Weather: 71ยบ, sunny
About this Hike: We stayed at an Airbnb cabin in the Iron Springs / Spence Springs area. The next morning we went to explore the Javelina Trail #332 since it was right in our backyard.
U.S. Forest Service maps didn't show a whole lot of trails in this area west of downtown Prescott along Iron Springs Rd. As we started hiking on Javelina, we came to several junctions. The signs were low to the ground and white—not indicative of Forest Service signage. I still had cell reception, and after a little research, I discovered a downloadable map from the City of Prescott.
While U.S. Forest Service trails are sparse in this area, the City of Prescott has recently developed a huge trail network in the area just off Iron Springs Rd. Parking lots and trailheads have also been added.
We spent an enjoyable Sunday afternoon exploring land that was more forested than I would have expected. The berms that Santa Fe Railroad tracks one laid on now form part of the trail in what must have been a Rails-to-Trails type initiative.
These well-groomed trails are popular with mountain bikers, but everyone was happy to share the trails. There are plenty more paths I want to explore in this newly discovered network.
The best part? These trails give me an excuse to visit the Iron Springs area. Just down Iron Springs Rd. is Barnstar Brewing—a family-run brewery on a private ranch. It only opens to the public for limited hours on weekends. A post-hike beer at this unique little brewery is always a welcome reward.
About this Hike: We stayed at an Airbnb cabin in the Iron Springs / Spence Springs area. The next morning we went to explore the Javelina Trail #332 since it was right in our backyard.
U.S. Forest Service maps didn't show a whole lot of trails in this area west of downtown Prescott along Iron Springs Rd. As we started hiking on Javelina, we came to several junctions. The signs were low to the ground and white—not indicative of Forest Service signage. I still had cell reception, and after a little research, I discovered a downloadable map from the City of Prescott.
While U.S. Forest Service trails are sparse in this area, the City of Prescott has recently developed a huge trail network in the area just off Iron Springs Rd. Parking lots and trailheads have also been added.
We spent an enjoyable Sunday afternoon exploring land that was more forested than I would have expected. The berms that Santa Fe Railroad tracks one laid on now form part of the trail in what must have been a Rails-to-Trails type initiative.
These well-groomed trails are popular with mountain bikers, but everyone was happy to share the trails. There are plenty more paths I want to explore in this newly discovered network.
The best part? These trails give me an excuse to visit the Iron Springs area. Just down Iron Springs Rd. is Barnstar Brewing—a family-run brewery on a private ranch. It only opens to the public for limited hours on weekends. A post-hike beer at this unique little brewery is always a welcome reward.
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