Old Sawmill Spring #126
Access this trail from the parking area across from Reef Townsite Campground. The trail passes Sawmill Spring at 0.5 mile. Link with the Carr Peak Trail #108 to reach the summit (2.8 mi. one way with 2,000 ft. of climbing). This is a short and steep 0.7-mile connector trail from the road to the Carr Peak Trail #107. The campground and historic townsite used to receive their water from the spring, and this trail travels uphill where the old pipe system was located.
The trail is rocky with ample free parking and trash bins. The closest restrooms are found at the campgrounds.
Old Sawmill Spring #126 Photo Gallery
General Information
Autumn, Summer, Spring
Vehicles longer than 20 feet and trailers longer than 12 feet are prohibited beyond the Carr Picnic Area. A high-clearance vehicle and mountain driving experience are recommended beyond Clark Spring Trailhead.
Dogs are allowed.
Address: 4070 South Avenida Saracino, Hereford, AZ 85615
Phone: (520) 378-0311
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Elevation
7,650 feet
Parking
No Day-Use Fee
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restroom information is not available for this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Interpretive Areas/Exhibits Info
The surrounding area was the scene of some of the earliest mining activity on the Reef as well as some of the most recent. The focus of mining here changed from gold and silver at the turn of the century to tungsten during World War I, and finally to quartz in modern times. The light-colored quartz remaining on the hillside was left as waste by the early miners.
The first major mill for processing gold ore was started in 1899 east of the Reef townsite. It included a large wooden building, an elevated tram, and several levels of milling equipment on the hillslope. Although the mill was designed with the most advanced equipment of the time and cost over $150,000, technical problems forced it to close after a six-week run. In 1903, the mill was moved farther down the mountain, northwest of the town. A mill to process tungsten was built near the first mill in 1916.
Please visit the campground and the Reef Historic Trail for more mining history.
