How long is Four Springs Trail?

Four Springs Trail is 15.6 km (9.7 mi) long. Most walkers complete it in about 3 hr 47 min, not counting stops.

How hard is Four Springs Trail?

It is rated hard, with roughly 343 m (1,125 ft) of total ascent. Treat it as a full day out: the ascent is relentless in places and there are few easy escape points.

How long does Four Springs Trail take?

Allow around 3 hr 47 min of moving time. Add a further 30 to 60 minutes for breaks, photographs and lunch.

Can you bring dogs on Four Springs Trail?

Dog access is not formally recorded for this route. Local rules usually allow dogs on a lead, but check signage at the trailhead before you commit to the walk.

Is Four Springs Trail suitable for children?

It is a stretch for younger children. At 15.6 km with 343 m (1,125 ft) of ascent, it suits teenagers and confident young walkers rather than a family stroll.

Is Four Springs Trail a loop?

No. It runs point to point, so you will need transport at the far end or a plan to walk back.

Four Springs Trail

Name: Four Springs Trail
Address: Arizona, United States

HardArizona · United States

GPX

Distance: 15.6 km (9.7 mi)
Elevation gain: 258 m (846 ft)
Typical time: 3 hr 47 min
Difficulty: Hard
Route type: Point to point
Highest point: 2,578 m (8,458 ft)

About Four Springs Trail

Four Springs Trail is a 15.6 km hiking route in Arizona, United States. It climbs roughly 343 m (1,125 ft) along the way. Most people take around 3 hr 47 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. This is a demanding day. The climbing is sustained and the descent is long enough to punish tired knees.

The character of the walk comes from the landscape it crosses rather than a single headline sight, which is exactly why it stays quiet even in high season.

It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections. The route is maintained by trackswhitemountains.org.

In short, Four Springs Trail suits fit hikers with a habit of long days and an eye on the forecast. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Hard15.6 km258 m

Numbered marks every 5 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation profile

Ascent: +258 m
Descent: −409 m
High: 2,578 m (8,458 ft)
Low: 2,254 m (7,395 ft)

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

15.6 km of quiet walking

Know before you go

Best season: April to October
Waymarked: Not consistently
Surface: Mixed natural surface
Dogs: Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access: Not accessible
Entrance fee: No fee recorded
Camping: Not recorded
Drinking water: Carry your own
Toilets: Not recorded
Mobile coverage: Patchy on the upper sections
Parking: Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency: 112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery: 34/100
Adventure: 29/100
Difficulty: 46/100
Accessibility: 40/100
Family: 22/100
Dogs: 62/100

Tips from the trail

Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
Weatherproof jacket
At least 1.5 litres of water
Offline map and compass
Head torch and spare battery
Extra warm layer
Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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Trails near Four Springs Trail

Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.

Moderate

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Elevation gain: 252 m
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Hard

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Moderate

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Easy

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Easy