Seven Springs Recreation Area in Arizona
- The big draw at Seven Springs includes more than 30 miles of trails that give you a chance to explore the hilly, remote area with plentiful lakes. Hikes range from easy strolls to strenuous overnight backpacking trips. A nature trail starts from the picnic area that the whole family can enjoy. Longer trails include the Cottonwood Trail, a route that takes you through desert vegetation before it reaches a small waterfall. The Skull Mesa Trail climbs to the top of a rocky cliff to give you views of the surrounding area.
- Besides hiking, you can enjoy mountain biking and horseback riding at Seven Springs. Horseback riders park their trailers in the parking area, then head into the hills along the hiking trails. The nearby Verde River makes a great whitewater rafting adventure. A short walk takes you to several streams where you can fish for trout or take a cooling dip in the water. The area boasts a wealth of birdwatching and wildlife viewing. If you're lucky, you may see hawks, eagles and other birds that migrate through the area, particularly in the spring and fall. Wildlife includes javelina, white-tailed deer and coyotes, especially near the Mogollon Rim and near the area's watering holes.
- While camping is not allowed at Seven Springs itself, you can camp at nearby Cave Creek Campground. Late spring and early fall make ideal times to camp since the weather is still cool enough to make the experience enjoyable. But you can camp in the summer's heat or in the winter when snowfall is a possibility if you feel inclined. The campground caters to tent campers since no hookups are available. Vault toilets, picnic tables and grills are available.
- Parking at Seven Springs requires a small day-use fee, payable at a self-pay kiosk at the entrance to the recreation area. The area offers picnic tables, grills, restrooms and fresh water available during the daytime from a solar-powered well. A liberal dose of sunscreen along with hats and sunglasses helps keep sunburn to a minimum. If you plan to enjoy water activities, bring chairs, beach balls and other equipment to keep you busy. For hiking, make sure you bring basic hiking essentials along with a headlamp for longer hikes that might require hiking after dark.