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LEROUX SPRINGS
Flagstaff
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| Old box at Big Leroux Spring |
There's big news at Big Leroux Spring. For the first time in more than a century, this important water source at the base of Flagstaff's San
Francisco Peaks has been freed from its 1930s-era concrete box. Well,
partially, anyway. Having been diverted and capped for municipal drinking water
for years, the spring box was reconfigured in June 2013 returning a portion of
the flow to the surface. This is the first step in the restoration of the
site's original wetland ecosystem and possible reintroduction of vanished
native plant and animal species. Located at the head of Flagstaff's Rio de Flag
watercourse, the sister springs of Big and Little Leroux have been an a
critical resource for Native Americans, explorers and homesteaders. Named for
Antoine Leroux, a prolific 19th century guide who assisted the Sitgreaves Expedition and the journeys of Lt . Edward
Beale (of Beale Wagon Road fame), ownership of the springs area has changed hands numerous times over the years. It's currently owned by the U.S. Forest Service and used for firefighter
operations and Hot Shot headquarters.
With the goal of restoring the site to a healthy,
self-sustaining riparian
environment, the woodlands around the springs have become an outdoor research
area where ongoing data collection will aid in future conservation plans. Restoration of the site is mostly a
volunteer effort and although water flow varies with the seasons, a visit to the
springs pays homage to the work of the Friends of the Rio de Flag, a local
advocacy group toiling to preserve the history and hydrology of Flagstaff's
watersheds.
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| Meadow near Little Leroux Spring |
LENGTH: 2.6
miles roundtrip
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 7520’ – 7600’
GETTING THERE:
From Flagstaff, travel north on US180 to Snowbowl Road (FR
516) at milepost 223.
Turn right and go 1 mile to where FR 516 makes an abrupt
right turn with an unmarked dirt road straight ahead. Park along this road in front of a gate which marks the
beginning of the hike.
HIKE DIRECTIONS:
From the trailhead, pass the gate using the wood stairs and
hike 0.3 mile to a fork. Go left
here and continue to a second fork where you'll turn right. At the third fork, go left for Big
Leroux or right for Little Leroux.
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| Rain gauge near Hot Shot headquarters |
INFO:
Friends of the Rio de Flag
Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience
MORE PHOTOS:
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