Posts
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
MORE PHOTOS:
No comments:
Post a Comment