Houston Bros. to Aspen Spring hike

[te_wa]

the proposed hike is Houston Brothers trail following a small stream about 1.5 miles (according to Trishness' write-up) to Aspen Spring, near an old homestead and cabin. There are some picturesque meadows along the way with a few Aspen and Fir mixed in the Ponderosa forest. Elk, mule deer, fox and other mammals call this area home along with songbirds of various types. Because of the short length of the hike, we are going to bring our young 'un with us for his first camping trip. Children are absolutely welcome and this is a great chance to introduce them to the wonders of outdoor adventure. Its an average elevation of 7000 feet, so expect lows in the 38-40 range.
(of course, you dont have to have children to join us [matt!]... and I will be bringing a couple of beers, and good food.)
please p.m. for directions and meeting place/time. Mike

[chumley]

Hiked here over Memorial Day weekend. Plenty of green grass in the meadows. Not much in the way of flowers. The camp spot at Aspen Spring was occupied by a handful of 4wd vehicles that came down an old closed road. I camped 3/4 mile upstream at McFarland Spring, and hiked to yet another unnamed spring an additional 3/4 miles further upstream. (If you're interested in an extra 1.5 miles of hiking).

You didn't indicate a date for this trip, but note that today Coconino implemented fire restrictions forest-wide beginning Fri. 6/8/07. This area is included in that restriction.

I can tell you that the Houston Draw tends to get quite chilly at night, and over Memorial Day we had a very impressive fire going just to stay warm. I forgot my thermometer, but I camp in chilly weather frequently and would put the temperature between 30 and 35 by dawn. No frost, but without a fire, it might be a bit cold for hanging out in the evening and especially for the young ones overnight.

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On a completely unpleasant sidenote, we experienced three complete a**holes riding their quads down the Houston Brothers trail on Sunday morning around 8am. (Also through the small creek and sensitive meadow). I would have liked to slash their tires so they could experience the hiking trail the way it was intended (on foot) but I thought that confrontation in the middle of nowhere was not the best option for the situation.

[te_wa]

yep, thats Memorial Day for you.
FIre restrictions? Im surprised it has taken this long.
If anyone has questions about this area, to make a final decision or whatever, ask away (ive lived here for 29 years)