Located 9.1 miles northwest of Pagosa Springs, the Turkey Springs Trail begins as multi-use, double track trail that is shared with ATVs.  At mile 0.4, the single track trail diverges to the left (look for the Turkey Springs Trail sign).  The trail is rocky in spots as it climbs steadily to the junction with the Catamount trail at mile 1. 

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To do the loop clockwise, take a left (south) at the Catamount trail sign.  Catamount trail will wind through the pine and then descend a few rocky outcrops, cross an intermittent stream, and contour to a junction with Park Avenue Trail at mile 2.9.  Take a right on Park Avenue and head west up a rocky section, and cross over Newt Jack Road (FR923) at mile 3.4.  The trail gradually climbs until you skirt the edge of a small park-like meadow.  At mile 4.3, Park Avenue intersects Turkey Springs Trail at the edge of the meadow.  Take the slight right onto Turkey Springs Trail and travel north across the meadow and gradually climb to the high point (mile 5.2), which will offer views of Chris Mountain to the west.  After descending the high point, you'll reach a cattle guard trails where trails diverge left and right.  Left is a spur trail the accesses Turkey Springs Road, right is the old Turkey Springs Trail, which has been abandoned for the new higher, dryer route. Proceed over the cattle guard and cross Newt Jack Road again at mile 5.9.  At mile 6.3 you'll pass Catamount Trail again and enjoy a steep, fast descent back to the parking area.

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To shorten the loop by 2 miles and avoid the uphill start, start at the Newt Jack Trailhead.  Just past the main trailhead on Piedra Road, take a left onto take Turkey Springs Road (FR629) to Newt Jack Road (FR923) and you'll find another trailhead about a tenth of a mile down Newt Jack Road.