The Indian Springs Trail is a neat line about 16 miles west of Alpine, AZ and 12 miles southeast of Greer, AZ. From the intersection of US191/US 180 in the north of the Alps U.S. 191 approximately 2 miles to Big Lake Road turnoff (Forest Road 249). Travel west on Forest Road 249 for approximately 16 miles (past the Sierra Blanca Ranch, Three Forks, Rec Area, and before the Big Lake) on Forest Road 249E. Turn left and drive west on 249E for approximately 1 / 2 mile toPath Head and parking facilities are available.
The Indian Springs Trail is a 7.5 miles circuit, with approximately 400 'of vertical gain / loss. There is enough parking at the trail head for a half dozen vehicles - no toilets or running water on the trail head. Overnight in Camping is not allowed. The road is designed for hiking and mountain biking - no riding or ATV's. This has led the way in very good condition with a few furrows, and only minor erosion.
I've hiked andMountain biked the Indian Springs Trail. When hiking, it is easy - moderate in difficulty. As mountain biking trails, it is a good way for beginners - will perhaps be best with an experienced rider, if this is your first venture on a mountain hike. Either hiking or mountain biking the route should be used in a clockwise rotation. So that you can take advantage of the steep downhill for the first half of the distance and the moderate rise of the old Maverick Apache Railway Company toRailway class on the second half. Walking is usually 2-3 hours, cycling is always an hour or two - an experienced biker "loop" of the track in less than an hour.
As you head towards the swings their way to south-easterly direction and has left many short bursts of uphill water slides, leads the foothills of the main route to the Big Lake Lookout, and about a mile, the Spillman spring. The Spillman Spring is in the spring flows into three uniquehollow logs. This is perhaps the best water for hydration on the trail. I recommend filtering the water before drinking. After a further series of short slide uphill leg swings in a southerly direction and head down about 400 'of vertical loss in the next mile or so. On the lower part of the trail you will be cruising through old railroad spurs, and in addition to lots of meadows. After about 4 miles into the trail you get the oldMaverick rail class. This is a large 4% or so uphill grade for the next few miles. A very interesting site is the raw West Fork Trail # 628 approximately 3 / 4 height of the Maverick Line. This is a beautiful hiking trail or mountain bike, which takes you to the Upper West Fork of Black River - an excellent picnic destination! Would, however, if I tell you this part of cycling just going to the "Rim", as the road breaks down quickly once you begin the climb to the downhillRiver. You'll end up walking your bike over boulder fields and narrow rocky switchbacks. Move Back on the Indian Springs Trail to West Fork, you can only ascend a mile or so before the trail levels out again. Top You can see cross the street and 249E drive up into the woods for the last leg of the route. At this point you can choose to return to the east on the road 249E head and the head of the 3 / 4 mile on the track header.
Normally, I would like to bike the route twice in a row for anice solid workout. I have the hiking trail is a bit boring Going Up The Maverick just found, but the base is, and the content is minimal. This is a great way for acclimatization, as it starts at 9075 and then descends to 8675 and then back up over 9000 '.
