Pugsley
Pugsley Spring flows at 73°F at 5,790 feet elevation in mountainous terrain near the Utah-Idaho border in Cassia County, requiring a 1.5-kilometer walk from the nearest road through high-valley landscapes. Running 25.4 degrees above the 47.6°F annual average, the spring shows relatively low mineralization at 314 mg/L total dissolved solids, with 76 mg/L chloride, 45 mg/L calcium, and pH 7.2 indicating recent meteoric water circulation through shallow aquifers.
The spring emerges in semi-arid mountain country receiving just 12.4 inches of precipitation and 30.8 inches of snow annually, where sagebrush and mountain brush communities dominate the vegetation on slopes between scattered groves of juniper and aspen. Rugged ranges rise in all directions, while high valleys support limited grazing. The landscape shows typical Basin and Range structure, with north-south trending mountain blocks separated by sediment-filled valleys.
The short-walk access classification requires hiking approximately one mile from vehicle parking, with terrain difficulty depending on specific approach routes through sagebrush and rocky ground. Clear Creek Campground sits 14.8 kilometers away, offering tent and RV camping from June through October with toilet facilities but no fee or reservation system. The high elevation and light precipitation create dramatic temperature swings, with cold nights even in summer requiring layered clothing and warm sleeping gear.
The spring likely takes its name from a local ranching family or early settler in this remote border country, though specific documentation remains sparse in available historical records. The region saw limited homesteading due to low precipitation and rough terrain, with ranching remaining the primary land use from settlement through the present.
The water at Pugsley is neutral (pH 7.2) with 314 mg/L total dissolved solids.
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Clear Creek Campground is a non-fee campground and picnic area composed of 12 individual units and reservations are not required. This area is accessible for a season that varies usually between June through October. Campground amenities include toilets and the campground is well suited for tent and RV camping. Sites are handicapped accessible. Bull Flat (#001) and Lake Fork (#004) trails are popular with horseback riders, and hikers.
Pugsley sits at 5,790 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 23% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Pugsley is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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Springs Near Pugsley
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Neutral Springs (pH ~7.2)
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