Monday, March 9, 2009
APACHE VISTA
BIG LAKE LOOKOUT
UPDATE:
This trail was impacted by the WallowFire on June 4, 2011.
This scenic spur route leaves the Indian Springs Trail at a signed junction located about a half-mile from the trailhead. Adding a heart-pumping extra mile to the loop hike described below, the short but steep trail leads to a 30-foot-tall, 1930s-era fire tower. Situated at 9,415 feet, the tower is anchored into a rocky outcropping high above the Big Lake recreation area. Forest rangers are on duty there from May through July and they’ll sometimes invite visitors up to visit. However, it’s not necessary to climb the lookout’s rickety metal stairs to enjoy excellent views.
LENGTH: 2 miles round-trip (if done as an out-an-back hike from the trailhead).
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION GAIN: 315 feet
GETTING THERE: see Indian Springs entry below
INDIAN SPRINGS LOOP
2012 UPDATE: Trail is open and hikers that report damage from the June 2011 Wallow Fire is not too bad. Peppered with remnants of mid-twentieth century logging and railroad operations, this forested loop hike is rich in discovery. Set in a peaceful high-country environment, the trail embarks on a journey through history. Sights along the way include depression-era water troughs, an old cinder-bed railroad grade, cattle guards and a colorful display of gigantic wild mushrooms. The mostly-level trail weaves among refreshing timberlands and fragrant meadows crossing forest roads three times until the loop comes full-circle back at the trailhead.
LENGTH: 7.5-mile loop
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION GAIN: 300 feet
GETTING THERE:
From downtown Eagar, go west on Highway 260 for roughly 3 miles to Highway 261. Turn left (south) on Highway 261 and continue for about 16 miles to Highway 273. Go left on Highway 272 and continue nearly 3 miles to Forest Road 249E. Turn right on FR-249E and drive approximately a third-of-a-mile to the trailhead on the left.
INFORMATION: fs.fed.us/r3/asnf (928) 333-4301
MAVERICK SPRING
GREEN MOUNTAIN
SEVENMILE GULCH
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