NOTE:  Many years ago, a seven mile long trail, Tucson Mountain trail ran from FR441 across Tucson Mountain and down its eastern slope.  That trail was numbered T71.  Only two segments of that trail are now in use.  T71A connects FR441 and FR84, and T71 begins at the summit of Tucson Mountain and runs down its eastern slope.  However, the signage at both ends of the the present T71A still says “T71 Tucson Mountain Trail”.  To add to the confusion, at the time of the 2002 edition of the Trail Guide: Lincoln National Forest, the present T71A was numbered T71.

DESCRIPTION:

T71A connects FR441 and FR84. It passes south of Goat Mountain along the bottom of an unnamed canyon, usually near a normally dry arroyo, through mixed conifers and oaks.  It also crosses several open areas. At mile 1.5 from FR441 is the signed and picturesque Goat Spring, which has been improved. The maximum, although infrequent, grade is 25%.

ACCESS:

To reach the western trailhead of T71A along FR441, Carrizo Mountain Road, begin in Carrizozo at the intersection of US380 and US54. Drive US380 east 8.7 miles to signed County Road A010, also signed FR441. Turn left and pass through a metal archway. At mile 4.9, angle right at the O Bar O Headquarters area; at mile 5.3, drive through the gate (leaving it open/closed as you find it), and proceed over rough, dry weather road to mile 6.4.  The signed T71A trailhead is on the right, just across the road from the sign for T74, Johnnie Canyon Trail. The large signboard here reads Tucson Mountain Trail instead of Goat Spring Trail.

A high clearance vehicle, preferably 4‑wheel drive, is needed to reach the eastern trailhead. From the US380 and US54 intersection in Carrizozo, drive US380 east 13.6 miles to milepost 79. Just beyond milepost 79 turn left on County Road C011 and follow it. At mile 1.6 from US380, C011 ends and FR84 begins as a very rough and rutty primitive road [Lynn Melton: “This is the roughest road I have been on, lots of basketball sized rocks.”]. At mile 4.6, continue beyond the earthen tank on the left along FR84 to mile 6.2. The trailhead on the left is in a meadow on the downhill side, marked by a sign.