Water Chart


A Comprehensive List of Water Sources Along the Route


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Water Sources of the Grand Enchantment Trail 2008-2009
Location Segment Total Source Type Relia-   Field Observations* Comments (YMMV)
shading = on alternate route MilePoint Mileage   bility** 2008 2008 2009 2009 S 05 = spring 2005; F 05 = fall '05; F 06 = fall '06; S 07 = spring '07, etc.
shading = >1 mi. off-route         Spring Fall Spring Fall DNV = did not visit; o/r=off-route; MP = milepoint; N S E W = compass points
          (x=yes; blank = did not visit) *  ** See bottom of chart for more about Reliability & Field Observations codes
SEGMENT 1 0 0              
First Water Creek 1 1 pools/creek 1 x   x dry Dutchman Tr crosses drainage several times over a mile or so; pools or flowing creek in average to wet spring seasons; typically dry by late spring & again after monsoon season
West Boulder Canyon 3.3 3 pools/creek 1 x   x dry Dutchman Tr crosses braided drainage; pools or flowing creek in wetter times only
East Boulder Canyon 4 4 pools/creek 2 x   x dry Dutchman Tr follows alongside drainage for ~1 mi.; flowing creek S 08, S 09; reportedly dry F 09; scouting may yield pools
Needle Canyon 5.8 6 pools/creek 1 x   x dry minor flowing creek S 08, S 09; trail keeps near for a half mile
Charlebois Spring 8.5 9 spring 3 x   x x deep pool in side drainage via short spur trail; considered reliable; first visit S 08; also seasonal pools or flow in La Barge Canyon's drainage
LaBarge Spring 9.9 10 spring 3 x   x x spring collects in cement trough above E bank -full S 08; also flowing creek S 09; no creek but one pool in creedbed & good flow from bank F 09; ; also seasonal pools or flow in La Barge Canyon's drainage cont. E along Red Tanks Tr
Whiskey Spring 11.7 12 spring ?         Did Not Visit; half mile off GET route
Upper La Barge Box 12.2 12 pools 1 x   x dry occasionally has pools in canyon bottom at or below trail crossing
La Barge Spring #2   13.2 13 spring ?         Did Not Visit; half mile off GET route
Tortilla Creek 16.5 17 pools/creek 1 x   x dry trail follows alongside drainage for a half mile; pools or flowing creek in wetter times only
Clover Spring 19.5 20 pools 1-2 x   x dry rockbound pools just below trail crossing; more pools 0.1 mi farther down drainage
Mullin Spring 22.2 22 spring ?         0.4 mi. o/r via obscure side trail (down Tortilla Crk then up side drain; DNV; also seasonal pools on main route EB approaching MP 22.7, in drainage crossed by trail
Rogers Canyon 24.7 25 creek (MP24.7-28.7) 2 x   x dry sporadic flowing creek S 08 S 09; reportedly dry along shared GET/AZT portion F 09; in general, more reliable beyond MP 28; in wetter times water likely near cliff dwelling / Angel Basin as well
SEGMENT 2 0 29              
Rogers Trough trailhead 0 29 cache location (C)         not a public water cache, but possible self-stocked cache location at trailhead area, worthwhile only in dry times; see driving directions in guidebook chapter 2
Reavis Trail Canyon 4.4 33 creek (MP4-7.5) 2 x   x x S 08 sporadic pools; S 09 some creek flow; F 09 pools just N of stone corral, also pools and flow where the trail crosses at N33 22.763 W111 08.435
Whitford Canyon 12 41 pools/creek 1 x   x dry some flow in drainage S 08 S 09; reportedly dry F 09
Superior 17.1 46 town 4 x   x x town 4 mi. off-route to E; Boyce-Thompson Arboretum 2 mi. E on US 60
SEGMENT 3 0 46              
Picketpost Trailhead area 0 46 windmill (W) x*       windmill o/r < 1 mi, reportedly non-functional; *water obtainable S 08 only by lifting well cover and fishing with a bottle on a cord; use Boyce-Thompson Arboretum in a pinch (2 mi E on US 60); trailhead itself has no water
Alamo Canyon windmill/wash 2.4 49 trough/seep 2 x   x   windmill/tank broken; cement trough in wash 0.1 mi N - full S 08; also pools/flow in wash nearby; located in Alamo Canyon, 1+ mile south of current GET/AZT
Trough Springs 7.1 54 spring/pools 1     x dry in side canyon just N of GET/AZT crossing of FR4; spring itself dry S 08; but large pools seen S 09 in drainages crossed by trail within 1 mi N of FR 4; reportedly all dry F 09
Walnut Canyon 14.8 61 artesian well 3 x   x x old well cap with outlet hole flows year-round with warm artesian water; flow and pools possible down-canyon as well during wetter times (yes S 08, S 09, no F 09)
Section 30 spring 17.2 64 spring/pools 1-2         small flow uphill in a side canyon; 1 mile off-route; DNV 08 or 09
Gila River 18.5 65 river 2-3 x   x x sometimes dry in late autumn; pos.mining contamination; definite cattle & ag. pollution; Kelvin recommended instead
Gila River 24.5 71 river 2-3 x   x x sometimes dry in late autumn; pos.mining contamination W of Mineral Creek; definite cattle & ag. pollution; Kelvin recommended instead
Kelvin 26.3 73 faucet/homes (F) x   x x as of S 09: faucet available for public use in front yard of Wilson's Trailer Court, 0.5m off-route to N; otherwise nearby Highway Dept. building has exterior faucet, or area residences in an emergency
SEGMENT 4 0 73              
Ripsey Wash 7.8 81 stock trough 2 x   x x 0.2 mi. S of rte; trough stagnant/ trickle from tank S 08, S 09, F 09; spring source in cliff alcove above (follow PVC) - OK S 08; sometimes marginal, but has yet to be observed dry
100 gallon stock trough 9.1 82 stock trough 2 x   x x trough 1/3 full S 08, PVC not flowing; 2nd trough added S 09, half full, trickle from PVC; above source + this, collectively, close to a "3" reliability
Old Ripsey Ranch 15 88 windmill & tank (W) x   x   functional S 08 S 09 with full tank; located in corral  0.5m W of rte
Freeman Road 24.5 97 public cache (C) x   x x water jugs provided for AZT hikers seasonally - on trail <0.1 mi N of road; two dozen gallons S 08; one dozen gallons S 09, restocked mid-season; 17 gal. F 09 stocked Nov.
SEGMENT 5 0 97              
Antelope Tank 5.6 103 stock pond 1     x dry catchment typically polluted by cattle - often just a muddy pool
Beehive Well 8.2 106 windmill & tank (W) x   x x good water when rancher runs pump (windmill broken); otherwise stagnant w/ insects in big tank & small troughs in corral
Putnam Spring 11.7 109 artesian spring 3 x   x x spring flows in Camp Grant Wash W of route, sometimes continuing down-canyon along route; source waters are 0.3 off-rte; robust flow S 09 & even F 09 during drought
San Pedro River 14 111 creek 3 x   x x likely perennial this area although possible ag runoff pollution
Mammoth 14.3 112 town 4 x       10 miles off-route to S; also Central AZ College 0.5m E on Aravaipa Rd
SEGMENT 6 0 112              
Aravaipa Creek (wash) 0 112 creek (MP0-4.8) 2 x   x x shallow, narrow creek in wide wash sometimes flows all the way to San Pedro River; more likely E of mp 2.1
Brandenburg Ranger Station 8.9 121 faucet (F)     x x 24 / 7 / 365 water faucet on side of BLM ranger station building at roadside
SEGMENT 7 0 123              
Aravaipa Creek 0 123 creek (MP0.1-12.3) 4 x   x x perennial creek throughout Aravaipa Canyon; typically ankle to shin deep
Turkey Creek 10.2 134 creek 2 x   x   frequently flows up-canyon of confluence w/Aravaipa Crk., beyond MP3.1 on Alternate Route; occasionally flows in area of confluence itself (S 09)
SEGMENT 8 0 136              
Aravaipa Creek 0 136 creek (MP0-4) 4 x   x x perennial creek usu. until milepoint 4, then dry to E
Forest Rte 94 5.6 141 stock trough (W)         small ground-fed trough near road with good water each obs.; 0.7m N; DNV recent yrs
Klondyke 5.6 141 store/campground (F) x   x x 2.4 miles S of main rte.; water from ranger station, campground
S. Fork Buford Canyon 5.6 141 stock troughs (W)       x on Buford Hill Alt, ~8.5 mi. from main GET mp 5.6, 3 roadside troughs w H20 F 09
Cherry Tree Spring 5.6 141 spring pools 1         on Buford Hill Alt, ~12 mi. from main GET mp 5.6; DNV recent yrs
Laurel Canyon 9.2 145 spring pools 1 x   x   seasonal pools where drainage boxes up along trail
Reef Tank 10.2 146 stock pond 1 x   x   seasonal pond with silty water, sometimes large, sometimes not; little used by cattle
Holdout Creek 13 149 creek (MP 13-16) 3 x   x   pools and some flow S 08, S 09; some pools likely reliable, but drainage may require scouting in dry times
Black Rock Creek 16 152 creek (MP 16-19) 2 x   x   flowing creek S 08, S 09; probably most reliable near 19.5
Sycamore Spring 18.6 154 spring & trough 2         1.1 mi off-route; DNV recent years
Mud Spring 18.6 154 spring & troughs 2         2.1 mi off-route; DNV recent years
Black Rock Ranch (private) 19 155 ranch/corrals (F/W)         possible emergency water at private ranch; do not disturb unless an emergency
Kane Spring 21.5 157 troughs/corral 2 x   x   confirmed water in two tanks within corral, with small flow from inlet pipe, early 08 and S 08; one full tank fed by unusable trickle S 09
Fourmile Spring 24.3 160 spring ?         haven't yet visited; off main GET route, likely along drainage near waypoint 08350; somewhat difficult access into drainage
Fourmile Canyon 24.5 160 creek/pools 2 x   x   creek flowing in this vicinity of the drainage, at trailside, first obs. winter and S 08; no flow S 09, just small pools
Cottonwood Canyon 26.5 162 creek (MP 28-30) 1-2 x   x   small creek S 08 with continuous flow throughout area; small trickle from base of tall pour-off 100 ft W of trail S 09, also near south Wilderness boundary; reportedly drying up fast by late March
Cottonwood Canyon 32 168 spring pools 2 x   x   Goat Water Tank - Lantern Tank: likely pools this area of drainage, although often quite fouled by cattle; better, sometimes flowing, after a good rain
SEGMENT 9 0 170              
Klondyke Road 1.9 172 cache location (C)         not a public water cache, but possible self-stocked cache location near junction of 2WD dirt Klondyke Rd & 4WD near Register Tank; potentially useful in dry times
Register Tank 2 172 stock pond 2 x x x   earthen stock tank, ok when full & no cows; much less desirable in drier times (half full S 08, 1/4 full S 09 with cows)
Water Canyon/Indian Spring 3.3 173 spring 1-2 x x x   Indian Spring E of road in drainage; small pools and flow over bedrock; minor flow first visit S 08; just 2 small stagnant pools S 09 & drying fast; needs semi-recent rains
Underwood Wash 4.7 174 trough/corral (W)         ground-pumped trough in corral; good quality; can be drawn from float valve; now located 5 mi E of main GET along a possible alternate route
Deer Tank 7.2 177 stock pond 1 x   dry x small earthen stock tank, some water S 08, F 09; likely none much of the time unless rain or filled by rancher
Holdout Canyon Tank 7.7 177 stock trough & tank (W)     x x good quality float valve-fed trough & generator-pumped metal holding tank; first obs. S 09;  float valve broken, trough 1/2 full & stagnant F 09
SEGMENT 10 0 179              
Tripp Canyon 0 179 pools/flow 2 x x x x grassy stringer among sycamores in drainage by cement slab at main car camping area just E of junction of FR 286 & 675; just 1 small pool F 09, although reportedly multiple pools & flow few wks later once trees went dormant; any campers might share if dry; also likely flow well off main route by corral at waypoint 09060
Bellows Canyon 1.8 181 drainage pools 1 x x     along main GET; modest pools at and just above where trail crosses drainage S 08 (first obs.), very meager F 08
Dry Lake Tank 3.9 183 wildlife pond 2 x x x dry on FR 286 alternate rte; murky but ok earthen pond in forested camping area, no cattle use; good qty each obs. except F 09 almost dry & unusable (totally dry 2 wks later)
Sawmill Spring 3.9 183 spring/creek 3       x on FR 286 alternate rte; 0.4mi downhill f/ Dry Lake Tank in Sawmill Cyn.; modest flow & pools among horsetail in midst of drought F 09 - first obs. Likely reliable.
Turkey Spring 5.5 185 spring 1       dry on FR 286 alternate rte; PVC pipe in drainage, 50ft downhill from FR 286 / Blue Jay Ridge Tr jct; dry first obs F 09
Government Spring 9.1 188 spring/seep 1     no   0.25m W of 9.1; cement box-spring below road; dead rodents in unusable spring S 09
Riggs Lake 13.3 193 reservoir 4 x   x x man-made lake; may be frozen in winter/very early spring; inlet creek along E shore of fine quality, though reliability uncertain
Peters Flat 16.4 196 creeklet 3 x   x x small creeklet in meadow flowing near Swift Trail jct; very likely in springtime
Ash Creek 18.8 198 creek (MP 18.8-24.2) 4 x   x x perennial creek; water likely wherever trail follows Ash Creek in this segment (except none near Oak Flat F 09)
SEGMENT 11 0 204              
Ash Creek 0.8 205 creek (MP 0.8-4.1) 2 x   x x possible (though not perennial) flow at drainage crossings at MP 0.8, 2.3, and 4.1
Cluff Ranch 4.7 209 faucet / ponds (F) x x x x permanent developed ponds in Cluff Ranch wildlife area; spigot also available via side road to information center, along left fork toward bunkhouse
Thatcher 11.4 216 town / college 4 x x x x EAC campus along GET; head S, left of domed concert hall & enter courtyard behind next building for bathroom & water fountain; downtown Thatcher services 0.5m N
Safford 13.4 218 town (MP13.4-15.4) 4 x x x x some services located along 8th St / main GET, while most are short ways N along US 70
SEGMENT 12 0 220              
Gila River 3.1 223 river 3 x x x x river likely polluted with ag runoff; use Safford or Solomon
Solomon 4.5 224 town 4 x x x   CD's convenience store located 0.6m S via Sanchez Rd & Bowie Ave; note store hours in town guide; also nearby Las Palomas restaurant
Gila River 4.8 224 river 3 x x x x river likely polluted with ag runoff; use Solomon
Trans-line Tank 9.3 229 solar well/stock pond (W)     x x solar pump array just E of powerline sub-station, with PVC hose running toward stock pond NW of sub-station; good water from hose or tank S 09, F 09; first obs. S 09
Solomon Pass 12.2 232 windmill & tanks (W)   x x x corral S of pass with small windmill-fed troughs; only sporadically wet
Rattlesnake Tank 14 234 stock trough (W)     x no old corral with float-valve-controlled trough; cow poop in trough F 09 - unusable; DNV nearby stock pond
Salt Trap Tank 16 236 stock pond 1         stock impoundment 1 mi off main route; DNV recent years
Spring Canyon 16 236 solar-powered well (W)     x x solar pump array with large trough, at MP 2.0 on Spring Canyon Alt.; 1st obs S 09; trough full F 09 but slight grease odor to water
Boo Tank 17.7 237 stock pond 2   x x   Boo Tank itself usually dry but unnamed pond below often has water; somewhat silty, possibly cattle use; small ephemeral pool below berm preferable but less likely
Bear Spring 21.5 241 spring pools 1   dry dry dry small pools possible in drainage W of road; dry recent obs.
SEGMENT 13 0 241              
stock pond 3.2 244 stock pond/corral 1     dry   stock impoundment (no well) inside locked corral 1/4 mile off route
Johnny Creek 5.5 247 intermittent pools 2   x x dry small stagnant pools in slot canyon portion only F 08 S 09; completely dry F 09; some pools OK quality when more numerous; creek can flow & have pools to wade after heavy rain
Bonita Creek 6.7 248 creek 3-4   x x x creek seems to be reliable here; recent beaver activity at trail crossing
Midnight Canyon 7.2 248 intermittent pools 1   dry dry dry wash flow and pools in slot portion of canyon possible, but dry recent obs.
Smith Spring 14.3 256 spring/stock trough 3   x x x PVC-fed trough often seen overflowing with excellent water; sometimes drainage flow in vicinity as well; no flow to trough F 09, but good drain.flow & at old metal pipe from cliff wall above
SEGMENT 14 0 256              
Eagle Creek 1 257 creek 4   x     usu. ankle-deep ford at Lower Eagle Creek Rd, 0.6mi from main route MP1.0
Gold Gulch 1 257 stock trough / pools 2         trough unreliable; likely pools in slot to W; ~2.4mi from main route MP1.0; DNV recent yrs
Eagle Creek 1.9 258 creek (1.9-10.6) 4   x x x 50+ fords of ankle-to-thigh-deep creek; use Eagle Creek Bypass when flooding
Lower Cottonwood Corral 11.4 268 spring pools 3   x x x good pools at or below where trail rejoins drainage just N of Lower Cottonwood corral
Cottonwood Corral 12.3 269 drainage pools 1     dry dry ephemeral pools in smooth bedrock portion of drainage witihin 100 yds W of corral
Cottonwood Spring 13.8 270 spring / flow 3   x x x reliable spring in main drainage with intermittent flow, pools, for 100 yds or so among cottonwoods, sycamores, cattails
Pinto Spring 15.5 272 cement trough 1   dry dry dry cement trough at trailside fed by PVC from Pinto Spring; usually dry; spring itself more reliable but difficult to reach (in cliff above)
Curve Spring 17.1 273 drainage pools 1 x dry dry dry located in bedrock drainage of Wood Canyon, 0.1m south of trail crossing via side trail or drainage walk; completely dry F 08, S 09, F 09; two small pools S 08
SEGMENT 15 0 278              
Morenci & Clifton 0.1 278 towns 4 x x x x via US 191 Morenci village 15mi S; Clifton 18m S
Granville Recreation Site 0.1 278 campground (F) no no   off ~2 mi N via US 191 or W from Frye Trail; no H20 (developed or otherwise) observed prior to F 09; water lines to picnic sites installed 09 but faucets off for season by late Oct 09
Frye Spring 3.1 281 spring 3   x x x several pipe-fed pools less than 100 yds up N-S side drainage where trail bends 90 degrees; also good pool in drainage just below trail about 0.1 mi E in wetter times
Sardine Creek 4.5 282 pools 1   dry x dry seasonal pools in bedrock drainage where trail crosses; dry first 2 observations
Mud Spring 6.5 284 cement trough 3   x x x pipe-fed trough at trailside, full and good quality each obs.; H20 can be taken from pipe directly; source in hillside above
McBride Spring 6.8 285 spring 1-2 x x x dry small pool at trailside just S of HL Canyon drainage; often difficult to use, organic debris
Wing Tank 7.6 285 stock pond 2 x x x x smallish earthen stock pond in corral, no cattle use noted each obs.
Pigeon Creek 12.5 290 drainage flow 1 x dry x dry creek only occasionally flows where route crosses; possible pools at or below pour-off 0.5m E (see next entry); perennial creek below Turkey Creek confluence
SEGMENT 16 0 290              
Pigeon Creek 0.4 291 drainage flow 2         possible pools at or below pour-off S and E of FR 475 here
Turkey Creek 2.8 293 creek 2-3 x x x x shallow creek crosses FR 475 below T-Link Ranch; unreliable in very dry times
Bear Creek 3.4 294 creek 2 x x x x shallow creek or pools alongside FR 475 ; not as dependable as Turkey Creek
Clear Creek 4.9 295 drainage flow/pools 1-2 x x x dry shallow creek or pools near FR 475 may require scouting; nothing noted near road F 09
Pigeon Creek 8.8 299 creek (MP 8.8-9.1) 2 x x x x lowermost portion of drainage here often has some flow, but much reduced during drought of F 09
Blue River 9.1 299 river 4 x x x x single ford along main route; ankle-deep F 08; likely deeper S 09; shallow rock-hop F 09
Johnson Canyon 9.2 300 drainage flow 3 x x x x small flow in drainage just E of Blue River, by confluence
SEGMENT 17 0 303              
Wild Bunch Tank 0.1 303 stock pond 0   dry dry dry almost always dry, despite prominence on map
Wild Bunch Canyon 1.6 305 creek pools 2   x x x intermittent pools in drainage; also some flow each obs. but minimal F 09
Morris Day Gap 4.2 307 spring 2   x x x rockbound spring pool beside trail; recently improved by USFS, but often very shallow; also small spring-fed trough by cistern in vicinity, full & clear F 09
ridge above Morris Day Gap 4.5 307 developed spring 3   x x x recently improved by USFS, protected from livestock; similar to above source; PVC feeds cistern and trough at Morris Day Gap
Snare Canyon 6.5 309 earthen pond 2-3   x   x okay water, limited stock use, but silty near banks;  0.4m E of GET in forested cyn
SEGMENT 18 0 316              
Vigil Canyon 7.3 324 pools 1   x     small pools in riparian drainage where road comes close; requires short scramble down to drainage; a few good pools F 07, two very small silty pools F 08
San Francisco River 9.4 326 river 2   x x x single shallow ford along road S 09; river often dry here in fall but several ok pools noted in wash within 0.2 mi. below bridged crossing on side route to Glenwood F 09
Alma/Glenwood 9.7 326 towns 4   x x x Alma store (on route) has outside faucet; Glenwood 4.5 mi S
SEGMENT 19 0 326              
Mineral Creek 1.6 328 creek 1     dry   sometimes shallow flow where road crosses; dry S 09; DNV other recent seasons
SEGMENT 20 0 331              
Whitewater Creek 2 333 creek (MP2-3.2) 4   x x x moderate flow F 07, S 09; gentle / low F 09; High Country Bypass remains with creek for 8.5 more miles
S. Fork Whitewater Creek 3.2 334 creek (MP3.2-7.2) 4   x x x numerous fords of ankle-deep creek; rock-hoppable F 09; likely higher in spring
E. Fork Whitewater Creek 7.2 338 creek (MP7.2-9.1) 3   x   x minor creek flows here and there, MP9.1 likely, but not beyond along route
Nabours Spring 10.9 342 spring ?         signed side trail E of Deloche Tr jct leads several tenths of a mile (downhill) to spring; not yet visited
Black Mountain Spring 15.2 346 spring 3   x snow x piped spring with good flow F 08 F 09; snowbound S 09
Apache Spring 15.7 347 spring 2   x x x small spring pool at trailside, just off-route on Sacaton Mtn Trail near cabin
Hobo Spring 18.5 349 spring 2   x x x small spring pool just below trail, sometimes with a little outflow; can be silty at times
Little Hobo Spring 18.9 350 spring 2   x x x small spring pool at trailside; a little smaller than main Hobo Spring; easy to overlook - watch for sign post just E of location (pool on uphill side of trail)
West Fork Saddle 19.3 350 spring ?         DNV; viia unmarked side trail E off ridge; trail steep, rough
Black Tail Spring 20.9 352 spring ?         DNV; along signed turnoff from main trail; located on E side of ridge
Mogollon Baldy Lookout 21.6 353 rainwater well (W)   no no no rainwater runoff stored in cement tank; locked & inaccessible unless fire lookout staffed
Snow Park 23.5 354 spring 3     x   off-rte short distance; possibly snowbound in spring
White Creek 29.5 360 creek 3   x x x small rock-hoppable single-ford creek F 08, F 09
West Fork Gila River 31.8 363 creek 4   x x x two fords of creek in Segment 20 (or 1 if using Highwater Bypass); usually manageable
SEGMENT 21 0 363              
West Fork Gila River 0 363 creek (MP0-16) 4   x x x variable from place to place, but in general: thigh-deep S 05; shin/knee-deep F 05; knee-deep S 07; ankle/shin-deep F 07, F 08, S 09, F 09; nearby for 16 miles
Gila Cliff Dwellings 16 379 faucet/river 4(F)   x     drinking water at NPS contact station; or river if faucet off
SEGMENT 22 0 381              
TJ Corral trailhead 0 381 spigot (F)   x     spigot at trailhead; turned off seasonally
Dump station 0.8 382 spigot (F)   x     RV dump station has spigot with drinking water
Gila Hot Springs 0.8 382 community 4   x x x community 3 mi. o/r; Doc Campbell's store, adjacent campground
Visitor's Center 1.1 382 water fountain (F)   x x x outside Gila Cliff Dwellings visitor center restrooms
Middle Fork Gila River 1.3 382 creek (MP1.3-2.8) 4   x x x nearby for 1.5 miles; gentle knee-deep fords F 05, S 07, F 08; swifter S 05; very gentle F 07, F 09
Adobe Canyon 7 388 intermittent pools 2   x x x pools and occasional flow in Adobe Canyon below spring source where trail joins/leaves drainage, which itself is often dry
East Fork Gila River 8.1 389 creek 4   x x x single easy ford each season visited; usu. gentlest of three Gila forks
Diamond Creek 12.5 394 creek (MP8.2-12.5) 3   x x x small creek tends to diminish toward W Fork Gila R confluence
lower Tom Moore Canyon 16.4 397 pools 2         several good pools commonly found in upper, non-technical portion of slot canyon W of route; DNV recent years; no water likely in area tanks
Tom Moore Canyon 21 402 pools / ponding 1   x dry dry pools and/or flow in wash west of wilderness boundary; good-sized catchment pond noted near MP21 F 08, but drainage is generally unreliable
Me Own Admin Site 23.6 405 spigot / trough (F)   dry x dry/off freeze-proof spigot by trough within horse corral; trough itself often has lots of algae; spigot discovered S 09; prior obs. refer only to trough; spigot turned off F 09 + trough dry
SEGMENT 23 0 405              
South Diamond Creek 3.7 409 creek (MP3.7-8.2) 3   x x x small creek, commonly dry in a few stretches but quite likely in others
Burnt Canyon 8.2 413 creek (MP8.2-10.1) 3   x x x small creek flowing through burn area; good quality; sometimes dry at lower end
SEGMENT 24 0 416              
Diamond Peak Spring 1.7 417 spring 2   x x x spring pool beside switchbacking trail; small, fragile source; hard to collect from; just a wet spot with almost unusable pool recent obs.; snow patches possible in spring
drainage along Divide 4.9 421 drainage rill 2   x x x little rill  along Divide 0.2m S of side trail to Fisherman Canyon, where CDT crosses steep, minor drainage via short wooden bridge; visible and usable S 05, S 07, F 08; audible trickle in rocks F 07, S 09
Fisherman Canyon 5.1 421 creek 2         creek or pools possible 1 mi. W of Divide; DNV
Chloride Creek 11 427 creek (10.1-12.0) 3   x x x pools and/or small flow in Chloride Crk & esp. in tributary crk to south; have yet to see dry; nearby FR 226 leads E 13m to small village of Chloride, with lower Chloride Creek along way
SEGMENT 25 0 431              
saddle south of Kline Mtn 5.9 437 springs 2   x x x spring-fed trough 0.3m E of saddle, 300 feet down; trough water sometimes rusty, but good small pools in adjacent drainage noted recent obs.; pos. springs to W of Divide also
SEGMENT 26 0 442              
drainage along Divide 4 435 drainage pools 1       x several good rainwater pools in rockbound portion of drainage just W of CDT (33 29.124  107 50.518); first obs. F 09
Adobe Spring 11.4 454 spring pools 2   x dry? x excellent pools in bedrock portion of  x-c canyon near confluence of drainages - except in prolonged dry times; off-route, W of Divide; most likely pool at sizable pour-off, 100 yds below confluence
Dry Time Tank 14.7 457 earthen tank 1-2   x dry x small trailside, rain-fed pond; small & silty F 08; a little better F 09; NOT reliable in very dry times; old location of Dry Time Tank shown on USGS map destroyed by flooding - no water there
SEGMENT 27 0 461              
Duck Canyon 0.5 462 solar well/stock pond (W)   x x x large holding tank fed by solar-powered well; full tank F 08; half full F 09; can take water from inlet pipe when solar pump working (functional each obs.); also large earthen stock pond 100 yds W of well, wet (w cows) F 09
Ridge Windmill corral 4.7 466 stock troughs (W)   x x x 1 or 2 troughs in corral 0.2m E of Ridge Windmill; usu. ok quality when wet
Knisley Canyon 6.5 468 windmill & tank (W)   x x x plenty of good water in tank & trough each obs.; H20 also from inlet pipe S 09, F 09
Alamosa Creek 11 472 creek (MP11-17) 4   x x x creek flows year-round below Ojo Caliente & thru Monticello Canyon, though diverted into "community ditch" between MP15.0-17.2 and for a mile beyond
Alamosa Creek 17.2 479 creek 4   x x x creek flows year-round in places along Monticello Loop Alternate, though diverted into "community ditch" first mile south of MP 17.2, then final 4 or 5 miles into town
Monticello 17.2 479 village 4   x   x 10 mi S of MP 17.2 via Monticello Loop Alternate; H20 from post office or residences
Garcia Falls Canyon 17.2 479 creek 2       x MP 19.8 on Monticello Loop Alternate; Garcia Falls (100 yds E of road) not considered reliable in drier times according to local rancher; upper of 2 falls accessible via steps alongside lower falls; drainage elsewhere is sandy wash & usu. dry
San Mateo Canyon 21.2 483 stock trough (W)         stock trough at "Steel Windmill" S of where Burma Rd crosses San Mateo Canyon (possibly defunct); more likely at distant "Lower Windmill"; DNV recent years; San Mateo Canyon itself perennial in places within Apache Kid Wilderness to the north
SEGMENT 28 0 486              
Shipman Canyon 0.9 487 creek 3       x creek considered reliable where Tr 50 first reaches drainage EB
Myers Spring 1.9 488 spring / creek 3       x spring pools located where drainage begins to flow down-canyon (dry above); spring just W of trail among brush
Nave Spring 3.7 490 spring 2       x unsigned source; small spring flow in minor drainage just below trail crossing; look for old corrugated round trough nearby; first obs. F 09
San Mateo Spring 6.5 493 spring 1       dry metal trough in cement housing at trailside; signed & located at trailside; dry first obs. F 09 (equestrian said his horse had just drunk the last of it); likely requires snowmelt or recent rains
Cowboy Spring 7.2 493 spring 1       dry piped spring flow along northerly, switchbacking portion of Cowboy Trail #44 loop to San Mateo Peak; reported wet F 06; reported dry fall 09; also cement cistern at lookout atop peak (rainwater catchment, often wet, but open to critters that can drown in it)
Twenty-five Yard Spring 8.7 495 spring 2-3       x via signed short side trail; small creeklet in narrow drainage with pools among rocks; likely dry much above or below here
Cub Spring 12.8 499 spring & trough 3   x x   excellent small spring piped into trough at trailside; 0.6 mi. off rte via Post Tr 90 (initially blowdown-intensive)
Pothole Spring 16.6 503 spring/creek 3       x located just N of fenceline at Apache Kid Wilderness boundary; good flow in drainage by defunct corral S 05, F 09; DNV other years; pools also possible elsewhere in Water Canyon, esp. above and esp. in early spring
Toolbox Spring 19.3 505 spring ?         0.6m E of route; DNV
SEGMENT 29 0 505              
Indian Spring 0.8 506 spring-fed trough 3   x x x trough fed by modest-flow inlet pipe; in stock exclosure, trough disabled F 07 but steady flow from PVC pipe and pools in drainage; PVC inoperable as of S 09 but pools ok
New Lava Spring 3.8 509 spring 1         S 05: small flow in steep drainage 0.7m o/r; closer Lava Spring dry; DNV after S 05
Grassy Lookout 4.3 510 rainwater well (W)   no x no emergency water pos. when lookout staffed, usu. by May (S 09 mid April); personnel usu. leaves for season by the end of September
Sanchez Trough Spring 10.4 516 spring trough ?         DNV; 1 mile W, 800 ft downhill off main rte via Hughes Tr and Chimney Tr loop
Potato Canyon 15.6 521 creek / pools 3   x x x intermittent pools & creek flow below MP 15.6 for ~1 mile; F 08, only around MP15.6 just below cascades; scouting may be necessary in very dry times
SEGMENT 30 0 524              
Cooney Windmill 0.7 525 windmill & tank (W)   x x x large holding tank & few troughs; full tank with good water each obs.; water from inlet pipe when windmill turning; no camping this area
west of Milligan Gulch 6.9 531 pools (6.9-7.6) 2   x   x x-c drainage often has a few small pools in bedrock, typically stagnant but often ok until cows find them
Alameda Spring 10.2 534 spring & trough 2   x   x main spring area & wash flow sometimes polluted by cattle; nearby "tire trough" full & okay F 05 & after
north of Squaw Peak 12.5 537 stock trough (W)   x   dry small trough in corral by E-W fenceline; float-valve dependent; full S 05; float valve broken by cattle F 05 = small drip; fixed F 06; broken again F 09 & totally dry
SEGMENT 31 0 538              
Hardy Spring Tank 2.9 541 wildlife pond 3   x   x earthen tank at roadside, much used by elk and deer; no cows observed; full each observation; inlet pipe from Hardy Spring installed F 08, easy to collect from when flowing
Hardy Spring drainage 3 541 box spring, pools 3   x   x Hardy Spring itself piped underground to covered plastic tub; locked and inaccessible; accessible pools in drainage uphill within 0.1m each obs., most likely near USFS boundary fence
W Fork Sawmill Canyon 4.4 543 creek/pools(0.6-1.9) 2-3   x   x occasional flow alongside trail in drainage with pools each obs.; on Sawmill Cyn Alt
E Fork Sawmill Canyon 4.4 543 creek/pools(2.2-4.9) 4   x   x continuous flow alongside trail in drainage each obs.; reportedly perennial; on Sawmill Cyn Alt
Baldy Spring 6.9 545 spring-fed trough 3   x     accessible from main rte (MP ~6.9 / 7.4) via Tr 8 and/or FR 235; or along Sawmill Cyn Alt. (MP 6.1) via FR 235; 0.2 mi W of road via x-c in meadow/aspen forest; large spring-fed trough in gooseberry thicket near relict cabin, full and excellent quality each observation
Magdalena 19.3 558 town 4   x x x town of Magdalena on-route
SEGMENT 32 0 558              
east of Bear Mountains 7.6 565 windmill & tank (W)     x x full tank and/or trough each observation; water from inlet pipe when windmill turning; posted private property
west of La Jencia Creek 10.1 568 cistern & troughs (W)     x x tall metal cistern & several nearby tire troughs; troughs full & clear first obs. S 09 & F 09; one tire lined w/cement has best quality; on cross-country section W of La Jencia; navigate by waypoint or scout for cistern
La Jencia Creek 11.7 569 pools / flow 1   x x x small surface flow typically just north of route in wash; also pools along route S 09, but often just muddy (F 09); frequent cattle; often difficult to collect without a filter (or digging)
east of La Jencia Creek 14.1 572 windmill & tank (W)   x x x electric-powered well feeding large holding tank often with good water; inlet pipe also flowing F 08, F 09; no camping this area
west of San Lorenzo Wash 16.4 574 stock troughs (W)   x x x full trough each obs., though algae sometimes present; float-valve controlled; also full trough at 17.0 new as of F 07, possibly temporary
San Lorenzo Spring & Canyon 20.4 578 wash flow 3   x x x wash flow or pools MP20.4-22.0; sometimes good flow throughout, but only intermittent flow and pools F 08, S 09, F 09; most reliable near spring source & adjacent pour-off
San Lorenzo slot side canyon 22.2 580 pools & seep 1   dry     pools and cliff seepage above pour-off in side slot canyon; dry F 08
SEGMENT 33 0 585              
Polvadera 0 585 village (F)     x x H20 available inside post office (~1m o/r) ONLY when open (or homes, or in Lemitar, Socorro)
Rio Grande Main Conveyance 1 586 irrigation channel 3   x x x unpotable irrigation water along aqueduct road
Escondida Lake Park 2 587 spigots (F)     x x at RV sites on Rio Grande Highwater Bypass MP 6.8; strong mineral taste
Escondida Grill 2 587 restaurant (F)     x x small restaurant 0.25m W of Rio Grande Highwater Bypass MP 6.9; see Town Guide
Rio Grande 2.5 587 river 4   x x x unpotable and silty; flood stage S 05; waist-deep but fordable F 05; knee-deep F 06; reportedly waist-deep and swift late F 06 due to CO snowmelt; thigh-deep F 08; Li Brannfors floated across S 09; a little high F 09 f/ recent local rain
Arroyo de Alamillo 6.4 591 cistern & troughs (W)   x x   large cistern with troughs along road near drainage; cistern overflowing both obs.
Valle del Ojo area 11.1 596 wildlife pond 1   dry dry x good sized stock pond, used mostly by wildliife; ponds also possible in and around arroyo area between MP 8-11 w/ cows often observed; also random troughs at roadside between here and Stapleton Windmill, variable reliability
waypoint 944 windmill 14.9 599 windmill & tank (W)   x ? x old ranch building & windmill/corral, formerly in disrepair; functional as of F 07 with full tank; only 1/3 full and stagnant F 08; conflicting reports S 09; half full F 09
solar-pump stock trough 17.9 602 solar-powered well (W)   x x x water pumped into cement tank in daylight; collect from inlet pipe or nearby trough
solar-pump stock trough 19.1 604 solar-powered well (W)   x   x circular trough w/float-valve, often with algae, but full each obs.
waypoint 951 tank 21.2 606 stock pond 1   dry dry dry earthen stock pond usually dry
waypoint 949 well 23 608 windmill & tank (W)   x x x cement tank (unused by stock) full F 08, 1/4 full F 09; water sometimes available f/ windmill pipe; also float-valve-fed trough in corral nearby w/ frequent cattle use
waypoint 952 tank 24.3 609 stock pond 1   x x x heavily used, silty stock pond
windmill & tank 25.9 610 windmill / tank (W)       x windmill & large cement holding tank in corral at roadside; tank full & clear 1st obs. F 09; also possible (silty) pools in nearby drainage
waypoint 097 draw 31.9 616 pools 1   dry dry x pools and some flow possible in bedrock pockets of draw just below junction of minor canyons; only small pools F 09; needs relatively recent rain
Thompson HQ 35 620 faucets (F)       x DO NOT USE AREA TANKS - ALL PRIVATE; Thompson Ranch granting permission to use faucets (or hose) in front yard (N side of CR 121), but check at house first; if no one is home may help yourself but no loitering please & no camping on private land
Montosa Canyon 39.2 624 pools (MP39.2-41.2) 1         possible pools in wide wash along x-c section of route; usu. dry except after good rains
County Route 115 44.6 629 cache location (C)         not a public water cache, but possible self-stocked cache location along CR 115 near jct w/ US 60. Potentially useful in dry times or to bypass reliance on Thompson Ranch.
US 60 44.7 629 town, Nat.Mon. 4         town of Mountainair 18m E; Salinas Pueblo Missions Nat.Mon. Abo District 9m E
SEGMENT 34 0 629              
wash north of Hwy 60 1.1 630 stock pond 2     x x decent quality dirt tank; 1/2 full first obs. S 09; about the same F 09
Abo Canyon 3.9 633 creek / pools 2-3     x x intermittent creek and/or pools in drainage just E of MP 3.9; first obs. here S 09; pools also likely farther east, toward jct w/ Priest and Montosa canyons (previous obs.)
La Casa Spring 9.7 639 spring / pools 1   dry dry   seasonal flowing wash & pools in notch between hills, 0.1m E of route
Rattlesnake Spring 10.4 640 spring / pools 1   dry dry   seasonal flowing wash & pools in notch between hills 0.1mE of route, somewhat more likely than La Casa Spr. but neither is very reliable w/o recent rains
upper Priest Canyon 14.2 643 creek (MP14.2-14.8) 2   x x x small seasonal creek and/or pools E of FR 422 in forested setting; flowing strongly throughout, S 05; only near 14.8 other seasons; flows from Pine Shadow Spring (see next entry)
Pine Shadow Spring 14.8 644 boxed spring 3     x x outflow from spring in drainage just N of restroom along FR 422 at sign for Pine Shadow Riparian Area. Spring source uphill (just W of FR 422 & N of TH access road) in fenced-off area (easy climb-over) in cement box. Clear, cold, excellent, and looks perennial; also a metal trough just S of TH in separate drainage, often dry.
SEGMENT 35 0 644              
Upper Ox Spring 6.8 651 spring 1     no   dry or could not find each attempted obs.; Lower Ox Spring not noted either (F07)
Spruce Spring 9.4 653 spring & trough 3-4   x x x perennial spring on short spur tr off Spruce Spring Trail (0.4 o/r); spring source piped into metal trough, full each obs. except F 09 inexplicably very low; normally drainage flow below trough but often difficult to use without filtering it up
Sand Spring 11.9 656 spring ?         dry or could not find F 05; DNV other seasons
Capilla Peak Campground 14.7 659 spring/campers 1     x   Capilla Spring located in fenced area of drainage just N of campground (easy climb-over); DNV 08; small & muddy S 09; Horsehead Spring not noted; nearby fire lookout another possibility when staffed; no developed water at CG
Ojo del Indio 15.9 660 spring-fed troughs 2-3?   no no x could not find each attempted observation until F 09; verified location a few hundred yards E of Crest Trail down drainage; initially rough bushwhack then cairned trail; 2 large pipe-fed troughs full & clear F 09; spring source not noted (ie no pools)
Upper 4th of July Spring 25.1 669 spring-fed trough 3   x x x piped, spring-fed trough with excellent water; also drainage flow just above & below to varying degrees; source is accessed via unsigned side trail at fork (this is old route of 4th of July Spur Tr, which stays in drainage, reaching trough in 50 yds; don't continue beyond)
4th of July Campground 25.8 670 spring/campers 3         located 0.2 mi o/r; spring flowing vigorously along CG nature trail S 05; DNV other seasons; likely at least as reliable as Upper 4th Spring; no developed water at CG
SEGMENT 36 0 671              
Albuquerque Trail Spring 0.7 671 spring pool  2   x x no small cement dam in drainage containing pool; some creek flow S 05, F 06; pool very small & muddy w/ insects F 08; large & clear S 09; just damp soil F 09
Largo Trick Tank 6.1 677 wildlife tank & trough (W)       x large tan-colored tank & smaller trough located a short ways E of FR 260 via game / cow path; both wet first obs. F 09; mileage loc. approx
waypoint 120 troughs 7.2 678 spring & troughs 3   x x x series of piped troughs & an earthen pond; good flow between troughs S 09; OK flow other obs.
waypoint 725 spring 13.7 684 spring 1   x x   possible flow in open grassy area of drainage; small muddy pool S of road F 08, in road S 09 but all dry by early May
David Canyon pond #1 17.2 688 wildlife pond & trough 1-2       x developed rainwater catchment w/ "rain apron"; also nearby rain-fed trough; both located 0.1 mi. N of GET, then 50 yds W via side tr; "Habitat Stamp Program" / Boy Scout project; first obs. F 09 w/ a little h20 in pond & ok, half-full trough
SEGMENT 37 0 690              
Ponderosa Pine 0 690 store/village 4         Morning Star Grocery (2.5 mi o/r) has H20 when open; else adjacent cafe or homes
Oak Flat Picnic Area 0 690 faucet (F)         2.8 mi o/r; faucet at Yucca group area; water turned off f/late Oct to April
David Canyon pond #2 0.2 690 wildlife pond 1   x x dry developed rainwater catchment w/"rain apron"; 0.3mi off-route via Tr 161; OK summer 07 & 08, usable but drying up F 08; plenty of silty water S 09; completely dry F 09; no cattle use but much used by wildlife
Cedro Creek 6.6 696 creek/pools 3   x   x o/r via continuation of Tr 56 & Cedro Creek Nature Trail; creek said to be perennial, though in most places flows underground; typically several good pools and flow between 0.6 mi & 0.8 mi o/r; 1st obs. summer 08
Sandia Ranger Station 11.3 701 faucet (F)   x x x 24/7 outside faucet/drinking fountain to left of USFS visitor's center building
Tijeras 11.8 702 town 4   x x x Tijeras on route, with multiple businesses
SEGMENT 38 0 702              
Hondo Canyon 0.5 703 waterfall & creek 2-3   x   x travertine falls + intermittent creek flow above & below; in drier times, creek flow limited to just above falls where trail crosses
South Sandia Spring 4.7 707 piped spring 1   dry   dry pipe-fed trough from undergound spring; source completely dry F 08, F 09
Sandia Tram summit station 13.1 716 faucet (F)   x x x water available inside tram building & High Finance restaurant when open
SEGMENT 39 0 716              
Sandia Crest 1.4 717 faucet (F)   x x x water available inside gift shop/restaurant when open
La Cueva Canyon 5.4 721 creek 1   dry dry dry seasonal creeklet where trail crosses drainage; sometimes pools just below that you can scramble down to
lower La Cueva Canyon 7.8 723 creek 1   dry dry dry flows less frequently in this area than above; good flow S 05
Jaral Cabin Spring 8.3 724 piped spring 2       x pipe-fed spring pool in small cement "bird bath" among bushes next to ruins of old ranger cabin; reached via signed Spring Creek Tr off Tramway Tr, side tr to obvious ruins is right fork w/i 100 yds; first obs. F 09
lower Tram Station 9.1 725 faucet (F)   x x x drinking fountain & restroom w/faucet inside tram building on lower level
                   
                   
* Field Observations  
Fall 2009 water source information & observations based on first-hand accounts from Liz Mares, Brian Tanzman, Brett Tucker, Michael VanDamm, Tom Weir, and Barbara Zinn. Spring 2009 observations based on first-hand accounts from Travis Anderson, Li Brannfors, Herman Senter, and Brett Tucker. Spring and Fall 2008 observations based on first-hand accounts from Brett Tucker. Table begins at Segment 1 near Phoenix and reads down to Segment 39 at Albuquerque. An "x" indicates that water was observed or otherwise obtained at a particular source; "dry" means a source was verified to be dry; "no" is used for sources where the water was unavailable (eg., locked holding tank), unusable (such as a damp spot) or status was unconfirmed despite an attempted observation; "off" refers to mechanical pumping systems (windmills, solar arrays, etc.) or faucets turned off and unavailable; a blank cell means that the source was not visited ("DNV") and thus its status was unknown at that time. Location cells highlighted brown represent water sources along alternate routes of the main GET. Peach-colored highlighting is used for water sources located more than 1 mile off the main route or alternate routes.  
                   
** Reliability scale (0-4, F, W or C)  
Reliability scale is intended to offer a general idea of each source's reliability, although actual conditions may vary considerably from season to season, and even in the course of a season (eg, early spring vs late spring). Long-distance hikers should consider following a recommended itinerary for best odds, spring or fall, and especially don't start too late. A zero (0) = no water likely available; 1 = seasonal and/or chancy; 2 = probable except in times of prolonged dry weather; 3 = fairly dependable; 4 = a definite source. In terms of strategy, a 0 or 1 source should never be counted on. Always carry enough water to reach a 2 source, or in drier times - such as following a dry winter or weak summer rainy season - a 3 or 4 source. Water sources at 3 or 4 on the reliability scale are color coded blue for easier reference. In addition to the numerical codes, the letter (F) is used for facilities where a faucet or spigot is the only, or the primary, source of drinking water. (F) sources highlighted in blue are considered to be fairly reliable (within their stated daily and/or seasonal window of availability, if any) based on historical observations. The letter (W) is used for all sources that are entirely dependent on the mechanical pumping of ground water, including tanks & troughs filled by windmill, solar array, or electric pump, and all tanks & troughs with a float valve filling system [however, (W) is not used for stock ponds & similar rainwater catchments, which are instead rated numerically]. The (W) sources are neither rated nor are any highlighted in blue, regardless of historical reliability, which the user is encouraged to reference in determining independently how much (or how little) faith to place in each. Keep in mind that all man-made sources are subject to being turned off or rendered unusable irrespective of how wet or dry a particular season happens to be. In a few places along the route, especially in dry times, placing a cache of drinking water in advance may be a reasonable option, or a public cache may be provided seasonally or sporadically, and the letter code (C) on the water chart is used for these locations.  
Copyright © 2010 Brett Tucker    
Free for personal use; Not intended for sale or public distribution without permission    
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