turn right at traffic light on Woodland Road and continue
about .6 miles. Parking is available on your left. Cross the foot bridge. The
trail to the right follows along the creek to the spring and then back to the
bridge above the meadow. For more information, please feel free to contact
the USDA Forest Service, Lakeside Ranger District at 928.368.5111 or you may
write us at 2022 W. White Mtn. Blvd., Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona 85935
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Attractions
and Considerations: Big Springs is a major source of crystal clear spring
water flowing into Rainbow Lake. The existence of fresh water shrimp in the
waters immediately surrounding the spring is an indication of the purity of the
water. There is evidence the spring area was used for Indian ceremonial
purposes as many Indian artifacts have been recovered from the mud and slime
surrounding the spring. The stream and the somewhat marshy area immediately
below the spring is an excellent nature study and birdwatching area, especially
for marsh and waterfowl birds. This area is under special use permit to the
Blue Ridge School District.