Goldfield Mountains Hike - Willow Springs Trailhead
Details
If you're free (or can get free), come on out and take a hike with us. We've been sharing this one over the last several years with our 3H family, and it's time to get out there again.
This is in the rugged Goldfield Mountains and its awe inspiring beauty easily rivals the neighboring Superstition Mountains. We prefer not to use instrumentation on our adventures, but we can estimate this is about 6+ miles, with aggregate elevation gain of well over 1000 feet. For the average hiker, we'd call this moderate to moderately difficult. This depends on your own abilities, of course, but it isn't too difficult to set a 2 mph pace throughout. We'll hike to a high point along the trail with unobstructed 360 degree views of the Tonto National Forest surrounding us where we shall break for lunch/snacks.
Hike Time: Expect to spend 3-4 hours on this trek depending on the group's speed.
Names are constantly changing, but last we looked, Google has it marked as Bulldog Canyon OHV - Willow Gate. Regardless, take 88 and turn left into the gravel/dirt lot on the left at mile marker 204 just beyond the Weaver Needle Vista.
SPECIAL NOTE: There are few marked trails in this region, and several trail junctions along the way, so let's try to stick together, or, at least, not get too far ahead of the pack. We will stop at each junction to assure we have everybody, but if you are ahead of the hike leaders, you are on your own. Let's enjoy the day together.
As with all Tonto National Forest hikes, there is a 15 hiker limit.
WHAT TO BRING: Water (we'd recommend at least 3 liters), sunscreen, hat, camera, snacks/lunch, electrolytes, long pants and hiking poles might be helpful for some possible brushy sections, sturdy footwear, and your sense of adventure!
Note: There are no facilities at this trailhead.
Carpool arrangements and spots can be made by agreement. Just use the "Comments" section to make a suggestion to your fellow hikers!
Please understand, hiking has its dangers. By signing up and attending this, and any 3H events, you are responsible for your own safety, and organizers and their assistants cannot be held responsible for any injuries or other mishaps that may occur.