Route Editor
Route Scout
 Overview This usually reliable perennial spring is often approached by a short off-trail hike from the Houston Brothers Trail and can also provide an overnight backpacking campsite area as well as providing a spring water source for treating. Note This description provides the short 4WD driving route (now hiking route only) from FR139 on FR9616E to reach this spring area. From intersection of FR139 / FR9616E this is "official" out and back hiking route to perennial McFarland Spring and Backpack Camping Area. FR9616E is no longer legal for any motor vehicle access. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your 4x4 trip to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
McFarland Spring - Mogollon Rim
My last full day of this June'14 seven day Mogollon Rim vehicle camping / hiking trip, I originally had no plans for an area day hike, but after my late morning- 
http://hikearizona.com/photo=425101 ,
it became obvious to me that I needed a little more exercise today
.
I had not been to this perennial McFarland Spring area since September, 2011. Since most of my hikes for this week visit included verifying the present spring flow status of a number of normally perennial springs in this area, I decided to drive over to the Park/TH Start of this hike (at the intersection of FR139/FR9616E) and hike (as it's no longer legal to drive) the short .50 mile distance on FR9616E to its end at the McFarland Spring area.
I documented this in my posted picset, but I might again mention that this McFarland Spring area is easily accessible via a very short off-trail from the Houston Brothers Trail #171 and should offer a nice, private alternative Backpack Campsite to the more popular and close Aspen Spring area.
http://hikearizona.com/photo=425101 ,
it became obvious to me that I needed a little more exercise today
.
I had not been to this perennial McFarland Spring area since September, 2011. Since most of my hikes for this week visit included verifying the present spring flow status of a number of normally perennial springs in this area, I decided to drive over to the Park/TH Start of this hike (at the intersection of FR139/FR9616E) and hike (as it's no longer legal to drive) the short .50 mile distance on FR9616E to its end at the McFarland Spring area.
I documented this in my posted picset, but I might again mention that this McFarland Spring area is easily accessible via a very short off-trail from the Houston Brothers Trail #171 and should offer a nice, private alternative Backpack Campsite to the more popular and close Aspen Spring area.
2014-06-16 Grasshopper
McFarland Spring - Mogollon Rim
In my past visits to this "Cabin Loop" area I have always hiked this FR9616E section of road to McFarland Spring as part of my planned car camping up FR139G via the Houston Bros Tr#18 / McFarland Spr Loop--> http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=15544
This trip I was car camping in a different area and decided to make the short drive there after my morning visit to the Merritt Draw Riparian Area. I am happy to report (see pics) that the area around McFarland Spring is looking good and this perennial spring is flowing clear and strong
This trip I was car camping in a different area and decided to make the short drive there after my morning visit to the Merritt Draw Riparian Area. I am happy to report (see pics) that the area around McFarland Spring is looking good and this perennial spring is flowing clear and strong
2011-09-30 Grasshopper
