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HIKES FROM PINE SPRING TRAILHEAD
Arizona Trail Happy Jack Passage #29
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| Forest near Bargaman Park |
On the Mogollon Rim near Happy Jack, a loose-knit web of
dirt roads connects stock tanks, ephemeral lakes, and a smattering of private
ranches. Here, the Arizona Trail has incorporated some of these tracks into its
state-traversing journey.
Book-ended by recreational sites around Mormon Lake and C.C. Cragin
Reservoir (a.k.a. Blue Ridge), ample trail signs keep hikers on track where
footpaths and vehicle ways collide and diverge in this deeply-wooded, 30-mile
respite from the commotion of campgrounds and RV parks. Easy to follow and mostly flat, Passage
#29 of the Arizona Trail can be accessed via two major trailheads (Gooseberry Spring and AZ87), but for
those looking for an alternative way to day hike among the moss-humid springs
and murky watering holes that populate the passage's mid-section, the
lesser-known Pine Spring trailhead is the best port of entry.
A bevy of stock tanks situated around the circular
depression of meadows known as Bargaman Park are located within a few miles of
the trailhead. Ringed with
water-loving plants like the delicate water buttercup, the tanks are wildlife
magnets. Rough-hewn hunter blinds built along their banks provide cover for
camera-stalking hikers on the lookout for elk, deer, coyotes and the occasional
black bear. For a quick 4.6-mile, out-and-back hike, head southeast to Wild Horse
Tank, or go northwest to visit Shuffs and Maxie Tanks for a 13.8-mile
exploration. Maps available on aztrail.org show the route with all its points of interest.
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| Wild Horse Tank |
LENGTH: 30.7 miles one-way
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 6702' - 7616'
GETTING THERE:
Pine Spring Trailhead (as described here):
From Payson, go north on AZ87 to Lake Mary Road (FR3) just
north of Clints Well. Turn left and
go 14.4 miles north on FR3 to milepost 305 and turn right onto FR294. Continue 4.8 miles on FR294 miles to FR
135 (just before a cattle guard) turn right and go 100 feet to the trailhead on
the right.
AZ87 Trailhead:
From the AZ87/260 junction north of Pine-Strawberry, travel
19.5 miles north on AZ87 to FR138 (signed Moqui Campground), turn right and go
100 yards to the trailhead on the left.
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| Shuffs Tank |
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| Meadow near Pine Spring |
Gooseberry Spring Trailhead:
From Payson, go north on AZ87 to Lake Mary Road (FR3) just
north of Clints Well. Continue
21.1 miles on FR 3 to milepost 312.2 turn right (east) onto a gated dirt road
for Gooseberry Spring (FR 935) and drive 100 yards to the signed parking area
on the right.
INFO: Arizona Trail Association
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