Willow Springs Loop
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Table of contents
The Willow Springs Loop is a 6.9 km loop hike in the Tonto National Forest that can be reached quickly from the upper northeast reaches of the Phoenix metro 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.
Route Description for Willow Springs Loop
The Willow Springs Loops is a 6.9 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. 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 and then start your loop, which wraps around the rock formation ahead on either side, meeting near the Willow Springs Basin Tank. 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 Loop Trailhead
The trailhead for the Willow Springs Loop is off SR 88.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
October-June
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Poor
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Loop
Willow Springs Loop Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
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