Gooseberry Springs, which sits at the base of 8,532-foot Hutch Mountain 30 miles south of Flagstaff, offers a glimpse into a time in the late 19th and early 20th century when homesteaders ran sheep and cattle in the forests and meadow on the Mogollon Rim.
The springs may be visited by way of two under-the-radar routes. The traditional path begins near the summit of Hutch Mountain and the other at the Arizona Trail Gooseberry Springs trailhead where a kiosk showing historical information on the area’s geography, early inhabitants, railroads, logging, wildlife, settlers and ranchers enhances visitor experience.
- LENGTH: 5.2 miles round trip from Gooseberry Springs or 4 miles round trip from Hutch Mountain
- RATING: moderate
- ELEVATION: Gooseberry Springs route: 7,452 – 7,934 feet; Hutch Mountain route: 7,934 – 8,535 feet
- BEST SEASON: June – September
GETTING THERE:
Gooseberry Springs trailhead as described here:
- From Flagstaff, go 32 miles south on Lake Mary Road (County Road 3) to Forest Road 92.
- This is past mile post 313 on the left and signed for Gooseberry Springs.
- Continue a short distance to the trailhead on the right.
- Roads are okay for all vehicles.
Hutch Mountain trailhead:
- From Flagstaff go 33 miles south on Lake Mary Road (County Road 3) to Forest Road 135 at milepost 311.
- Continue 2.6 miles on FR 135, bear left at an unsigned junction and then left again onto Forest Road 135B.
- A high clearance or 4-wheel-drive vehicle is required on FR 135B.
