Springs Trail

The Springs Trail is located within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forrest in Northern Arizona.  The trail is located just outside the town of Pinetop and is an excellent place for families to get out and enjoy the outdoors.  The trail is part of the White Mountain Trail system and is well marked and well maintained.  The trail is 3.7 miles long and is easy to follow. 

Hikers can complete the trail going either clockwise or counter clockwise.  For hikers that choose to complete the trail counter-clockwise they will start out going right at the first fork past the cattle guard and follow it into the wooded area. 

The trail starts out descending and will initially hit a creek that is fed from the snowmelt of the White Mountains.  The trail initially crosses the creek and water and follows the water for roughly half a mile.  There are several spots along the trail where hikers can dip their feet in the water.  These spots are also a great place for children to explore the water and catch tadpoles and crawdads.  This is a good spot for families to turn around if they are looking to complete less than the 3.7 miles.

For hikers looking to continue the loop should understand there will be no more water along the trail.  Hikers will continue to work their way around the loop and the trail will gradually ascend the rest of the trip.  Hikers will enjoy the wooded area for the duration and eventually will spot the road in the distance.  Hikers will continue to work around back to the trailhead. 

This is a great loop for hikers looking to spend time in the wilderness. Hikers should be aware that depending on the snow pack, the water features may dry up as soon as late June or early July.  This trail is also pretty busy with people from the surrounding neighborhoods visiting.