BIG SPRINGS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY AREA
Pinetop-Lakeside
Worth the trip if only to view the swarms of Technicolor
dragonflies, a walk through this wetland preserve holds many fascinating
attractions. Located just off the main drag in Pinetop-Lakeside, this pristine
marsh with its cattail-and-watercress-cluttered ponds and pine-ringed
perimeters is a haven for wildlife.
Fed by the perennial waters of two creeks and a spring that
gushes 800-1200 gallons of water per minute, the 40-acre property is protected
and maintained with lottery dollars from the Arizona Game & Fish Department's
Heritage Fund & Watchable Wildlife Program. Interpretive signs along the
easy hiking trail explain how the springs work and the importance of preserving
riparian habitats. Benches placed
in shady spots near the water are handy for relaxing while watching and
listening to the local waterfowl.
Hawks, jays, eagles, osprey, bluebirds, mallards and blackbirds aren't
shy about putting on a show, so you won't have to wait long to see a variety of
birds dive bombing for insects over crystal clear waters. We visited here after doing the Lake Mountain loop (see separate blog entry) hike.
LENGTH: 0.5-mile loop
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 6,950'
DOGS: must be on leash
KID FRIENDLY:
YES!
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 189 miles one way
GETTING THERE:
In Pinetop-Lakeside, travel east on AZ260 to Woodland Road
(located past the turn off for Rainbow Lake). Turn right (south) and continue 0.6 mile to the trailhead on the left.
INFO: Lakeside Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National
Forest, 928-368-5088
Arizona Game & Fish Heritage Fund:
MORE PHOTOS:
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