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Big Springs Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 70 Google reviews · Running trail in Lakeside, Arizona · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Big Springs Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic, kid-friendly destination featuring hiking trails as well as areas for walking and bird-watching.
What runners say about Big Springs Trailhead
“Hiked 1/2 way around the trail counterclockwise to S5 sign and then turned around since this is the nicest part of the trail Beautiful hike but rocky.”
This is a nice trailhead. There are quite a few parking places maybe 10. Several trails start here. Most of them are kind of rocky. One goes to a little pond where you can do some bird watching. Others go to woodland lake which is a bigger pond or you can fish if you want to.
Such a great trail! So many options for side trails too! This is one of the few places where I feel comfy hiking alone!
Nice hike. You can do the short loop or hike a couple of miles to the lake.
We took the half mile loop from the trailhead. It mostly went through an open ponderosa pine forest and there was a marsh beside it for a while.The surface of the trail is mostly sharp black basalt chunks. It is mostly flat but not very wide, so it was challenging for me as I used my rollator walker.
Trail conditions & character
“Hiked 1/2 way around the trail counterclockwise to S5 sign and then turned around since this is the nicest part of the trail Beautiful hike but rocky.”
“It's very quiet, scenic, and a nice walk with our dogs.”
“Well marked trail with gradual elevation changes.”
“We took the half mile loop from the trailhead.”
“Hiked 1/2 way around the trail counterclockwise to S5 sign and then turned around since this is the nicest part of the trail Beautiful hike but rocky.”
“You can do the short loop or hike a couple of miles to the lake.”
Plan your run at Big Springs Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Lakeside
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Woodland Lake Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,487 reviews
Sporting & play areas with hiking, biking & horse trails, fishing, boating & picnic facilities.
Billy Creek Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 85 reviews
Hiking area featuring creek-side trails through forested terrain, plus scenic views.
Timber Mesa Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 70 reviews
Popular hiking trail in a forested area with some inclines and peek-a-boo views.
Mogollon Rim Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 398 reviews
Family-friendly hiking trail featuring scenic views of the Mogollon Rim.
