Ward Spring Trail

This 2.9-mile out-and-back crosses the open desert foothills to Ward Spring, a small spring at the foot of a volcanic dike. The change from rocky, exposed ground to the thicket around the spring is the payoff, along with the rugged wall of volcanic rock. I’d choose it for that contrast and the ranch history; the spring’s pools depend on rainfall, so don’t count on water.

Published distances disagree. The mapped trail measures about 1.46 miles one way, and other measurements are near 2.8–2.9 miles round trip; one official listing gives 3.5. No extra segment is documented, so this route and its stated 2.9-mile round trip follow the mapped line. Allow about two hours and expect roughly 500 feet of climbing.

The path starts across flatter ground, then gradually climbs. It stays exposed until the spring and crosses several drainages on narrow, rocky tread, with short steep dips and climbs. The approach drops into Cottonwood Creek before reaching the spring and dike. The far section may be faint at a dry wash; that remains uncertain, so check route information before setting out and carry navigation you can follow.

The spring was part of the Homer Wilson Ranch’s livestock water system. Water was piped to a stock tank just north of the pullout, and sections of the old pipe may still be visible along the walk. Willow, walnut and sumac cluster around the spring, a striking pocket of growth in the foothills. Shallow pools form only when rainfall allows.