The Dripping Spring area is located east of Quartzite. The trail is spotted with historical and geological features that will satisfy your thirst for off road adventure. Exploring the entire area should take around 5 hours giving time to stop and look around. This trail is dangerously hot in the summer and traverses a wash where flash floods are possible. Route finding is complex and an Off Road GPS and Off Road Trail Guide are highly recommended.
The trail starts off easy with a series of dirt roads. The first point of interest is the Belle of Arizona Mine. This site has an old mining cabin and some abandon mining equipment. The mine itself is a deep “trench like” hole that follows a quartz vein up to the top of the hill. Extreme caution in this area is recommended.
Further down the road there is a rock cabin that, at first glace, appears be occupied. This place is called “Apache Chief Bed and Breakfast”. Just like the Lulu Too mining cabin in Florence Junction, this cabin contains some interesting items from old trinkets to business cards people left behind. Don’t forget to say hello to the old miner but whatever you do don’t look under his hat. Evil lurks there… Just outside the cabin you will find the gravesite of an old bartender named Moe.
Around the corner from the bed and breakfast is the abandoned Apache Chief Mine. The main shaft appears to be stable but as you journey deep into the network of tunnels, there are a couple cave-ins and some unstable timber. (You should NEVER go into abandon mines or you will end up like Moe!)
As the trail turns into a wash, it gradually worsens. The wash becomes narrow with some rock obstacles. Watch for the fork in the wash and turn left. This will take you directly to the Dripping Spring. The Dripping Spring is an overhanging ledge of rock that drips to a spring at the foot of the canyon. The area around the spring is believed to be an old Apache Indian camp. This is evident with the many petroglyph's at the base of the canyon.
(The Dripping Spring) (Old Apache Fort)
After a long day of traveling we decided to camp out. This is not recommended for those who can't share a campsite with mountain lions bats and other curious animals! Personally, I chose to sleep in the position I call “Awake all night with gun in hand”.
This trail was found using the 'Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails' book. Discover this and many more trails in Arizona by purchasing your own copy today! With maps, turn-by-turn directions and GPS coordinates remove the guesswork and enjoy the beauty of the Arizona outdoors! If you’re planning a 4x4 trip, this guide is an invaluable resource. Click here for a full description and a where to buy!
(More Photos from the Dripping Spring Trail)
(View Entire Photo Album of the Dripping Springs Trail)
Posted
Jul 01 2008, 09:24 PM
by
ryangibson