Willow Spring Trail #244 - Mazatzal, AZ

Overview
Short spur trail that drops off the main Willow Springs #223 to a dependable spring in the western Mazatzal Wilderness.


Hike
The start of this trail is 6.8 miles from the western end of Willow Springs #223, on a shallow saddle right before a hefty climb. The junction is marked with an old sign and cairn, though the post may be knocked over. It heads southeast along the side of a ridge for a short distance, passing through brush and a few short trees.At 0.2 miles it reaches the end of the ridge, switching back and forth a few times as it drops 200' and crosses a shallow drainage on the way to Horse Creek. Two appealing campsites show up above the creek and then the foliage around Willow Spring shows up, narrowing the route to a narrow path between lush grass with branches hanging low. This is effectively the end of the trail - once you're done with the spring and/or camp areas, return up the hill to continue on your larger adventure.

Water Sources
Willow Spring is the cleaner of two water sources along Horse Creek and Willow Springs #223, making this spur trail well worth the mild elevation drop needed to get to it.

Camping
At least two campsites are located on the bank of Horse Creek above the spring, one along the trail and exposed to the open air and the other a bit more tucked under the trees.

2018-07-25 jacobemerick