West Spruce Trail #264

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

West Spruce Trail #264 is located west of Prescott and follows the ridge line of the Sierra Prieta Mountains. This trail is generally more rugged in nature unlike the smooth trails which are becoming more prevalent.

The east gradually climbs up to West Spruce Mountain, and winds through a cool forest of old alligator juniper trees, Douglas fir, Gambel oak and pinyon pine, while offering panoramic views of Skull Valley and the San Francisco Peaks.

Spruce is non-existent here; the early settlers mistakenly identified Douglas fir as spruce, which remains the namesake of the mountain.

The west half of the trail is narrower and traverses rockier terrain after exiting the forest. Manzanita and hackberries initially dominate the vegetation, gradually giving way to high desert chaparral. This section is the more challenging portion of the trail as it winds downward toward Iron Springs Wash and Doce Pit Road (FR 9271A).