Hikes/United States/Arizona/Tonto National Forest

Willow Springs Lollipop

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
10.9 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
236 m
User Ratings
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The Willow Springs Lollipop is a 10.8 km loop hike in the Tonto National Forest that can be reached quickly from the upper northeast reaches of the Mesa area. This hike offers stellar views of towering saguaros and red rock mountains. It does require some routefinding and a GPS track is essential, but it’s worth the small bit of preparation required. Bring lots of water on this route.

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Route Description for Willow Springs Lollipop

The Willow Springs Lollipop is a 10.8 km hike that leads you through a scenic portion of the Tonto National Forest, with tall cacti lining your trail and the mountains in the distance. This loop is beautiful and it won’t take long to get to if you live in the Mesa area.

This hike has some sections where the trail can become quite difficult to follow. A downloaded GPS route is a must! Additionally, it gets very hot in this area. Avoid this hike in the summertime and bring plenty of water no matter what time of year you choose to visit.

From the trailhead, hike directly into the canyon ahead of you. Where the trail splits, you’ll start your loop. You can do the loop whichever way appeals to you-- the views are similar clockwise and counterclockwise. When you reach the base of the loop again, retrace your steps to the trailhead.

Getting to the Willow Springs Lollipop Trailhead

The trailhead for the Willow Springs Lollipop is off SR 88.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    October-May

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels

    Low

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Willow Springs Lollipop Elevation Graph

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Willow Springs Lollipop Reviews

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