Arizona's White Mountains
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Elevation: 9,000 feet. |
Season: April through November, depending upon
weather. |
Use: Heavy from Memorial Day through Labor Day, moderate
at other times. |
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Length: 7.5 miles round trip. |
Difficulty: Moderate. |
Access: The trailhead is southeast of Big Lake, on
the south side of Forest Road 249E. |
Description: The trail begins in a meadow but soon plunges
into the forest, dominated by ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir trees. If you are
lucky, you will see elk and deer browsing along the edge of one of the several
meadows the trail passes through. The trail is wide and graveled, providing
good traction for bicycle tires and boots alike. After about a half mile, the
trail forks. The right fork continues on the main route, while the left fork
takes you to the Big Lake lookout tower.
The trail leading to the
tower is steep and not really suited to mountain bike use, so be prepared to
carry your bike if you bring it. The tower is staffed regularly through fire
season, which in this part of the world is May, June and July. You do not need
to be in the tower itself to enjoy the panoramic views. Excellent views are to
be had from the tower's steps or the rock knob the tower sits on. NEVER climb a
lookout tower when lightning is striking nearby and always ask the person on
duty if it is okay to come up.
Back on the main trail, you will soon
come to Spillman Springs, which is distinguished by a series of dugout logs.
The troughs have been in use since at least 1950 and are believed to have been
constructed by the Civilian Conversation Corps during the depression. The road
soon drops down and crosses Forest Road 24. Take care as you cross this road,
the 24 road can be busy at times. The trail soon merges with an old road,
passes Indian Springs, and gives way to an old railroad grade. This is the
remnant of the Apache Railway Company's Maverick Line, which transported logs
to the mill in McNary from the 1940's to the early 1970's. Here the trail opens
up to lush meadows bordered by trees. The railroad grade has a slight uphill
incline which is steady but not killer. The traction on this old cinder bed is
very good.
About 2.5 miles from Indian Springs you will come to the
spur trail that connects this trail to the West Fork Trail (#628). If you
choose this route, you will add another seven miles to your trip. If you find
yourself short on time or energy, continue on your way and ignore the turnoff.
In about another half mile, you leave the railroad bed and cut through a strip
of forested land before entering a long meadow. In the late spring and through
the summer, this meadow is bright with wildflowers of all sizes and hues. From
the meadow, the trail crosses the 249E road, where it rises and dips near a
rock ledge. On the other side of the ledge is Rainbow Campground, which is
connected to the trail by a spur trail which comes off of loop D. The main
trail soon crosses the 249E road again to finish up at the parking area.
Attractions and Considerations: This trail was designed for
hiking and mountain bicycling. To avoid user conflict, it is closed to
horseback riding and motorized vehicles. Please stay on the trail and avoid the
temptation to make your own shortcuts. The black rubber bars set across the
trail are water bars, designed to carry runoff away from the trail and prevent
erosion. they are safe to ride over on a mountain bike. It is recommended that
you begin the Indian Springs loop on the south side of the road, by the
register. This will greatly reduce possible conflict with other users and will
eliminate a climb between Spillman and Indian springs. Bring your own drinking
water, as water sources in the area are not treated. All roads to the trailhead
are suitable for passenger vehicles.
For more information, please feel free to contact
the USDA Forest Service, Springerville Ranger District at 520.333.4372 or you
may write us at 309 S. Mountain Avenue, Springerville, Arizona 85938
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