Jackrabbit Junction - 10/6/25

Jackrabbit Junction from Orange Trail's first high Point

Crossing Lee Canyon

Orange Trail

Crossing the lower elevations of the Spring Mountains, five of us decided to park at the Blue Tree Loop Trailhead on Lee Canyon Road (left side going up) and use the Orange Trail to cross toward Deer Creek Canyon stopping around the 2 mile mark where Jackrabbit Junction rises in a smooth rounded hill to the left. Our trail would take you all the way to the Catch Pen and on to the rim of Deer Creek Canyon where you can catch the rim trail down the rim viewing the canyon below. It also has two spurs that go up the ridges and washes to Deer Creek Road. The trailhead on Deer Creek Road is located across from 7 Mile Canyon. There, you can reach our lower trail by either taking the left side (wash) or the right side (ridge) trails. These make for long loop hikes but they also make nice point to point hikes. The hike in this entry is only an out and back hike to a middle point called Jackrabbit Junction. We parked at the trailhead and took our dogs down a long steepish hill. Remembering that you have to go up this hill in the end! Trail workers have done a little maintenance on the trail here. It is a popular equestrian route and they need the tree limbs cut out of the way pretty high. They also re-routed the trail at the bottom of the hill so that it uses the wash.

Jackrabbit Junction

Angel Peak and Mummy Mountain from Jackrabbit Junction

So much to do, so few Hands

The trail has a lot of ups and downs in the beginning then it flattens out somewhat. Views of Mummy Mountain and Angel Peak can be seen from the high points. Other 360 degree views can be seen all along the way as well. (See the first photo.) After 2 miles, we approached Jackrabbit Junction. There are no signs but the round hill is obvious. There is a small vague trail that turns to the left. I think it is a burro trail. We hiked up zigzagging between the separated blackbrushes following various burro signs. At the top of the short elevation gain, we found a rock or two to sit on and have a break. There are good views all around. After the break, we started back the same way we came. The ups and downs are significant enough that this hike gives you a workout in short mileage. Just right for puppies that are just growing into their hiking legs. Our two dogs, DJ and Amora, are becoming great friends on the trail. And, later when they reach their respective homes, they are down for the count! We like that!

Stats: 4.1 miles; 850' gain; 3.25 hours

P.S. Thanks to Susan, we have a few photos of everyone, except her! 😐 Good job, Susan!

Rita and Kay

Climbing up to the Trailhead