Overland Road Historic Trail via Garland Prairie

When I was researching the hike description for the Beale Wagon Road Historic Trail, the Kaibab National Forest also included some material related to the Overland Road Historic Trail. Interesting I thought at the time, got to put it on the "TO DO" list for some day.

Well "SOME DAY" came today after a visit to Government Prairie. From the I-40, we took the Garland Prairie Road (exit#167) near Williams and headed southeast along FR141 until we reached FR109. Continuing south on FR109, and just past the intersection with FR139, we came to a crossing for the Overland Road Historic Trail as denoted by the distinctive pack mule signs (Beale Wagon Road has distinctive camel signs marking the trail).

We had time for a short reconnaissance mission before the rains came. Heading back to FR141, we soon came to the intersection with FR13 and Dow Spring. Dow Spring was a regular way station for travelers on route to the gold fields near Prescott. At one point this settlement boasted its own post office. Cabin ruins and an old bridge give testament to former glory. My map indicated the remains of a sawmill and a narrow gauge railroad, both active in the 1920's nearby. We failed to locate these remains. More rain, so we continued the loop along FR141 back to the Garland Prairie Road (exit#178) interchange with the I-40 near Parks.

Just a little taste of this historic trail - I'm sure we'll be back soon for more exploration...