WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE LOOP TRAIL

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE LOOP TRAIL

Aspens and pines around Willow Springs Lake

Although it’s best known as one of the best mountain bike trails on the Mogollon Rim, the Willow Springs Lake Trail also provides an invigorating trek for those who prefer to hoof-it. Located 30 miles east of Payson with easy to find trailheads along State Route 260, the route is made up of closed double-track dirt roads and lakeside footpaths that ramble through ponderosa pine forests and boggy backwaters above the spring-fed fishing hole.  Blue diamond tree blazes and generic bike signs mark the way. 

Willow Springs Lake

Some turns are easy-to-miss, so be sure to spot the next marker at each junction.

The loop swings through prime wildlife habitat where there’s always a good chance of spotting deer, elk and waterfowl during the hike. Black bears also inhabit the pine-aspen woodlands but are much more elusive.

Hikers take a break at the lake

Where the forest is thickest, you’ll notice orange and blue bands on some pine trees. These markings indicate areas prepped for thinning projects that will improve forest health, biodiversity and wildlife environments while reducing the chance of catastrophic wildfires.   Near the half-way mark, the route passes several shallow ponds and marsh areas before meeting the shores of the lake.

Members of Arizona Hiking Group gather at a junction

Slabs of limestone that line the 150-acre lake serve as convenient seating to take a break and watch for ospreys gliding above and diving for trout. The trail parallels the water for about a quarter-mile before it turns uphill and heads back into the forest.

A Great Blue Heron hunts for trout

The return leg of the loop climbs up along a shaded ridge where bright blue Western daylilies and brilliant red paintbrush flowers blossom in the cool sheets of spring water that cascade over the trail and into the lake below.

Leafybract aster late summer bloomer

LENGTH: 7.9 miles

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 7600’ – 7300’

GETTING THERE:

Horse Trap Trailhead:

From the AZ87/260 junction in Payson, go 31 miles east on AZ260 to the Horse Trap trailhead on the left between mileposts 284 and 285 (across from Young-Heber Road). Follow the short access path and head right at the first junction.

Horse Trap trailhead

Larson Ridge Trailhead:

From the State Route 87/260 junction in Payson, go right (east) on SR 260 to Larson Ridge Road (Forest Road 237). Turn left on FR237 and continue a short distance to the parking area with restroom on the left just south of Forest Road 237A. The trail starts a few yards up the road from the parking area at an unmarked gate on the left.

INFO: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/asnf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=62791&actid=50

SARDINE TRAIL

SARDINE TRAIL #536

Apache Sitgreaves National Forest

Ponderosa pines shade the trail

Sardine Trail #536 is an unsung hero within the Willow Springs Lake area trail system. Over its 2.5-mile length, it acts as a recreational super highway connecting the popular 7.6-mile Willow Springs Bike Loop with campsites and myriad routes debarking from four trailheads around Willow Springs Lake.

A cove on Willow Springs lake

This shaded route is mostly used as a transit corridor by mountain bikers linking loop trail hubs and by anglers toting poles to the lake's secluded coves. Well-marked by bright orange diamonds, the trail roughly parallels State Route 260.

Summer scene

Although mild traffic noise is ever present, the fact that this path stays close to heavily traveled roads is a comfort to those looking to experience the woodlands and water of the Sitgreaves National Forest without wandering too far from civilization.

A footbridge spans a drainage near the lake

One way to explore the virtues of this trail is to begin at the Willow Springs trailhead. From the parking area, cross FR 149 and pick up the trail heading east toward the lake. The hike twists though classic Ponderosa pine forests with glimpses of water peeking through the trees. The trail makes many goose neck turns that can be confusing so be sure to spot the next orange blaze before moving on. Don't let the minor route-finding, towering green canopies and mountain breezes distract you from noticing the overhead display of ospreys gliding on air currents and brilliant blue Stellar's jays squawking in the treetops. The trail's special feature is two rustic footbridges that span drainages where moisture loving wildflowers run amok among an understory of ferns and fragrant patches of clover.

Mountain parsley blooms along the trail

Beyond the first bridge, an optional short walk along fisherman's paths leads to a cattail-choked finger cove surrounded by limestone ledges. At the 2-mile point, the trail meets the junction for the 7.6-mile Bike Loop and the Horse Trap Trailhead. Tack on the Loop for an 11.6-mile round trip hike or return the way you came to conclude an easy 4-mile walk in the forest.

LENGTH: 4 miles or 11.6 miles (as described here)

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 7,045' - 7,623' (7,700' with bike loop)

GETTING THERE:

Willow Springs Trailhead:

From the State Route 87/260 junction in Payson, go 29.6 miles east on AZ260 to FR 149 near milepost 283, turn left and continue 0.4 mile to the trailhead on the left. Roads are paved.

ADDITIONAL TRAILHEADS:

Rim Top Trailhead:

From the State Route 87/260 junction in Payson, go east (right) on SR260 to FR300 (Rim Road) located across from the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center and signed for Woods Canyon Lake. Turn left on FR 300 and continue 0.25-mile to the Rim Top trailhead on the right. The hike begins behind the big General Crook Trail sign near the restrooms.

"Footbridge" Trailhead: 

From the State Route 87/260 junction in Payson, go 30.2 miles east on AZ260 to just before milepost 284 and FR148, turn left into the dirt lot marked by a "day use only" sign and a stone wall.

Horse Trap Trailhead:

From the AZ87/260 junction in Payson, go 31 miles east on AZ260 to the Horse Trap trailhead on the left between mileposts 284 and 285 (across from Young-Heber Road).

INFO:

Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest 928-535-7300

http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/regions/southwestern/RimLakes/

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10202914347498434.1073742025.1795269672&type=1&l=a017e6b22f

SARDINE "FOOTBRIDGE" TRAILHEAD

SARDINE TRAIL ACCESS

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Footbridge at the trailhead

For years, I have driven past this no-name dirt lot on State Route 260 halfway between Payson and Heber, never bothering to stop and find out why all the cars were parked there. Turns out, it's an access point for the 2.5-mile Sardine Trail #536 and a finger cove of Willow Springs Lake. Although it's employed mostly by fishermen; hikers and bikers also use this as an alternate trailhead. Hike or ride less than a mile east to join up with the 7.6-mile Willow Springs Bike Loop, or go 2.2 miles west to Sinkhole Campground and access to Rim Lakes area trails. Or, for a short walk, hike a few yards down to the footbridge and follow the path-of-use 0.2-mile to the lake. It's a handy spot to know about.

GETTING THERE:

 From the State Route 87/260 junction in Payson, go 30.2 miles east on AZ260 to just before milepost 284 and FR148, turn left into the dirt lot marked by a "day use only" sign and a stone wall.

WILLOW SPRINGS CANYON

WILLOW SPRINGS CANYON

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Willow Springs Canyon

Popular with hikers, bikers and anglers alike, the trails around Willow Springs Lake provide both access to the water and miles of pine-shaded solitude on the Mogollon Rim. For many outdoor enthusiasts, a trip around 7.6-mile Bike Loop #534 serves as an inaugural exposure to the area.  This trek begins on that trail, but then drops into the canyon behind the dam at the north end of the lake. From the Horse Trap trailhead, hike 0.2 mile to the first signed junction, head right and continue to a fork.  Here, the bike trail veers right while an old road heads left toward the lake.  We went left and   hiked to the dam on the fisherman trails along the water's edge, however, the bike trail will get you there as well in about the same distance. Once at the dam, make an easy scramble down into Willow Springs Canyon and trek north following the creek.  The way is clear and easy for 1.5 miles, winding through alpine meadows and protected wildlife habitat.  Be sure to keep an eye out for the osprey nests teetering on the tops of dead pines.  The canyon narrows gradually, transforming the hike from a sunny stroll to a bushwhack through a quagmire of deadfall and boulder-choked channels. Determined hikers who are prepared for a challenging journey can continue upstream to where the stream meets Chevelon Canyon 3.5-miles north of the dam. Otherwise, for an easy trek, just turn back when the going gets messy.

Easy hiking for about 1.5 miles

LENGTH: 7.6 miles (easy) 10.70 miles (to Chevelon Canyon)

RATING: easy or difficult

ELEVATION: 7635’ – 7300’ (7040’)

GETTING THERE:

From the State Route 87/260 junction in Payson, go 31 miles east on SR260 to the Horse Trap trailhead on the left between mileposts 284 and 285.

Entering the quagmire

Nesting osprey

INFO: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/asnf/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=45185&actid=44

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200721695083494.1073741931.1795269672&type=1&l=a47608502a

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE TRAIL Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Although it’s best known as one of the best mountain bike trails on the Mogollon Rim, the Willow Springs trail also provides an invigorating trek for those who prefer to hoof-it. The route is a closed double-track dirt road that rambles through ponderosa pine forests and boggy backwaters above Willow Springs Lake. From the trailhead, the path crosses an open meadow beneath humming power lines. At about the half-mile point, the trail comes to a fork in the road. From here, it’s best to go right because the trail signage is easier to follow when the loop is hiked counterclockwise. Because the trail is surrounded by prime wildlife habitat, there’s always a good chance of spotting deer, elk and waterfowl during the hike. Near the half-way mark, the route passes several shallow ponds and marsh areas before meeting the shores of the lake. The trail parallels the water for about a quarter-mile before it turns uphill and heads back into the forest. Finding your way along this short segment is a bit tricky--look for generic trail signs tacked to trees to use as your guide. The return leg of the loop climbs up along a shaded ridge where bright blue daylilies and brilliant red paintbrush flowers blossom in the cool sheets of spring water that cascade over the trail and into the lake below. LENGTH: 8.1-mile loop RATING: easy ELEVATION GAIN: 100 feet GETTING THERE: From the junction of Highways 87 and 260 in Payson, go right (east) on Highway 260 and continue to Larson Ridge Road (Forest Road 237). Turn left on FR-237 and continue a short distance to the parking area with restroom on the left just south of Forest Road 237A. The trail starts a few yards up the road from the parking area at an unmarked gate on the left. From there, follow the generic blue trail blazes and “bike” signs. This description turns right at the first major junction.