West Spruce Mountain in Prescott National Forest, AZ

Hike West Spruce Mountain Prescott National Forest, AZ

Class 1 8.1 miles 1800 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back Oct 28, 2022
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

West Spruce Mountain GPX Track

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West Spruce Mountain is located just west of Prescott AZ, but I was surprised that I didn't see anyone else on this hike. While the last quarter mile is off-trail, there is an excellent trail the rest of the time. Spruce Mountain, this peak's taller neighbor to the southeast, seems to be a bit more of a popular hiking destination. You have the option of hiking to West Spruce Mountain starting at a trailhead on the northwest side, or from the trailhead I used that begins from the southeast. The former seems to require more vertical elevation gain, but the stats end up being pretty similar since there's a bit of up and down when coming from the direction I approached. I chose the southeast because it seemed to wind along the ridgeline a bit more and possibly have views more frequently rather than just ascend the mountain slope. I'd like to come back for that other option at some point. To reach my trailhead, take Thumb Butte Road here (34.54388, -112.54800). It's passable by any vehicle. You could also set up a shuttle and do the whole West Spruce Trail #264, which is about 9 miles one-way.

Despite a steep dirt road leading from the trailhead seeming like the most obvious way to go, the West Spruce Trail actually starts on the right and keeps just below the crest for a time, winding through the woods and offering an occasional view. It was nice to to see both Thumb Butte and Granite Mountain in the distance. After more minor ups and downs with various tree-obscured views in all directions, the trail descends a few hundred feet and then continues the ridge traverse, slowly ascending to the southern base of West Spruce Mountain.

After some switchbacks, the trail traverses along the peak's southeastern slope and emerges onto a dirt service road. I hiked along this road only for a short time before passing through a gate. Just past the gate I noticed a social trail leading to the left along the fenceline and up toward the summit. The social trail only lasted a short time, but once I lost it there was only minimal bushwhacking to the summit. There was what I believe to be a particularly large wolf spider hiding in the summit register that fell onto my hand, certainly the most thrilling part of the hike.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
West Spruce Mountain
7160 ft
1189 rise

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West Spruce Mountain Trail, just past the trailhead.
West Spruce Mountain Trail, just past the trailhead.
Along the ridgeline.
Along the ridgeline.
View back the way I came. The Sunset Lookout is somewhat visible along the road, a popular lookout point for ATVers.
View back the way I came. The Sunset Lookout is somewhat visible along the road, a popular lookout point for ATVers.
Humps along the ridge. Thumb Butte seen right, Granite Mountain left.
Humps along the ridge. Thumb Butte seen right, Granite Mountain left.
Nicely forested walk along the ridge.
Nicely forested walk along the ridge.
Granite Mountain visible in the distance.
Granite Mountain visible in the distance.
Descending a bit along the West Spruce Trail.
Descending a bit along the West Spruce Trail.
Close-up of Granite Mountain.
Close-up of Granite Mountain.
West Spruce Mountain seen ahead.
West Spruce Mountain seen ahead.
The trail wraps around most little humps, like the one ahead.
The trail wraps around most little humps, like the one ahead.
Image 10 from gallery
View back toward the dip in the ridgeline that I'd have to reascend on the way back.
View back toward the dip in the ridgeline that I'd have to reascend on the way back.
The trail begins to climb a bit more steeply,
The trail begins to climb a bit more steeply,
View back along some switchbacks. Thumb Butte seen left. The trailhead is right of center out of view.
View back along some switchbacks. Thumb Butte seen left. The trailhead is right of center out of view.
Image 14 from gallery
Forested switchbacks.
Forested switchbacks.
View back, shortly before reaching the dirt service road.
View back, shortly before reaching the dirt service road.
Along the road, which leads to a gate seen ahead. I went through the gate and located a social trail on the left.
Along the road, which leads to a gate seen ahead. I went through the gate and located a social trail on the left.
The social trail doesn't last too long, but once I lost it the slope wasn't too brushy overall.
The social trail doesn't last too long, but once I lost it the slope wasn't too brushy overall.
West Spruce Mountain summit.
West Spruce Mountain summit.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!