History
Likely named for one of several sawmills in the Ramsey Canyon mining vicinity when the area was booming in the late 1800s. These sawmills struggled to meet demand as the area was busy with farmers below and prospectors in the mountains. They produced 6000-8000 feet of lumber daily vs upwards of 300k at sawmills on the Mississippi for reference. A foot is one square foot, one inch thick.
Hike
The trail is signed and well defined. While it doesn't phase me, semi-rocky tread seems to be the universal complaint. The grade is on the low end of moderate-steep. You begin surrounded in low dense shrub. A small pocket of oaks is encountered at 0.25-miles.
A half-mile up is the namesake Old Sawmill Spring at 0.55-miles. It seems very dependable based on numerous water reports. Water pours out of a pipe into a shallow tub.
Next you switchback and the trail ends at Carr Peak Trail #107.
When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
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.
Permit $$
None
Coronado Forest MVUMs are rarely necessary to review unless mentioned in the description or directions Coronado Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs)
Directions
Road
FR / Jeep Road - Car possible when dry
To Carr Trailhead Drive south of Sierra Vista 7 miles on Arizona Highway 92 to the Carr Canyon Road (FR 368). Follow FR 368 about 6.5 miles to the Old Sawmill Spring trailhead across from the entrance to Reef Townsite Campground. The Carr Peak Trailhead is located at a parking lot just outside the entrance to Ramsey Vista Campground at the end of FR 368. Carr Peak Spur is accessible via the Carr Peak Trail.
From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 199 mi - about 3 hours 19 mins From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 89.7 mi - about 1 hour 44 mins From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 343 mi - about 5 hours 25 mins
Route Editor
Route Scout
