| At 7.2 miles, West Spruce Trail #264 offers magnificent high-elevation vistas of northern Arizona, from Skull Valley on the west to Mingus Mountain on the east. There are ample opportunities to explore the remains of some early mining sites. On the approach to West Spruce Mountain, trail users enter a mixed conifer vegetation type with an abundance of uneven-aged Douglas fir, Gambel oak, and pine. There are no spruce trees despite the name of the mountain. The southern exposures will be mostly pinion pine, juniper, and evergreen oaks grading into brush species of the chaparral vegetation type at the lower elevations.From just north of the Sierra Prieta Overlook West Spruce Trail #264 extends northwest just across a drainage from Williams Peak, staying close to the top of the ridge. The trail then stays along or close to the crest of the Sierra Prieta for another 1.75 miles to West Spruce Mountain and the junction there with Forest Road 47B. Continuing along Forest Road 47B for another 1.3 miles, hikers will encounter the other end of West Spruce Trail #264 coming in from the north at Sugarloaf Mountain.West Spruce Trail #264 then begins a long twisting 2.6-mile descent to Forest Road 9271A. The southern section of the trail is rated as being in excellent condition. The northern section, however, is rated as only fair. Be especially careful when crossing Iron Springs Wash; the trail on the opposite side may be difficult to find.With a length of 7.4 miles and a total elevation change of about 175 feet, this trail may be considered of moderate difficulty.Accepted uses for West Spruce Trail #264 are hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. |
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| | | Facilities: West Spruce Trail #264 has no facilities. Best Time To Visit: West Spruce Trail #264 is open year round. Fees: This trail is free to use. Accessibility: This trail has no handicap access. Rules: Leashed pets are allowed. Directions: West Spruce Trail #264 can be accessed from its southern end, its middle (near Spruce Mountain), or its northern end. For the south access, from Prescott take Gurley Street west about 2 miles to Thumb Butte Rd. Continue on Thumb Butte Rd. 1 mile past the recreation area and turn left to Aloma Camp. Go 0.6 miles and turn left on FR 373, traveling south about 3.1 miles to a large horseshoe-shaped turn to the right. Coming out of this turn, the trailhead is just to the right of the cattle guard.For the middle access, take Iron Springs Rd. west from Prescott 6 miles to Highland Pines residential area (Skyline Drive). Go 2.9 miles to the subdivision's end, where FR 47 continues south 0.5 miles to a sign to the trailhead. Take the 4WD road to the right. Trailhead is 0.4 miles farther.For the northern access, take Iron Springs Rd. about 7.5 miles and turn left on FR 43. At a junction 200 feet farther, stay right, passing through a borrow pit. Continue 2.5 miles to the trailhead.Map: Click here for a map to West Spruce Trail #264 Reservations: No reservations are needed or accepted for West Spruce Trail #264. | | |
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| | | | | Address | | Prescott National Forest - Bradshaw Ranger District | | 344 S. Cortez St. | | Prescott, Arizona 86303 |
| | | Phone | | General: (928) 443-8000 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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