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Overview This hike follows an old prospector road up a wash to two natural springs. Going up the wash is a bit of a slog, but the changing scenery and rock formations are worth the effort. Hike This hike starts off following an old road into the Turtle Mountain Wilderness. After about 0.4 mile the trail then follows a braided wash up the canyon. Actually, there isn't really a trail once you're in the wash. You simply continue along the wash, headed due south, admiring the various rock formations and geology along the way. I would be remiss not to point out that Mary Jo made a great effort to build cairns along the way to point out the most direct route. Hard, dark jagged fins of rock were juxtaposed with creamy white, smooth stone. Small gray birds and phainopepla flitted around. At about 1.5 miles into the hike a side drainage comes in from the left. Follow this drainage, headed now southeast, to search out the two springs. On the way in we stayed to the left of the canyon and attempted to locate water in the somewhat dense vegetation. We finally found a small seep that didn’t show any real perceptible movement. We continued climbing up to a shady spot for lunch and a brief rest, noticing that sheep also found this a good place to hang out. On the way out we kept to the other (south) side of the canyon and stopped to check out a water tank and trough. The hike back through the gravel was much easier. All in all, it was a good workout and pleasant scenery. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. 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.
Most recent Triplog Review
Coffins Springs - Turtle Mountain Wilderness
Day 3 of our Turtle Mountain Wilderness trip with Steph and Blake. We drove the bumpy road to the trailhead from camp, 4x4 high clearance required.
The hike was fairly easy even though the day was unseasonably warm. We found two seeps near the coordinates for Coffin Springs. There was some plumbing and a metal tank down lower making it obvious the springs used to be more productive.
Blake found us a good lunch spot with a great view and evidence of mountain sheep using it for shelter.
The geology on display here is amazing.
The hike was fairly easy even though the day was unseasonably warm. We found two seeps near the coordinates for Coffin Springs. There was some plumbing and a metal tank down lower making it obvious the springs used to be more productive.
Blake found us a good lunch spot with a great view and evidence of mountain sheep using it for shelter.
The geology on display here is amazing.
2018-02-05 AZWanderingBear
