Goldwater Lakes Out-and-Back

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

This ride starts with a really fun climb up through the mountains past some amazing scenery. The manageable climbs are long and steady, but there are a few rocky sections where you may choose to push for 15 feet or so. Higher up the scenery is amazing past the lakes and trees. On the return trip, all the climbs switch to fun, controlled downhills with a few more climbs thrown in for good measure.

From the pull-off parking area off White Spar Road, start pedaling up the Apple Blossom Trail #373 as it twists and climbs to the intersection with Twist & Shout Trail #372. Turn right and enjoy a short but fun descent as the singletrack follows the contours of the hill south to the Goldwater Lakes Trail #396.

Turn right to follow a winding climb over rolling terrain. Fortunately, most of the trail stays well in the trees providing ample shade. At the top of the next climb is another delightful descent that bottoms out just below Lower Goldwater Lake. The surrounding scenery is amazing!

From there, begin the final ascent on more enjoyable singletrack with several banked turns and seasonal streams. Eventually, it intersects with the Feldmeier Trail #330. Turn left and follow the gently rolling terrain to the S. Senator Highway Parking Area.

Take a moment to eat a snack and cool down before you turn back the way you came. There are some fantastic downhills on the way back down. There are also a few very steep, but not too long climbs (remember the fun little downhill from before?). There's just one more climb up the Twist & Shout Trail #372 and then it's smooth sailing back to the parking area on the Apple Blossom Trail #373.

At the top of your first climb from White Spar campground, you'll find a little alcove in the vegetation with a memorial for the fallen 19 Yarnell Firefighters. It is well worth a pause, a photo or a prayer.