Sunday Hike – Cottonwood Spring Loop

Nick, Bob, Mike, and I did a lollipop-loop hike starting from the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. The interesting part of the loop was on Trail 247A in the Tonto National Forest. On the way back, we came across a recently built trail that led from 247 back to 247A.

This is a view of Skull Mesa from 247A:

Another view of Skull Mesa:

Looking back toward Sugarloaf Mountain:

Nick found a dead Gila Monster to munch on as an appetizer before lunch…

This is a view of the spring area. We saw some water here, enough to filter if we would’ve had to.

Nick, Bob, and Mike on 247 after leaving the spring.

This is the view along the section of 247 between 247A and the intersection with the Skull Mesa Trail.

This petroglyph is on the Skull Mesa Trail. Bob and I hiked a ways up this trail why Nick and Mike ate lunch.

Another awesome view on the hike back…