Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Cottonwood Spring Day Hike
| when |
Trip Report :
December 31, 2004
|
| where |
Goldfield Mountains |
| the hike |
A scenic ridge, a bright golden valley, and two views of the
graceful IQ Arch will delight you on this one-way trek from
Willow Springs Canyon westward to Cottonwood Spring. Come
prepared for sweeping views of the Goldfields and distant
mountains in every direction! Part of the hike is off trail
on a smooth ridge and over colorful slickrock.
|
| distance |
8 miles |
| time |
5-6 hours |
| EC |
+1000'-1035' elevation change |
| elevations |
1975' (Packsaddle Road) to 2402' (photogenic ridge) |
| type |
one way |
| starting at |
| Willow Springs Trailhead |
33° 30.051' N, 111° 27.695' W [NAD27]
|
|
| ending at |
| Hackamore Trailhead |
33° 27.993' N, 111° 30.478' W [NAD27]
|
|
| on trail |
50% — Packsaddle Road |
| rating |
"B-"
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs? |
no |
| cost |
Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
| weather |
Apache Junction |
| meet |
7:00 AM at
Red Mountain Park located at 7745 E. Brown Rd. in
Mesa (south side of Brown Road just east of Power Road).
Directions from the Red Mountain Freeway (Loop 202):
| • |
Exit 26 (Brown Road). |
| • |
Go west on Brown a half mile to the light at Sterling Dr. |
| • |
Turn left (south) at Sterling into the park.
Then take the first left into the Palo Brea parking lot.
|
|
| drive |
| • |
Go east on Brown Road to the Apache Trail highway, AZ 88. |
| • |
Turn left and go northeast on the Apache Trail highway. |
| • |
At milepost 204, turn left and park north of the road. |
| • |
15 miles from Red Mountain Park to Willow Springs Trailhead
(30 round trip).
|
|