Government Canyon Spring Loop via Ranch Trail - 62(edit)

Overview

This is a difficult loop trail to Government Canyon Spring in Prescott National Forest.

This trail goes by Deer Lick Spring.

Getting Started

Take Senator Highway to turnoff labeled Watershed Trail. There is a well defined parking area and a portapotty as well. Take trail 299 which is to the right. It is a steep climb and a bit rocky but well maintained. You will go past a barb wire fence across the trail above which cattle grazing is permitted. You will reach the turn off to trail 62 which is the ranch trail. You will turn to the left to head back to the parking area. Total distance of the trail is about 6.3 miles. On the way back to the trail head you will have great views of Goldwater Lake both upper and lower sections.

Taking Children

This would be a challenging trail for children as the climb is steep and the some of the downhill portions are a bit slick with small rock so I would only take young children who are very athletic and capable of hiking fair distances. The other option with children would be to take trail 62 up and back.