Reviewed by: spongebob squarepants ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This was a great trail that almost turned into an epic for me. The 3.5 mile climb up was killer with several spots I had to jump off and push. I left a little late in the day and didn't get to the top until the sun was just about to set. It was a beautiful sunset but I couldn't take too much time to enjoy it due to the 5.5 mile ride down still to do. I got out the headlamp before leaving the top and had to turn it on almost immediately. The downhill was *great*. You ride along a ridge for about 2 miles before dropping down the mountain. It is almost all downhill with some fun little drops and boulders to navigate. I did get off once or twice on the way down when it got pretty technical. I wasn't sure what to expect in the dark and since it was my first time on the trail I didn't want to get into too much trouble alone in the dark. In retrospect the whole downhill is definately rideable for an intermediate rider. There seemed to be some good exposure off the side of the trail but I was more focused on the 10 feet of trail I could see with my headlamp. I made it back to the car safe and sound, grinning from ear to ear. I can't wait to do it again (in the daytime that is...).

Recommended Route:
Do it clockwise. Trail 307 the whole way. I also saw a dirt road leading up to the lookout tower from the backside. I believe this road is accessable from Senator Highway just before you reach the Groom Creek parking area. I might try heading up on that next time because the ride up was mostly on loose rock and way steep. Just a little over my head. The real gem to this ride is the downhill (isn't it always?).

Reviewed by: John , from Prescott

Summary:
I usually ride this route when I do Spruce. Park in the normal Groom Creek parking lot. Exit the parking lot and get back on Senator Highway heading west (towards the dirt). Ride on Senator Highway (dirt road) for a few miles until you get to a 3-way. Turn left which is kind of a u-turn and go towards Hasayampa Lake/Potato Patch. Ride another couple of miles and make a left up a rocky dirt road. In less than a mile you will come to a trail that goes off to the left, this is the isabella trail. It used to be marked with a F.S. sign, but last time I was there it was torn down. This area is rapidly being developed so the trail is near a bunch of homes. Once on this barely worn singletrack you will pay some climbing dues for a couple of miles until you come to the junction with 307. A left will take you down to the parking lot via the 5 mile side of the loop. I usually go right which takes you all the way to the fire lookout tower. From there I backtrack and go back down the 5 mile side. This makes a more mello climb and a longer ride out of Spruce Mountain.

Recommended Route:
Trail 307 via Isabella trail. 14 mile loop.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
I just moved here and have only ridden a few. Would appreciate any info on the area. Thanks, John

Reviewed by: Hersh007 , from Scottsdale, AZ

Summary:
Sick singletrack. Unbelievable descent, with step-ups, tight banked turns and log jumps. Big granite boulders along the trail. I would recommend this to anyone who is intermediate to advanced. Prepare for leg burn on the way up, and an upper body beating on the way down. One of the best rides in AZ in my opinion.

Recommended Route:
Do it clockwise. This is one of the most greuling climbs ever, but it is fairly short and well worth it once you reach the top of Spruce Mountain.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Granite Mtn. Loops, Thumb Butte

Reviewed by: Mike , from St. Louis

Summary:
Amazing trail. I'm surprised there aren't more reviews on the site. You start with 3.5 miles of climbing which really gets your heart going but is quite doable. The last half mile of the climb gets significantly tougher, though, especially if the top of the mountain has had some rain. Once you're at the top, catch your breath, listen to your heart ready to explode and get ready for some amazing downhill. The downhill is mostly rough rock with great dropoffs and areas to catch a nice bit o' air. It smooths out only a few times and very temporarily, but just enough to give your shaking arms a few seconds rest for the next section. There are some nice techy sections on the trail, but shouldn't make you dismount...just scare you for a split second or two. Above all, take time while riding to look around at the beautiful vistas this trail offers...just don't do it while heading downhill at 20mph+ or you may find yourself adding some nice "fall" colors to the scenery.

Recommended Route:
Clockwise (3.5 mile climb resulting in 5.5 mile descent)