White Rock Spring Trail #39
Trail Description: Like many of the trails in this area, White Rock Spring Trail #39 was originally a road built in the late 1800s to provide horseback access to springs and other cattle waters. The trail passes through mixed chaparral as it traverses an open, exposed landscape between Blair Pass and its junction with Upper Pasture Trail #38. From its highest terrain, there are expansive views of the ranch lands of Skull Valley, and beyond that, distant mountains. Watch for scrub jays hopping through the brush and hummingbirds somersaulting through the air like tiny bejeweled acrobats. Also keep an eye out for the snakes and lizards that sometimes bask on sun-kissed granite along the trail. For a pleasant loop hike, take Trail #39 to Upper Pasture Trail #38. Travel east on Trail #38 to its junction with Little Granite Mountain Trail #37. Take Trail #37 north to Blair Pass and the beginning of Trail #39. This loop is approximately 4.5 miles long, not including travel on Granite Mountain Trail #261 (used to access Trail #39).
Notice: Visitors are asked to be alert and stay on existing trails when recreating on Granite Mountain as the area recovers from the Doce Fire of 2013. Soil erosion has occurred on portions of the trails, thus exposing more rock, and cross-country travel increases the possibility of encountering rolling rocks, stump and root holes, falling trees, and loose soils from rains.
Printable Map:
Trail Description and Map (1,104 KB; 8.5” X 11”)
Expect hot, dry conditions during the summer months. There is no reliable drinking water at the trailhead or on the trail. Portions of the trail may be rocky and eroded, please watch your step. Trail access is subject to change with the future implementation of the Williamson Valley-Alto Pit Environmental Assessment.
At a Glance
Fees: |
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Open Season: | Year Round |
Usage: | Medium |
Closest Towns: | Approximately 25 minutes from Prescott, AZ |
Water: | Not available. Surface water should be treated. |
General Information
Directions:White Rock Spring Trail #39 can be accessed via Granite Mountain Trail #261. From its intersection with Willow Creek Road, travel northwest on Iron Springs Road for 3 miles. Turn right onto Granite Basin Road and proceed 3.5 miles to the Metate Trailhead on the left. There is parking for 20 vehicles. Travel approximately 1.5 miles to Blair Pass and the beginning of Trail #39.
Alternate access is via Little Granite Mountain Trail #37. From its intersection with Williamson Valley Road travel northwest on Iron Springs Road 1.5 miles to Granite Basin Road. Continue another 3.0 miles on Iron Springs Road to the trailhead on the right. Parking is good, with room for 5-7 vehicles.
Road conditions are paved.
General Notes:
- Connecting trails: Granite Mountain Trail #261, Upper Pasture Trail #38, Little Granite Mountain Trail #37, Cedar Springs Trail #41
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Maps:
- USGS Map: 7.5’ quad for Iron Springs
- Prescott National Forest Map, west half
- Average hiking time: 45 minutes, one way (not including travel on Trail #261)
Activities
Mountain Biking
- A scenic trail west of Little Granite Mountain that can be ridden as a loop with Little Granite Mountain Trail #37 and Upper Pasture Trail #38. Portions of the trail may be severely eroded. Please use caution.
Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
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Day Hiking
- A scenic trail west of Little Granite Mountain that can be hiked as a loop with Little Granite Mountain Trail #37 and Upper Pasture Trail #38.
Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
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Horse Riding
- A scenic trail west of Little Granite Mountain that can be ridden as a loop with Little Granite Mountain Trail #37 and Upper Pasture Trail #38. FR 9261U is steep and uneven. Those pulling horse trailers may prefer to park on Contreras Road and ride the 1.7 miles to the trailhead.
Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
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Alerts & Warnings
- Crooks Fire Closure Order Effective May 18, 2022
- STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS NOW IN EFFECT; RESTRICCIONES DE FUEGOS ETAPA 1
- Fossil Creek & Forest Road 708 Closed until 12/31/22 for public health and saf
- Target Type restrictions implemented across the Prescott NF
- Temporary Camping Restrictions along Highway 260 and Salt Mine Road Corridor
- Drones Use on Forest Service Lands