Mineral Springs Trail #5579, NM

Trail 5579 is on a number of Topo Maps... and, there were once some Forest Service trails markers... now long gone.

The old jeep route that wound around up to Mineral Springs is the basic trail. It originally began over by the Space Museum. More commonly now it starts at the intersection of Indian Wells and Scenic Drive.

The maps include an upper trail section that terminates around 6,000'. There is a trail beyond the Spring; it does not stop until much higher where it runs into the Jeep track: Ortega/Dry Canyon Traverse. This upper section winding above the various Lost Trail Canyons is a very nice hike... but, whether it belongs to the T5579 designation is difficult to say.

Forest Service Trail 5579 most likely ends at the Spring.

Interesting connections and side hikes:
Mineral Springs Canyon North. Instead of hiking up the old Jeep road, drop to your left down into the lower canyon area. It walks nicer than the Jeep track... it offers nicer settings.

Mineral Springs Spur Trail: provides a very nice loop over to Little Mineral Springs Trail.

Dark Mesa and Dark Mesa Peak: adjacent ridges around the Spring... great walking.

So... a trail designation that is rarely used... a trail marked on a map that lacks the full route. It is all there, and more. It is part of a great looping route around the Basin.

Note: Mileage will depend on how far you hike up the hill!

Maybe it's time to put up some new markers?

Check out the Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2013-12-07 imike