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Oct 28, 2022 — 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.
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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!
