Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Big Springs Nature Study Area

This trail of undefined length is designed to allow a person to study the Nature Study Area at one's own leisure. This series of foot paths is rated as easy and sees moderate traffic in all seasons, except during extreme cold, icy or wet weather.

Elevation: 6,950'

A lot of the crystal clear water flowing into Rainbow Lake flows from Big Springs. The stream and the marshy area just below the spring make an excellent bird watching and nature study area. Many Indian artifacts have been discovered in the mud surrounding the spring, evidence that the spring area was often used for ceremonial purposes. The spring water is so pure that fresh water shrimp live in the areas closest to the spring itself. The whole area is under a special use permit granted to the Blue Ridge School District for environmental studies.

Access: After driving through downtown Pinetop-Lakeside on State Road 260, turn right at the traffic light on Woodland Road. Go about 0.6 miles to a parking area on the left. From the parking area, the trail goes to the right and follows the creek to the springs before going on to the bridge above the meadow.