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There's always something fun going on at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa. To learn about programs such as bird hikes, yoga classes, kid hikes and nighttime critter hunts, log on to:
http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/
and check out the calendar of events.
SUNRISE PEAK
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Among the cloud bumping mountain peaks that hover above the suburbs and shopping centers of North Scottsdale sits an impressive, pyramid-shaped pinnacle with a well-defined trail leading to its summit. A hike up Sunrise Peak offers commanding views, a respectable workout and a pleasing mountain experience without having to venture beyond the din of civilization. Nice signage at the trailhead shows the route: follow the Ringtail Trail for a half-mile then, go right onto the Sunrise Trail and follow the signs to a steep, rocky spur path off the main route for a short climb up to the top. This final haul rewards with 360-degree vistas that transcend the urban landscape below to showcase the rugged ridgelines of the Sierra Estrella mountain range to the west and the high peaks of the Mazatzal Wilderness to the north.
LENGTH: 5.5 miles round trip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 1,786-3,069 feet
GETTING THERE:
From the Loop 101 in North Scottsdale, take exit 41 for Shea Blvd., turn right and continue to 124th St. Go left (north) on 124th St. to Via Linda, turn right (east) and continue to 128th St., turn left (north) and follow 128th St. all the way to the end and park at the Ringtail (128th St.) Trailhead.
HIKE DIRECTIONS: from the trailhead, follow the Ringtail Trail for .48 miles to the Sunrise Trail. Turn right and continue uphill to the peak.
INFORMATION: call 480-312-7013 or visit scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/documents/preserve/Preserve+Trail+Map.pdf
In June of 2008 while hiking in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest I was lucky enough to spot one of the area's re-introduced Mexican grey wolves. It was a moment I'll never forget---the beast was magnificent. To learn more about this endangered species, check out the links below. The first link features a recording of
the harmonic howling of the Bluestem Pack-- which is located south of Big Lake in eastern Arizona and consists of an alpha mating pair and several pups. It will give you goose bumps. (These photos were taken at the Phoenix Zoo---I was too stunned to get my camera in time to capture the wild wolf).
http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/es/wolf_reintroduction.shtml
http://www.mexicanwolves.org/
AGUA FRIA CANYON
Agua Fria National Monument
North of Black Canyon City
You never know what you’ll encounter when visiting this amazing canyon. Sometimes, running water makes the way treacherous and/or impassible, gushing over boulders and floodplains and collecting in 10-foot-deep pools at the base of vertical basalt cliffs. During dry times, however, the canyon transforms into a rugged wash. Either way, this is not an easy hike. Here are a few photos from our November 2009 visit. ALSO SEE MY PRIOR ENTRY FOR A MORE DETAILED TRIP REPORT FROM APRIL 2005
LENGTH: 8-12 miles (optional)
RATING: easy then DIFFICULT
ELEVATION GAIN: 560 feet
GETTING THERE:
Take I-17 north past the Sunset Point rest area and then take exit 256 (Badger Springs Road). Turn right at the exit (east) and drive about a quarter of a mile to the signed Agua Fria National Monument kiosk. There are free maps and an interpretive sign there. Once you have your maps, continue down Badger Springs Road for about a mile to the obvious parking area where there is also a “Badger Springs Wash” sign. The hike starts there. No fees, no facilities, no water, no mercy…come prepared!
CAT PEAKS LOOP
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Kid, bike, dog and horse-friendly, this short hike in the desert offers all the amenities of a stroll through a vivacious subdivision---except with much better scenery.
The wide, easy-to-follow trail with only one minor uphill section makes for a perfect family outing.
Along the way, forests of chain fruit cholla cactuses dripping in spiny seed necklaces, and ironwood trees with their delicate pink, pea-like blooms clutter the landscape.
The roundabout route showcases views of the park’s signature landmark—3,300-foot-high Pass Mountain--before bending to the east where the jagged peaks of the Superstition Wilderness stand out on the horizon. In between, the path circles the two Cat Peaks---pyramid-like summits within the park. To cap off your hike in the desert, pay a visit to Shakira (affectionately known as “Shakes”) the Western Diamondback rattlesnake, one of three resident snakes housed at the park’s new visitor center.
HIKE DIRECTIONS:
Begin by hiking east on the Blevins Trail. Continue .3 miles, pass the Amigos Wash trail, veer left and continue on Blevins for another .4 miles to the Cat Peaks Trail junction. Follow this trail for 1 mile to the Cats Peak Pass trail and turn right. Climb over the pass back to the Blevins Trail, turn right and retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
LENGTH: 2.7 mile loop
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 1,925 – 1,795 feet
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, go east on US 60 to exit 191, Ellsworth Road. Go north on Ellsworth for 7 miles to Usery Park Road, turn right and continue 1.7 miles to the horse staging trailhead.
FEE: $6 daily fee per vehicle
INFORMATION: Maricopa.gov/parks/usery/Directions.aspx
FACILITIES: restrooms and horse trailer accommodations at the trailhead. All trails are well-signed and easy-to-follow.
ST. CLAIR MOUNTAIN
Tonto National Forest
This short but steep exploratory hike near Horseshoe Dam leads to a series of ancient Verde Hohokam dwellings and a mesa peppered with petroglyph-encrusted boulders. Discovered by Anglos in the 1960s, archeologists have since determined that the site originally had 92 rooms and was occupied from between 1100 and 1300 C.E.
The site also served as a burial ground and human remains found during excavations yielded a wealth of sea-shell jewelry—mostly bracelets. In fact
the site was dubbed “Brazaletes Pueblo”, Spanish for village of jewelry/bracelets. For those who enjoy poking around and making discoveries, this hike holds a lot of promise.
As with all hikes to historical sites: COLLECTION OF ARTIFACTS INCLUDING POTTERY SHARDS, ARROWHEADS AND GLYPHS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Also visitors need to be especially careful to avoid damaging the fragile ruins—no climbing, sitting or touching. Picture taking, however, is highly encouraged.
LENGTH: 1-2 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate-exploratory
ELEVATION: 2,964 – 3,252 feet
GETTING THERE:
From Scottsdale, go north on Pima Road to Cave Creek Road. Turn right (north-east) and follow Cave Creek Road to Bartlett Dam Road. Turn right (east) and follow Bartlett Dam Road for 7 miles to Horseshoe Dam Road, turn left (north), set your odometer and continue 4.1 miles to an unmarked, steep & primitive dirt road on the left. There are no signs here—park in the pull-outs along Horseshoe Dam Road and then follow the primitive road on foot up to the site. NOTE: Horseshoe Dam Road is nasty. We got through with high-clearance vehicles in dry conditions. We would not attempt this if the roads are wet—not even in a 4x4 due to the potential for flooding and mud slides.
INFORMATION: Tonto National Forest map.
LaBARGE NARROWS
Superstition Wilderness
Who needs the Grand Canyon when we have the LaBarge box canyon right in our own backyard? This hike starts out on the popular Boulder Trail and then goes cross-country over rugged terrain to a scenic box canyon. The off-trail segment is rife with obstacles requiring much boulder scrambling and creek hopping and thus is NOT for the novice hiker. But, the extra effort pays off at the end of the trail where the soaring stonewalls of “the Narrows” plow straight up to the sky on all sides. HIKE DIRECTIONS: from the trailhead, follow Boulder Trail roughly 3 miles to where the trail crosses LaBarge Creek. Here, head left (east) and follow the wash for another 1.5 miles to the Narrows.
NOTE: the route to the Narrows may not be passable in wet years or after heavy rains.
LENGTH: 9.4 miles round-trip
RATING: moderate-difficult
ELEVATION GAIN: 600 feet (1,500 accumulated—mostly on the way out)
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, take US60 east to Apache Junction. Take Highway 88 (Idaho Road) exit and turn left at the light. Continue on Highway 88 for approximately 15 miles to the Canyon Lake Marina. The trailhead is across the road from the marina parking lot.
A Tonto Pass is NOT required as long as you park in the designated trail parking area.
LIMESTONE LOOP
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
Cave Creek
Although it’s located just a few clicks north of the city, this scenic loop hike traversing both Spur Cross Conservation Area and adjacent Tonto National Forest lands, encompasses some of the most spectacular desert scenery around. Think—a gurgling desert creek lined with cottonwoods and Goodding willows, outrageous forests of gigantic saguaros and sweeping views of the Valley. Although there are several options for making loop hikes using Limestone trail #252 (visit the Web site listed below for a detailed map) one really sweet option works like this: From the conservation area entry point and pay station, hike up the road and continue straight (north) on the Spur Cross Trail. Follow this wide old Jeep road (aka Forest Road 48) for 1.8 miles (hopping the creek several times) to an abandoned circular corral area where you’ll find a tiny “trail” sign pointing south. Follow the generic signs (there’s no “Limestone Trail” signage) to a narrow, rocky path that veers west heading steeply uphill. From here, this sketchy, un-maintained 2.3-mile segment vacillates between easy-to-follow and essentially—invisible. No worries, though—if you think you’ve lost the trail, just take a deep breath and scope out the intermittent rock cairns that mark the faint sections, leading hikers past two springs at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. The worst route-finding challenges end at a fancy trail marker etched out of stone where you’ll veer left (east) heading toward Spur Cross and continue .4 miles to the Elephant Mountain junction. From here, stay on the main, wide trail (straight ahead) and hike another .3 miles to the Tortuga Trail junction. The quickest way back to the trailhead is to head left at this junction and follow the Tortuga Trail for .7 miles to the Spur Cross trail junction. Hang a left here and continue .6 miles back to the parking lot.
LENGTH: 6-mile loop
RATING: moderate-rocky, loose footing, creek crossings
ELEVATION GAIN : 1000 feet
GETTING THERE:
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area is located approximately 35 miles north of central Phoenix. Interstate 17, State Route 51, and Loop 101 can all be used to reach the park. From the intersection of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road head north on Cave Creek Road about 2.5 miles to Spur Cross Road. Turn north for approximately 4.5 miles to the public parking area. After 3 miles the road turns to all-weather graded dirt and is passable by sedan. The last 1.5 miles can be confusing; continue north on the graded road past the green house, through the tall gateposts and on past the horse corrals to the signed public parking area on the right.
INFORMATION: www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/Directions.aspx
FEE: There’s a $3 per person daily fee. PLEASE BRING EXACT AMOUNT. The self-serve pay station does not make change. Free maps are usually available at the kiosk.
COLOSSAL CAVE
LADDER TOUR
Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Tucson
Guided tours of Colossal Cave are offered to the public several times each day except on major holidays when the park is closed. Entrance to the cave is by guided tour ONLY. The easy, basic tour takes about 45 minutes. The more difficult “Ladder Tour” (1.5 hours) and the “Wild Cave Tour” (3 hours) require reservations. Both tours require hikers to be in good physical condition and able to climb narrow, vertical ladders. Participants are required to wear helmets with headlamps that are provided by the park and must be able to maneuver through some tight spaces and walk on narrow ledges with deep drop-offs. A tour through the “dry” cave includes visits to a series of “rooms” with names like “Crystal Forest”, “Silent Waterfall” and the “Kingdom of the Elves” that lend a sense of wonder to the limestone chambers of stalactites, stalagmites and bizarre water-borne rock formations.
LENGTH: 1 mile underground
RATING: fun
ELEVTION CHANGE: 50 feet
FEES: visit the Web site for current fees and tour information.
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, take I-10 south past downtown Tucson to exit 279 (Vail/Wentworth exit) and follow the signs for about 7 miles to the park. (16721 Old Spanish Trail, Vail, AZ 85641)
INFORMATION: www.colossalcave.com or (520) 647-7275
WEST BOULDER SADDLE
Superstition Wilderness
This trail offers much of what we love about nearby Peralta canyon—soaring cliffs, rugged terrain, a steady climb and terrific views of the Superstition Wilderness Area.
The route is an interesting one, passing old campsites, and decommissioned spring and a nice smattering of pinion pines clinging to life in the crumbling volcanic soil.
THE HIKE: from the trailhead, hike west on the Lost Goldmine Trail for 1.2 miles to a cattle guard-type opening in the wilderness barbed wire fence. Pass the gate and head north along a clear path-of-use.
After about a half-mile, the trail becomes more difficult to follow as it takes on the steep ridge up to the saddle. Near the top, you’ll encounter some slick rock and a few vertical sections---nothing too difficult, but the terrain could be risky when wet. Once at the saddle, hiking options abound---see the Superstition Wilderness map for details. Or, for a simple day hike, just head back the way you came.
LENGTH: 4.5 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 2,320 – 3,680 feet
GETTING THERE:
Take Highway 60 east to Peralta Road (FS77 at milepost 204) where there’s a road sign stating “Peralta Trail”. Turn left onto Peralta Road, set your odometer, and continue through the subdivision for 7.1 miles to the Lost Goldmine trailhead on the left.
NOTE: some of the older hiking books recommend using the “Carney Spring” trailhead to access the W. Boulder Saddle route, however, that road had been blocked off and you can no longer drive very far up the road as described in the books. Using the Lost Goldmine trailhead is easier.
BOULDER CANYON
Superstition Wilderness
Offering a kalidescope of ever-changing, colorful views, Boulder Canyon Trail #103 provides a memorable tour of the turbulent landscape of the Superstition Wilderness. From the trailhead, the route takes off on an uphill grind along the rocky cliffs above Canyon Lake, topping out at a saddle where the 224-foot-high crest of Mormon Flat Dam is visible peeking out from a stony cove. To the north, the mauve-tinged pinnacles of the Four Peaks wilderness, sit like bold sentries above a sea of barren foothills.
From here, the trail moves over a high desert ridgeline of tortured volcanic rock with LaBarge Creek churning hundreds of feet below. During the next few minutes of uphill walking, the blocky massif Battleship Mountain slowly creeps up until its profile looms large on the horizon. At this point, a gorge-riddled terrain takes center stage as the route transitions into an unrelenting series of ups-and-downs—something to keep in mind for hike out—before reaching its terminus at the intersection with Dutchman’s Trail #104.
LENGTH: 7.3 miles one-way
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 1,680- 2,300 feet
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, take Highway 60 east to the Idaho Road exit. Go left at the light and follow Highway 88 to the Canyon Lake Marina between mileposts 211 and 212.
A Tonto Pass is NOT required as long as you park in the “hiker” section of the marina lot.
INFORMATION:
fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/wilderness/Trails/superstition/BoulderCanyonTrail103.pdf
DRAGONFLY TRAIL
Jewel of the Creek Preserve
It’s finally open! We learned of this new trail in Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area last winter when it was still under construction. The Dragonfly Trail, which opened in April 2009, was engineered to showcase the desert foothills and thriving riparian environment surrounding the “Jewel of the Creek” area of perrenial Cave Creek. This unexpected strip of lush creek-side willows, alders, walnut trees and cattails is hemmed in by rugged Upper Sonoran Desert terrain making for a breathtaking hybrid desert-wetland hike. While there, you’ll also wander through a mesquite bosque—the 5th rarest eco-system on earth. Although most hikers prefer to grab a map at the trailhead and head out on their own, the park ranger, Kevin Smith—who knows just about everything about the local flora, fauna, geology and human history of the area-- conducts regular guided tours for those who would like an educational experience.
Check out the link below to find out when the next one is happening.
We can thank the efforts of the Desert Foothills Land Trust for securing the preservation of this delicate eco-system and for also raising the funds needed to plan for and build the trail. Check out their Web site to learn more about this guardian of our beautiful Sonoran Desert and how YOU can help preserve this precious resource: http://www.dflt.org/
LENGTH: 4-mile loop (with optional connecting trails to add length if we like)
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 2,400 -2,150 feet
FEE: $3 per person (exact change is required)
GETTING THERE:
Option 1: From I-17 go east on Carefree Highway (AZ 74) at exit 223. Continue on Carefree Highway for 9.7 miles to Cave Creek Road. Go north onto Cave Creek Road and drive 2.6 miles to Spur Cross Ranch Road. (this is a tricky intersection…the road kind of swerves left and turns into Spur Cross Ranch Road. Continue north for 4.2 miles to the dirt parking on the left. The last mile or so of the road is good dirt and passable by sedan.
THE HIKE: from the parking area, hike up the road a few yards, pay your fee and pick up a free map.
Option 2:
From Loop 101, exit at Cave Creek Road and drive north for approximately 15 miles to Spur Cross Ranch Road. (this is a tricky intersection…the road kind of swerves left and turns into Spur Cross Ranch Road. Continue north for 4.2 miles to the dirt parking on the left. The last mile or so of the road is good dirt and passable by sedan. THE HIKE: from the parking area, hike up the road a few yards, pay your fee and pick up a free map.
INFORMATION: visit, http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur%5Fcross/ or call 480-488-6623
CAMP CREEK FALLS
Cave Creek
The innocuous, wildfire-tinged roadside pullout that marks the beginning of this hike gives little insight to the wonders that lie in the canyons below. This unmarked route ventures into the craggy desert canyons of Blue Wash and Camp Creek. Although this is not an “official” trail, it’s easy to stay on course by simply following the obvious footpaths and bends in the canyon. The first of several tricky spots happens at roughly the half-mile point where the trail seems to dead-end over a dry waterfall. From here, veer right and hike up above the rise following a narrow path-of-use. Once back in the gully, there are several more minor hand-over-foot rock scrambles to overcome before Blue Wash meets the wide, sandy course of Camp Creek. At this “T” intersection, head left and hike upstream, hopping the many rivulets that flow in lacy, meandering currents. Soon, the rangy walls of a box canyon open up to reveal a cascade of water tumbling over a 20-foot-high granite escarpment. From here, those with good route-finding skills can opt to scramble up to the top of the falls and continue hiking north along Camp Creek where water-hungry reeds and velvet ash trees live side-by-side with drought tolerant cactuses and acacia trees.
LENGTH: 3.5 miles round-trip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 3,243-2,643 feet
GETTING THERE:
From the Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Road exit. Go north on Pima Road for 13 miles to Cave Creek Road. Turn right (east) onto Cave Creek Road and continue 6.5 miles just past a sign on the right that reads “Blue Wash #1”. Park in the gravel turnouts on either side of the road. The trail begins near the cottonwood trees.
Information:
fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rec-hiking-index.shtml, (480) 595-3300
Sears Kay Ruins
Tonto National Forest
Although we may never fully understand how a group of ancient people known as the Hohokam eeked out a living on the seemingly inhospitable ridgelines above Cave Creek; we can still marvel at the brilliance and utility of their architecture. Archeologists believe the Sears Kay Ruins site was first inhabited by an agrarian culture around 1500 C.E.. A conglomerate of 40 lichen-encrusted stone foundations clearly shows the arrangement of living quarters, storage rooms and ceremonial chambers within the village while abundant informational signage helps visitors understand what life must have been like for the farmers who inhabited this rugged terrain and who also left an indelible footprint on the landscape for future generations to explore before abandoning their hilltop fortress.
LENGTH: 1.2 miles roundtrip
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 3,300 – 3,550 feet
GETTING THERE: From Scottsdale, go north on Pima Road to Cave Creek Road. Turn right onto Cave Creek Road and continue for 7 miles and turn right at the signed turn off for the ruins.
INFORMATION: (480) 595-3300,
fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/ccrd/SearsKay.pdf
RED ROCK STATE PARK
Sedona
Talk about diversity! This 286-acre park really packs in the eye candy in one compact, family-friendly, educational and stunningly beautiful slice of Oak Creek Canyon. More than 10 miles of well-planned, easy-to-follow trails (there are signs with maps at nearly every junction) make for effortless exploring. A dozen routes range in difficulty from the wheelchair & stroller accessible Mesquite Loop to the Eagle's Nest Trail which climbs 300-feet to a scenic lookout above the park. A good introduction to the park trail system is to make a loop hike with the Smoke, Kisva and Eagle's Nest trails. This combo is roughly 5 miles and some change in length and takes you over 3 wooden bridges that span the rushing waters and riparian life zone of Oak Creek and also to the park's yucca-and-cypress-studded high point where interpretive signs explain key features of Sedona's unique geology visible on the horizon.
Your seven buck per vehicle entry fee gets you a trail map plus access to free interpretive programs and clean restrooms.
LENGTH: 12 trails, 10.3 miles combined
RATING: easy & accessible to moderate
ELEVATION: 3,880 - 4,080 feet
FEE: $7 per vehicle daily
GETTING THERE:
From the "Y" intersection of Highways 179 and 89A in Sedona, go left (toward Cottonwood) on Highway 89A for 5.5 miles to Lower Red Rock Loop Road and follow the signs 3.3 miles to Red Rock State Park.
INFORMATION:azstateparks.com, (928) 282-6907
WOODCHUTE MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Woodchute Wilderness Area
Cooler temperatures and shorter days work together to paint the oak trees on Woodchute Mountain in a palette orange and gold. The mountain is really more of a long ridgeline with Prescott Valley on one side and grand views of the red cliffs of Sedona and the peaks of Flagstaff on the other. Easy-to-follow, trail No. 102 ascends the mountain in a gently meandering style that swings from east to west showcasing vistas of much of northern Arizona. The hike culminates with an easy stroll across a breezy high prairie that dead-ends at the steep east face of the mountain. Here, blood-red maples and honey-colored scrub oaks frame views of Jerome and the Verde Valley.
LENGTH: 7.4 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 7,000 – 7,700 feet
GETTING THERE: From Jerome, go 7 miles southwest on Highway 89A to the turn off for Potato Patch Campground. Turn right and continue .3 mile to the signed road for the Woodchute trailhead on the left and follow it to a parking loop with restrooms. Those without a high clearance vehicle should park here. To find the trailhead, head right (east) and hike or drive (high clearance needed) up Forest Road 106 (also signed as FR 102/106) for a half-mile to the wilderness sign and trail register. If you opt to hike the road, add 1 mile to the trip length above.
INFORMATION: fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreation/trails/chino/woodchute102.shtml
NOTE: The Woodchute Fire of Aug-Sept 2009 resulted in the temporary closure of Trail102. Check with the forest service before hiking this trail. Photos shown here are from October 2008.
For current information on fire restrictions or wildfires visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott or call the Prescott National Forest fire information line at 928-777-5799.
NORTH MINGUS TRAIL
Prescott National Forest
An eclectic mix of scenery and forests are the highlights of the North Mingus Trail No.105. Although there are two trailheads for this route, most hikers choose to start at the top of Mingus Mountain and hike downhill. That’s because the route is easier to follow when hiked in this direction. Right from the start, this popular trail will “wow” you with magnificent views from atop a pine-shaded hang glider launch pad. Here, the rugged Verde Valley rolls out 1,600 feet below. The hike begins with a pleasant stroll across the mountain summit under a canopy of warm gold Gambel oaks huddling beneath enormous confirs. After this short “warm up” section, the trail dips downhill along the north face through colorful corridors of Bigtooth maples, boxelders and velvet ash. Soon, the path enters an enchanting passage where a mass of volcanic boulders cascade down a slender slot canyon where vertical stony walls and a stand of aspens thrive in the cooler microclimate. Past the aspen grove, the trail enters a more arid clime with intermittent sections of grasslands, fields of agave and ridgelines studded with whispy mountain mahogany. An abandoned mine marks the point where the trail merges with an old Jeep road that leads downhill to Mescal Spring, the turnaround point for the hike.
This trail also can be hiked one-way using a car shuttle at each trailhead.
LENGTH: 8.5 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 6,000 – 7,800 feet
GETTING THERE:
Mingus Mountain trailhead:
From Jerome, go 7 miles southwest on Highway 89A to Mingus Mountain Road (Forest Road 104). Turn left and continue on FR 104 for 2.4 miles to where it ends at a “T” intersection in the campground. Turn left here and go uphill to the trailhead near the hang glider launch pad.
Mescal Spring trailhead:
From Jerome, go 4 miles southwest on Highway 89A. Just before sign for Prescott National Forest, between mileposts 339 and 338, turn left onto an unmarked dirt road (Forest Road 338). FR 338 is a very rough 4x4 road so those without appropriate vehicles should park in the turnouts along the highway. Continue down FR 338 for a half-mile to the cement tank that marks Mescal Spring. From here, veer right (southwest) and go uphill. Bear left at all unmarked junctions until you reach the signed turn off for trail No. 105 on the right. This route adds one mile to the hike description above.
INFORMATION: fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreation/trails/verde/nomingus105.shtml
VIEW POINT TRAIL
Prescott National Forest
A traipse through an archway of golden Gamble oaks sets the stage for the hallmark mountain vistas and brilliant foliage of the View Point Trail No. 106. Beyond this “grand entrance” the slender path begins its gradual descent along the east face of Mingus Mountain weaving through a mixed bag of terrain including exposed juniper-agave high desert and pine-oak forests fringed with Bigtooth maples. From the trail’s high vantage point, the towns of Jerome and Cottonwood appear like scribbles on a map far below while the course of the Verde River paints a lazy swath of green on a brown landscape.
Just past the 1.3-mile mark, at the junction for trail 105A, the route makes a severe dip into the canyon. It’s here where the hike rating goes from moderate to difficult as the path clamors roughly 700 feet downhill on loose rocks to the turn around point at Allen Springs Road. Casual hikes can opt to stay on the high road and make the junction their turnaround point instead.
LENGTH: 4 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate-difficult
ELEVATION: 7,800 – 6,000 feet
GETTING THERE: From Jerome, go 7 miles southwest on Highway 89A to Mingus Mountain Road (Forest Road 104). Turn left and continue on FR 104 for 2.4 miles to where it ends at a “T” intersection in the campground. Take an immediate left and park in the circular turnout near the “106” trail sign.
FEE: $2 per person daily fee. Bring exact change for the self-serve permit kiosk.
INFORMATION: fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreation/trails/verde/viewpt106.shtml
HINKLE SPRING TRAIL
From its shaded, riverside access point to the high pastures above Blue River Canyon, the Hinkle Spring Trail #30 is a gateway to a seldom-seen tour of one of the most remote areas of Eastern Arizona. The trail, which is still used to drive cattle from the canyon floor to rim-top grazing areas, has some faint, difficult-to-follow segments marked only by tree blazes and occasional rock carins. This provides a good excuse to slow down and savor the sights. Ducking in and out of canyons and forests, the upper portion of the trail features outstanding views of the eastern reaches of the Blue Range Primitive Area.
In addition to the route-finding requirements, hikers will encounter a few steep switchbacks and some fallen trees, before reaching the reliable waters and corral of Hinkle Spring, the turnaround point for this trip.
LENGTH: 9 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 5,700 – 7,220 feet
GETTING THERE:
From Alpine, drive 3.5 miles east on Highway 180 to Blue River Road (a.k.a. Country Road 2104 or Forest Road 281). Go south on this good dirt road and continue 21.3 miles to the signed trailhead on the left side of the road. Those with a high clearance vehicle can opt to ford Blue River and park further up the road.
Rim Lake Vista Trail #622
This popular trail offers easy access to Rim country fall hiking. Following a level, mostly-paved route situated just a few feet from the rim’s edge, this path is open to the sky and exposed to crisp, canyon breezes. Among the jumbled boulders that crowd the edge of the escarpment, are clusters of low growing oak trees that teeter precariously over the precipice, shedding a flurry of golden leaves into the canyon 1000 feet below. In addition to unobstructed views and the colorful oaks, sun-drenched glens along the trail foster wildflowers that bloom profusely well into mid-October.
Length: 3.5 miles one way
Rating: easy with paved, accessible segments
Elevation: 7,500 feet
Peak fall color: early October
Getting there:
From Payson, go east (right) on Highway 260 for 30 miles to Rim Road (Forest Road 300, which is located across from the Rim Visitor Center). The trailhead is located along FR 300 between mileposts 39 and 40.
Information: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Black Mesa District, (928) 535-7300, fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/black_mesa_trails/trl_chv_rimvista.shtml
LOWER FIRST WATER CREEK
Superstition Wilderness
Marked only by a dirt turnout along Highway 88 near Canyon Lake, the Canyon Overlook “trailhead” is the gateway to a short but spectacular hike into First Water Canyon. A moderately steep decent along informal trails leads to the canyon floor. From there, the route involves picking your way through a sandy wash flanked by walls of volcanic rock laced with taffy-like bands of red jasper. The wash culminates at a finger cove of Canyon Lake where an unexpected stand of cottonwood trees and a dry waterfall are the feature attractions.
FINDING THE TRAIL:
This trail can be a challenge to follow for inexperienced hikers. To find the start point from the parking area, walk over to the telephone pole nearest the road. With your back to the road and the pole immediately in front of you, head right and pick up the beaten path that heads downhill into the ravine. The route follows a maze of paths-of-use marked by occasional cairns and worn segments of footpaths. Once at the barbed wire fence that denotes the wilderness boundary, head left (north) and follow the creek bed veering left where the canyon splits near a pair of giant boulders. From here, follow the canyon to the cove. Return the way you came.
LENGTH: 1 mile round-trip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 2,000 – 1,676 feet (324 feet)
DRIVING DIRECTION TO THE TRAILHEAD:
From Phoenix, take Highway 60 east to the Idaho Road exit. Go left at the light and follow Highway 88 for 12 miles to the road turnout at milepost 208.
INFORMATION:
This is an unofficial trail. Refer to the Superstition Wilderness topo map.
Looking for more FALL FOLIAGE hiking destinations in Arizona?
Then, pick up a copy of PHOENIX magazine’s October 2009 issue. Inside you’ll find 3 trails (personally hiked, reviewed and photographed by yours truly) . In addition, your $3.95 investment will also get you the skinny on the Valley’s best places to eat and primer for locating BIG FOOT (and other wild things) in Arizona.
This issue will be available in over 800 stores Valleywide beginning, Sept 26, 2009. You can also order by phone beginning SEPT 16.
Here’s where you can find PHOENIX magazine:
Safeway
Fry’s Marketplace
Wal-Mart
Costco
Sam’s Club
Sunflower Markets
Sprouts
Borders
Barnes & Noble
CVS
Walgreens
Sky Harbor Airport
Albertson’s
Fresh & Easy
Lowe’s
Home Depot
Target
Whole Foods
Basha’s
A.J.’s
La Grande Orange
The Kitchen
Area hospital gift shops
WEB SITE: http://www.phoenixmag.com/
ORDER BY PHONE: 480-664-3960
EAST VERDE-ELLISON CREEK LOOP
Tonto National Forest, North of Payson
Kiss this one good-bye. Seems some numbskull neglected to properly douse a campfire, thus leading to a 700-acre blaze that took out the beautiful riparian habitat surrounding the confluence of the East Verde River and Ellison Creek. Located in the rugged gorges below the Mogollon Rim, these two waterways fed a band of green surrounded by thick stands of Ponderosa pines and Gambel oaks. With all that shade, and easy, close-to-town access, it’s no wonder this mountain getaway attracted droves of weekend warriors.
We last hiked the East Verde-Ellison Loop in May 2009. The unofficial route clamours up among the sculpted walls of a waterfall-filled box canyon to the confluence. From there, we traipsed over the cascades of Ellison Creek to a magnificent 40-foot waterfall. Although it’s not for sure (yeah, right) the cause of the fire—which began near the popular Water Wheel campground—appears to be human caused. Of course, this area was long over due for a fire. Decades of overgrowth and lack of forest thinning combined with an abnormally dry monsoon season and a careless camper resulted in the inevitable tinderbox. Thankfully, the communities of Beaver Valley and Whispering Pines were spared, but I fear my favorite fossil hunting ridgeline is toast. Although this fire is good for long-term forest health, we are none the less saddened by the loss of a favorite hiking destination.
We’ll cherish these photos from our last Water Wheel hike.
WATER WHEEL FIRE STATS:
Start date: August 30, 2009
Containment date: Sept. 5, 2009
Size: 773 acres
Cause: under investigation
Road closures: as of Sept 9, 2009, Houston Mesa Road between Beaver Valley and Whispering Pines remains closed. Campgrounds closed are Water Wheel, First Crossing, Second Crossing, Third Crossing.
INFORMATION: inciweb.org/incident/1872, (928) 474-7900
FLOWING SPRINGS
Tonto National Forest
Sand, sycamores and limestone escarpments along this informal fisherman’s path, make for an easy day hike with plenty to explore. Adventures await both up and downstream—just pick a direction and start hiking along the water. Although it’s short in length, long stretches of soft sand along the banks of the East Verde River give calf muscles a satisfying workout. With access to campgrounds and restrooms, this trail is a favorite destination for those with tots in tow.
HIGHLIGHTS: scenic water hike with kid-friendly facilities
LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip
RATING: easy
ELEVATION RANGE: 4,460 – 4,500 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 108 miles one way
GETTING THERE: From the junction of Highways 87 and 260 in Payson, go north on Highway 87 fro 4.6 miles to Flowing Springs Road, turn right and continue for a half-mile to the parking area on the left.
INFORMATION: (928) 474-7900 fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/camping/tables/paysn_tbl.htm
EAST FORK TRAIL
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
The thin air above the town of Greer may get your lungs pumping, but it’s the views of Arizona’s White Mountains that will really take your breath away.
This alpine passage begins where the West and East forks of the Little Colorado River drift off in opposite directions under a canopy of streamside alders and willows.. After an immediate wade across the West Fork, a short but steep haul up to 9,200-foot Amberon Point marks the most difficult portion of the hike. With the only major uphill grind of the hike out of the way, it becomes much easier to take in the relaxing alpine scenery that characterizes the remainder of the trail. Roughly paralleling the East Fork of the Little Colorado River, trail #95 meanders through a checkerboard of cienegas—marshy wetlands fed by springs, seeps and drainages—that foster acres of waist-high grasses and a colorful mix of flowering plants. Because of the vigorous vegetation in the cienegas, it’s easy to veer off track-- look for strategically placed trail posts to stay on course. Near the end of the route, the path follows the remnants of the Maverick Line of the Apache Railway that was used from the 1940s to the 1970s to transport logs to the McNary lumber mill. This final cinder-strewn segment of open country passes Colter reservoir before terminating at the Gabaldon campground at the boundary of Mount Baldy Wilderness.
HIGHLIGHTS: Crisp, high-altitude mountain air with sweet vista views.
LENGTH: 15 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 8,300 – 9,400 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 245 miles one-way
GETTING THERE: From the stoplight in Eagar, go west on Highway 260 for 9.6 miles to Highway 373. Go south (left) on 373 and continue 5.5 miles to the signed trailhead on the left.
INFORMATION: 928-333-4301 fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/sprgrvlle_trails/trl_spr_efork.shtml
BUTLER CANYON
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Ever wonder how long it takes for a log to decompose? Want to learn how to identify Bearberry Honeysuckle? These are just two examples of what you can learn on the Butler Canyon Trail #98.
Informational signage and a booklet available at the trailhead kiosk can be used to navigate through the many points of interest along the easy loop trail through an outdoor classroom.
HIGHLIGHTS: easy, educational hike in the White Mountains
LENGTH: 1-mile loop
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 8,300 – 8,400 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 240 miles one-way
GETTING THERE: From the stoplight in Eagar, go west on Highway 260 for 9.6 miles to Highway 373. Turn south (left) and go 4 miles on Highway 373 to County Road 1121, turn left and continue a short distance to the signed trailhead on the left.
INFORMATION: 928-333-4301 fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/sprgrvlle_trails/trl_spr_butler.shtml
Contact the ranger station about scheduled guided hikes and lectures.
CHARCOAL KILN
Prescott National Forest
Budding architects will appreciate this short, history-rich trek in the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains, which leads to a curious relic of the area’s gold mining heritage. This hike highlights one of the very few remaining intact kilns used to make fuel for smelter operations that flourished in the early 20th century. The 25-foot-tall stone structure resembles a beehive and was constructed entirely without mortar.
HIGHLIGHTS: short hike to an historic architectural wonder
LENGTH: quarter-mile roundtrip
RATING: easy
ELEVATION RANGE: 7,000 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 120 miles one-way
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to exit 262 for Highway 69. Go west (toward Prescott) on Highway 69 to Walker Road (County Road 57 which is just past the Costco center). Follow Walker Road south for 6.5 miles to Big Bug Mesa Road, turn right and continue .5 mile to Charcoal Kiln Road. Turn right here and go a short distance to the “303” trail; sign on the right side of the road. Stay clear of private driveways when parking along the road.
INFORMATION: refer to the Prescott National Forest recreation map
NOTE: this short trail is located close to the Mount Union hike and makes a nice side trip.
BEALE WAGON ROAD
Kaibab National Forest
Once upon a time in old Arizona, camels worked side-by-side with horses and mules blazing wagon roads across the western territories. Today, wooden posts bearing chiseled images of dromedary profiles pay homage to the beasts that (kinda) helped construct the Beale Wagon Road. Back in the late 1800s, the desert-adapted beasts were imported to the States because they seemed like the perfect draft animals for working in the unforgiving, arid lands of the American frontier. Not. What nobody counted on was the fact that the worldview of the camels didn’t entirely embrace the need to cooperate with humans in their road-building efforts. By nature, camels are obstinate, uncooperative and consummate spitters with dead-on aim. As if spit wasn’t bad enough, historical accounts contain frequent references to the thick clouds of “foul aroma” that accompanied the camels wherever they went. Still, the natives of the Middle East managed to do enough work on the Beale Wagon Road to be immortalized on the trail markers that now denote the tread way. Under the direction of Navy Lieutenant Edward Beale, this historic causeway was commissioned by the military to provide a route from Fort Smith, Arkansas to the California border at the Colorado River.
Abandoned when Route 66 was completed, the road nearly faded into oblivion before it was repurposed as a hiking trail. A work-in-progress, following this route requires good sleuthing skills. There’s no obvious path and the trail is marked only by a series of wooden posts, cairns and metal markers that leapfrog over the Kaibab plateau among wind-swept junipers and shards of 4-million-year-old volcanic glass which were deposited during the era when nearby Bill Williams Mountain was actively spewing lava. Still, history buffs and hard-core hikers alike will relish the great views and relative solitude along this obscure path. Although the west may not have been won entirely on the backs of camels, this trail preserves a singular slice of history when the foul-smelling spitters did their share of the work.
HIGHLIGHTS: An historic mid-19th century wagon route with interesting trail markers and great views.
LENGTH: 19.5 miles one way. (Easily hiked in segments)
Rating: easy-moderate
ELEVATION RANGE: 6,200’ – 7,200’
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 185 miles one-way
GETTING THERE: See Laws Spring hike. Use the easy-to-follow signs to find the trail. Go left at first “T” intersection to locate the wagon trail ruins. Or, go right, for a more challenging adventure.
INFORMATION: (928) 635-8200 or fs.fed.us/r3/kai/trails/wil_beale.shtml
PIVOT ROCK CANYON
Coconino National Forest
This pleasant walk in the forest follows the drainage of Pivot Rock Canyon. Because the area benefits from a year-round supply of water from snowmelt and summer storms, the vegetation is green and abundant. The trail is unmarked, but not too tough to follow. The trickiest part comes at the quarter-mile point where a set of stony stairs leads down to the creek. The next 1.2 miles of the route travel through a beautiful “rainforest” criss-crossing the shallow creek many times on its way to a sun-speckled pasture where log cabin ruins beckon visitors. Beyond the old homestead, the trail becomes very overgrown. However, with basic route-finding skills, bushwhacking and boulder hopping, it’s not too difficult to continue for another 3.5 miles to where the trail ends at Forest Road 142.
HIGHLIGHTS: narrow, wooded canyon, shallow stream and cabin ruins
LENGTH: 3 miles roundtrip
RATING: easy
ELEVATION RANGE: 6,900 – 6790 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 135 miles one-way
GETTING THERE: From Payson, go north on Highway 87 for 32 miles to Forest Road 616, which is located past milepost 284 on the left. Follow FR 616 for 3.3 miles to an unsigned campground downhill on the right.
INFORMATION: 928-477-2172 or fs.fed.us/r3/Coconino
WILDCAT SPRING
Coconino National Forest
Lavishly overgrown with greenery, the Wildcat Spring trail explores an idyllic high-country ravine. The route is made up of sections of old dirt roads and footpaths that trace the flow of a trickling creek. Attractions along the way include fossil-encrusted limestone rock formations—remnants of the area’s underwater past--and a vibrant gallery of wildflowers including red cinquefoil, New Mexico Checker mallow and yellow columbine living among huge clumps of emerald ferns. Near the end of the trail, the source of the creek reveals itself at a dilapidated concrete box built into the hillside to collect the sporadic waters of Wildcat Spring.
HIGHLIGHTS: fragrant pine forest, trickling creek, abundant wildflowers, old spring
LENGTH: 3 miles roundtrip
RATING: easy
ELEVATION RANGE: 7,100 – 6,900 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 135 miles one-way
GETTING THERE: From Payson, go north on Highway 87 for 32 miles to Forest Road 616, which is located past milepost 284 on the left. Follow FR 616 for 3.3 miles to an unsigned campground downhill on the right.
INFORMATION: 928-477-2172 or fs.fed.us/r3/Coconino
RED HILL
Blue Range Primitive Area
This ambitious hike into the heart of the Blue Range Primitive Area, makes for a magnificent expedition into wonderland of rugged canyons, contorted rock formations and bountiful wildlife. The trail can be accessed from either Blue River Road at the bottom of the canyon or from the Rim off of Highway 191, making it a good candidate for a car shuttle hike. From the upper trailhead, the route is typical of trails in this area—primitive. Fallen trees, overgrown brush and exposed benches where the trail seems to disappear, make staying on track an adventure in itself. However, with good map and compass skills, experienced hikers will have little trouble navigating because landmarks such as the surreal geology of Red Bluff, Foote Creek and Blue River Canyon really stand out along the way. Much of the trail hugs the edge of steep canyon walls and stony outcroppings where vista views stretch all the way into New Mexico. At near the 10-mile point, the trail (#56) terminates at Tutt Hill Trail #105. To reach the lower trailhead, hang a left from here and follow trail 105 and then Forest Road 567P for one mile to Red Hill Road. Go right (downhill) to Blue Crossing Campground. The icing on the cake for this hike is a collection of petroglyphs located beyond the gate at the north end of the campground.
HIGHLIGHTS: epic views, interesting rock formations, petroglyphs
LENGTH: 10 miles one-way
RATING: difficult
ELEVATION: 8,000 – 5,790 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 265 miles
GETTING THERE:
UPPER TRAILHEAD:
From Alpine, drive 14 miles south on Highway 191to Red Hill Road (Forest Road 567). Follow FR 567 for one mile to Forest Road 567B, which is marked by a “Red Hill Trail” sign. Turn right and go a half-mile to the signed trailhead.
LOWER TRAILHEAD:
From Alpine, drive 3.5 miles east on Highway 180 to Blue River Road (a.k.a. Country Road 2104 or Forest Road 281). Go south on this good dirt road and continue 20 miles to Forest Road 567 Red Hill Road). Turn right, ford the river (usually shallow) and follow the signs to Blue Crossing Campground. There are no fees at the campground. Park here, or those with a 4x4 vehicle can continue up FR 567 roughly one mile to Forest Road 567P. Turn left and go a half-mile to the parking area for Tutt Hill Trail # 105. Follow trail 105 .5 mile to the Red Hill Trail junction and go right.
INFORMATION: 928-339-4384, fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/alpine_trails/index.shtml
S-CANYON
Blue Range Primitive Area
Loosing touch with your inner wild? A hiking expedition to the Blue Range Primitive Area just might help you reconnect. Spanning 173,762 acres of some of Arizona’s most remote, untouched lands, “the Blue” is an isolated pocket of solitude and raw beauty where the state’s only packs of Mexican gray wolves roam wild and free.
The Blue Range Primitive Area is the last of its kind. Set aside in the 1930s by the Forest Service along with 75 other areas in the United States to “maintain primitive areas of transportation, habitation and subsistence” the Blue (as it is referred to by the locals) is the only area that has not been absorbed into the current Wilderness Preservation System. Although managed by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest as a wilderness area, the Blue retains its strikingly primitive character. Situated at the eastern most edge of the Mogollon Rim near the New Mexico border, the S-Canyon trail provides a tour of the outlandish diversity and breath-taking beauty of this remote and seldom-visited area. The hike begins at the bottom of Blue River Canyon following the water briefly before heading uphill. The environment gradually transitions from riverside greenery to sun-washed ledges surrounded by low-growing junipers before ending at the Cow Flat Trail junction in a forest of aspens and firs.
HIGHLIGHTS: amazing route through the nation’s last remaining primitive area
LENGTH: 11 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 5,680 – 7,600 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 270 miles
GETTING THERE: From Alpine, go east on Highway 180 to Blue River Road (also shown as Country Road 2104 and Forest Road 281 on some maps). Follow Blue River Road for 23 miles to the signed Blue Camp trailhead on the left side of the road.
INFORMATION: 928-339-4384, fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/alpine_trails/index.shtml
EAST CABIN LOOP CIRCUIT
Coconino National Forest
Stream-filled canyons, substantial timber lands, flowing springs and three sites where the ruins of decommissioned forest service cabins stand in aspen-framed alpine meadows combine for an especially interesting hike. This route uses three of the five trails that make up the Coconino National Forest’s Cabin Loop System of old fire roads and shelters.
Not for amateurs, this hike requires a fair amount of map and route-finding skill. The trail is marked by tree blazes—pairs of short and long gashes in the bark of trees. To stay on track, leap-frog from one blaze to the next.
HIKE DIRECTIONS:
Begin on the Barbershop Trail # 91 located across the road from Buck Springs Cabin. Follow #91 for a half-mile to the U-Bar Trail # 28, go right (north) and continue 7.6 miles to the Houston Brothers Trail #18 junction near Pinchot Cabin. From here, go left (south) and follow #18 7.5 miles back to trail #91, go left (east) and hike 4 miles back to the trailhead. See the Forest Service map for other loop and day hike options.
HIGHLIGHTS: creeks, canyons, springs and historic ruins
LENGTH: 18-mile loop
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 7,000 – 7,500 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 157 miles
GETTING THERE: From Payson, go east on Highway 260 for 30 miles to Rim Road (Forest Road 300) just past milepost 282. Follow FR 300 for 23 miles to Forest Road 137. Turn right onto FR137 and go 4 miles to the sign for Barbershop Trail on the left side of the road, across from Buck Springs Cabin.
INFORMATION: 928-477-2172 or fs.fed.us/r3/Coconino
YEAGER CANYON LOOP
Prescott National Forest
This scenic route melds three unique trails into one wide loop along the southern slopes of Mingus Mountain. In order to get the tough climbing out of the way, it’s best to hike clockwise. From the trailhead, head down into the pinion-and-juniper-dotted drainage and hang a left to pick up Yeager Canyon Trail #28 which parallels Highway 89 for a short stretch before angling east where it takes on the exposed ridgelines above Prescott Valley. At the two-mile-point, veer right at a three-way intersection, continue a few yards on an old dirt road and look for the (easy-to-miss) sign for Yeager Cabin Trail # 111 on the right. Here, the trail drops into a side canyon, cutting through a dense forest of Ponderosa pines and oaks with many sun-soaked clearings. After summer storms, water can be found in the low-lying ravines. Trail #111 continues for 1.9 miles to Allen Springs road. Here, turn right onto the road and hike about a quarter-mile to Little Yeager Canyon Trail #533 on the right. This final segment showcases a vibrant splattering of blooming shrubs and wildflowers against a backdrop of wide-angle vistas of Prescott Valley.
HIGHLIGHTS: expansive views of Prescott Valley
LENGTH: 6-mile loop
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION RANGE: 6,000 – 7,200 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 125 miles
GETTING THERE: From Prescott, go east on Highway 89A for 10 miles to an unmarked dirt turnout on the right side of the road. The parking area is near a road sign that states: “Flagstaff 69, Jerome 10.”
INFORMATION: 928-567-4121 or fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreation/trails/verde/index.shtml
KENDRICK PEAK
Kaibab National Forest
In summer, wild roses and high-altitude flowers perfume the cool air on Flagstaff’s second highest volcano. The Kendrick Peak Trail was moderately affected by the 2000 Pumpkin Fire, which charred 15,000 acres of wilderness and the colorful blooms stand in stark contrast to the patches of eerie black matchsticks that look, ironically, as if they had been extinguished in a volcanic holocaust. Most of the trail remains pristine and wonderfully varied, passing through pine forests, fern gullies, aspens and alpine meadows. Near the summit, a one-room cabin, erected in 1911 to accommodate fire lookout workers, still stands and makes an interesting detour before tackling the series of switchbacks that lead to the fire tower that caps the 10,418-foot-high mountain. Usually staffed with a forest service worker during the summer fire season, the tower is open to visitors. A stroll around the tower’s rickety metal catwalk provides bird's-eye views that transcend the blackened forests below and stretch into the hazy ocher deserts of Utah on the northern horizon.
HIGHLIGHTS: outstanding views of the highlands surrounding Flagstaff
LENGTH: 9.2 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION RANGE: 7,980 – 10,400 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 175 miles
GETTING THERE:
From Flagstaff, drive north on Highway 180 to Forest Road 245 (near milepost 230). Follow FR 245 for three miles to the junction with Forest Road 171, turn right, and follow the signs for three more miles to the trailhead. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.
INFORMATION: 928-635-5600, fs.fed.us/r3/kai/recreation/trails/wil_kendrick.shtml
SMITH RAVINE
Prescott National Forest
There are no spruce trees on Spruce Mountain. The elegant conifers with blue-green needles that line the mountain’s eastern flank are actually white firs that were misidentified by early explorers. The Smith Ravine trail #297 leads to the Spruce Mountain fire tower where panoramic views of the mountain lakes and green forests of Prescott Valley roll out to the horizon. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 30-foot-high cabin was constructed in 1936 to keep watch over the Bradshaw Mountains. One of several trails that lead to the tower, trail #297 begins in an area that was recently charred by fire. After roughly a half-mile, the trail leaves the fire-damaged hillsides and dips into Smith Ravine— a deeply wooded drainage cluttered with elder, pines and a smattering of velvet ash and thin leaf alders. Larger than a gully but smaller than a canyon, a “ravine” is a narrow passage in mountainous terrain that was carved by running water. The official trail ends at the 3-mile point where it intersects Forest Road 52A. From here, go left and follow the dirt road 1.4 miles to the lookout tower.
HIGHLIGHTS: historic lookout tower, great views of Prescott Valley
LENGTH: 8.5 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION RANGE: 6,200 – 7,693 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 120 miles
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to exit 262 for Highway 69. Go west (toward Prescott) on Highway 69 to Walker Road (County Road 57 which is just past the Costco center). Follow Walker Road south for 5.7 miles to the Smith Ravine trailhead at milepost 5 on the right side of the road.
INFORMATION:
928-771-4700 fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreation/trails/pdf/rec_trai_b_smra297.pdf
KNOW YOUR CONIFIRS:
Here’s a simplified field test for determining is a tree is a pine, fir or spruce. Look at the needles and use this “P-F-S” cheat sheet to identify the tree-type.
PINES have long Pony-tail-like clumps of needles
FIRS have short, Flat needles
SPRUCE have short Square needles.
GADDES CANYON
Prescott National Forest
Perched on a mountaintop above Jerome, the Mingus Mountain Lookout tower soars over the old-growth pine trees that clutter the peak. Winds churned up from the cool, surrounding canyons clamor up the slopes whipping around the guy wires that strain to steady the groaning metal structure that seems to pierce the clouds. A series of rickety stairs lead to the depression–era cabin atop the 60-foot fire tower. Beneath the tower, a tiny house sits in a clearing overlooking Prescott Valley and serves as cozy refuge for fire lookouts. Although there are many ways to get to this lookout, one of the most scenic approach is via the Gaddes Canyon Trail #110. Mostly canyon-bound, the trail crawls up the eastern flanks of Mingus Mountain, ducking in-and-out of forests of juniper and scrub oak, sunny meadows and rocky ledges where glimpses of vertical canyon walls emerge from the timberlands at every turn. On the summit, a picnic table surrounded by a showy mix of wildflowers including Buffalo Bur, New Mexico Yellow Flax and wild roses, makes for a relaxing lunch break before heading back down the canyon.
HIGHLIGHTS: historic fire tower, pine forests, views of Prescott Valley
LENGTH: 5.2 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION RANGE: 6,773 - 7,743 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 145 miles
GETTING THERE: From Prescott, follow Highway 89A north for 25 miles to Mingus Mountain Road (Forest Road 104). Turn right and continue 1.5 miles to Allen Springs Road (Forest Road 413). Turn right and follow FR 413 for 3 miles to the signed trailhead.
INFORMATION: 928-777-2200 fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreation/trails/verde/gaddescan110.shtml
“THE POOLS”
Catalina State Park, Tucson
Hemmed in by the stony slopes of Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains, Romero Canyon Trail #8 switchbacks uphill through classic high-desert terrain, revealing amazing views at every turn. At roughly the three-mile point, the ocotillo, creosote and Palo verde-studded hillsides give way to an oasis of waterfalls and swimming holes scoured out of Precambrian rock imbedded with streaks of glimmering quartz. Here, the perennial waters of the Romero Pools foster a green zone of riparian plant life. A tangle of moisture-loving plants including cattails, cottonwood and velvet ash flourish in the canyon’s drainage providing a cool and shady respite from the surrounding desert heat. It’s smart to hike this one early in the day to avoid brutal afternoon heat.
HIGHLIGHTS: Unlikely pockets of cool water and riparian vegetation in the middle of the high desert.
LENGTH: 6 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION RANGE: 2,700 – 3,600 feet
NOTE: dogs are not allowed
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 130 miles one-way
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, travel south on I-10 to exit 240 (Tangerine Road). Continue 13.5 miles to stoplight at Oracle Road (Highway 77), go right (south) and follow the signs to the park entrance near milepost 81. Once inside the park, follow the main road 1.5 miles to the Romero Canyon trailhead.
INFORMATION: 520-628-5798, azstateparks.com/Parks/CATA/index.html
FEES: $6 day use fee per vehicle
HUTCH MOUNTAIN
Coconino National Forest
A quiet little place with a surprisingly in-your-face outdoor experience, the Hutch Mountain trail showcases amazing views of Northern Arizona’s plateau country.
This adventure consists of two parts: the visit to the tower and the trail hike.
To find the trail, start at the gate near the parking area and hike up the dirt road for .12 mile to a point where the road swerves sharply to the right. From here, you’ll see the unmarked trail heading downhill. Along the trail, big views of Anderson Mesa dominate the first half-mile before the steep, narrow path dips into a shadowy canyon embellished with rich red earth and bold green swaths undergrowth splattered with blood-red berries and lemony daisies. The path ends at Gooseberry Springs campsite---a grassy depression in an airy mountain valley where there’s a spring that flows nearly year-round. To visit the tower, hike back up the trail to the main road, go left and continue uphill. Built in 1936, the 31-foot-tall tower hovers over a blanket of close-knit forests of fir, spruce and pine trees that melt into Northern Arizona’s volcanic highlands.
HIGHLIGHTS: historic fire tower, epic views
LENGTH: 4 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 8,535 – 8,000 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 180 miles one-way
GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to exit 339, Lake Mary Road. Go south on Lake Mary Road for 33 miles to Forest Road 135 near milepost 311. Go 2.6 miles on FR 135, bear left at an unsigned junction and then left again onto Forest Road 135B. Go 2 miles on FR 135B to the parking area where an access gate sometimes bars vehicles from driving to the tower. No worries, though. Hikers can continue beyond the gate on foot. A high clearance vehicle is required.
INFORMATION: (928) 526-0866
fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/mormon_lake/index.shtml
KENDRICK PARK
Coconino National Forest
One of the best places in the world to see Long-tailed weasels poking around in abandoned potato fields, the Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Trail is as much an educational experience as it is a fun hike. Two loop trails guide visitors through shaded glens that bump up against expansive plains full of foraging beasts and swooping raptors.
Interpretive signs along the trails provide a substantial dose of learnin’ about the resident flora and fauna, while handy restrooms and paved access roads earn points in the family-friendly category.
HIGHLIGHTS: accessible, short hiking trails with educational signage
LENGTH: 1.5-mile and .25-mile loops
RATING: easy/accessible
ELEVATION: 7,900 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 166 miles one-way
GETTING THERE: From Flagstaff, go north on Highway 180 for 20 miles. The trailhead is located between mileposts 235 and 236 on the west side of the road.
INFORMATION: 520-526-0866 fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/kendrick-watchable.shtml
BISMARCK LAKE
Coconino National Forest
The high country bog known as Bismarck Lake is all that remains of an ancient volcanic crater in the watershed of Arizona’s highest peaks. The lake’s volume expands and contracts with nature’s whims, often shrinking to a wildflower-choked wetland by mid-summer. The trail that leads to the lake passes through a canopy of delicate aspens, old growth Ponderosa pines and willows that attracts more than 40 species of birds and countless critters. At the one-mile point, in the middle of a windswept prairie, turn left at a signed junction to visit the lake. Here, abundant sunlight bathes fields of yarrow, lupines, and a variety of mushrooms.
HIGHLIGHTS: Volcanic lake, alpine meadows, pine forests and wildlife.
LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 8,550 – 8,800 feet
INFORMATION: (928) 526-0866, refer to the Coconino National Forest map
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 160 miles one-way
GETTING THERE:
From Flagstaff, go north on Highway 180 for 10 miles to Hart Prairie Road (Forest Road 151) near milepost 225. Turn right and continue 5.6 miles to Bismarck Lake Road (Forest Road 627), turn right and go .6 mile to the trailhead.
EAST CHEVELON CREEK
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
The trickling creek and shallow pools of water in the bottom of Chevelon Canyon, feed a lush forest teeming with plant and animal life. Elk, wild turkey, beavers, blue herons, eagles and even the occasional bear can be spotted snacking on wild berries and succulent grasses in this pristine, shallow valley. Even though it’s located near the bustling Woods Canyon Lake campground on the Mogollon Rim, this unmarked route bestows a distinctively “wild” flavor. To find the route, walk down to the lake from the Spillway Campground. Once at the water, head east (right) at the earthen dam, scramble down the embankment, pick up one of the dirt fisherman’s paths and stroll into the canyon. Over the first half-mile, the tread way is distinct, but is soon swallowed up by enormous pine trees and dense riparian vegetation including healthy clumps of False Hellebore. To stay on course, simply pick your way along the banks of the creek using fallen trees and rocks to hop the water as needed. Casual hikers can easily trek two miles into the canyon to where the creek intersects Woods Canyon. Because exploration beyond this point requires expert navigational skills, most day hikers make the junction their turnaround point.
HIGHLIGHTS: densely-wooded creek canyon with abundant wildlife
LENGTH: 4 miles roundtrip
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 6,300 -6,100 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 137 miles one-way
GETTING THERE: From Payson, travel east on Highway 260 foe 32 miles to Rim Road (Forest Road 300) just past milepost 282. Turn left onto FR 300 and continue 3.5 miles to Woods Canyon Lake Road (Forest Road 105). Go right and continue 1.5 miles, bearing right at a fork and park in the Spillway Day Use Parking lot.
INFORMATION: 928-535-4481 or fs.fed.us/r3/asnf
RIM TRAIL
South Rim Grand Canyon National Park
This easy-to-access trail hugging the canyon’s south rim is a popular way to explore Arizona’s most magnificent attraction while barely breaking a sweat---making it a perfect place to take your friends and family who may be more into strolling than hiking. From Park Headquarters, the trail goes east for nearly 3 miles to Mather Point and west for just under 9 miles to Hermit’s Rest. Maps are available onsite and you can hop the shuttle bus to get to any of the 10 stops along the trail. Although the trail never strays far from the park roads, great views and the chance of spotting one of the reintroduced California condors soaring above more than makes up for the lack of a “wilderness” feel.
LENGTH: 12 miles one-way
RATING: easy—some sections are paved & accessible
ELEVATION: 6,820 – 7,020 feet
GETTING THERE: From Grand Canyon Village, simply head out to the paved walkway along the rim of the canyon and start hiking in either direction.
PHOENIX SEVEN SUMMITS TOUR
Camelback Mountain • Piestewa Peak • North Mountain • Lookout Mountain • Gila Valley Lookout, South Mountain • Shaw Butte • Shadow Mountain
Can’t get to all of the continents of the globe to conquer the famous “Seven Summits”? Well, then, why not trash a weekend conquering the seven summits of Phoenix. All of the seven highest peaks in the metro Phoenix area are easily attainable and can theoretically be achieved in a single day. However, most hikers will want to break the adventure into two parts in order to relax and enjoy the views on each high point.
DAY 1: Southern Section
Part one starts at the southernmost destination and works northward.
1.
GILA VALLEY LOOKOUT: South Mountain Park
2.660 feet
LENGTH: 7 miles RT
ELEVATION GAIN: 1.310 feet
RATING: difficult
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, follow Central Avenue south all the way to the end where it flows into South Mountain Park. Just past the park entrance gate, turn left into the Activity Complex. Drive past the Interpretive Center and go all the way to the end of the road and park. The hike starts at the Holbert trailhead directly across the road. South Mountain Park is open from 5:30 a.m to dusk and access and parking is free. There are restrooms and running water at the trailhead.
HIKE:
Follow the Holbert Trail all the way to the end to where it meets the National Trail. From the junction, follow the TV Tower Road for about a mile to the Gila Valley Lookout. The actual high point of South Mountain (Mt. Suppoa, 2,690 ft) is off limits, so the Gila Lookout is the next best thing.
2.
CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN: City of Phoenix
2,704 (highest point in Phoenix)
LENGTH: 2.3 miles RT
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,300 feet
RATING: difficult
GETTING THERE:
From South Mountain Park, drive north on Central Ave to Camelback Road and turn right (east). Continue on Camelback Road to 44th Street and turn left (north). Stay on 44th Street as it turns into McDonald and continue on McDonald, past Tatum to the turn off on the right for Echo Canyon Parkway. Be prepared to wait for parking at the trailhead.
HIKE:
Just go up. And up, and up.
3.
PIESTEWA PEAK: Phoenix Mountains Preserve
2,608 feet
LENGTH: 2.4 MILES RT
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,190 feet
RATING: difficult
GETTING THERE:
From Camelback Mountain, exit the Echo Canyon trailhead and head north (right) onto Tatum Blvd. Continue on Tatum to Lincoln Drive and turn left (west). Drive on Lincoln past 32nd St and past the 24th St interchange. Lincoln will turn into Glendale Ave. Turn right onto Squaw Peak Drive and follow the signs to the trailhead.
HIKE: This is an urban treadmill used by the local firefighters, athletes and spandex-clad beautiful people. But, don’t let the fact that you may be old and ugly keep you away. Carry plenty of water, wear sturdy boots and you too can enjoy Phoenix’s most popular hike.
DAY 2: Northern Section
Part two starts at the northernmost destination and works southward.
4.
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN: Phoenix Mountains Preserve
2,054 feet
LENGTH: 1 mile RT
ELEVATION GAIN: 475 feet
RATING: Moderate
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, drive north on SR51 (Piestewa Frwy) and turn west (left) onto Greenway Road. Continue on Greenway to 16th St. and turn south (left). Follow 16th St uphill to a nice trailhead near a water tank.
HIKE: Head right from the trailhead sign and connect to the summit trail 150. At the first unmarked junction, hang a left for the most direct route to the summit. If you miss that subtle turn off, don’t sweat it, just keep selecting the uphill paths and you’ll end up on the summit eventually.
5.
SHAW BUTTE: Phoenix Mountains Preserve
2,149 feet
LENGTH: 5 miles RT
ELEVATION GAIN: 670 feet
RATING: Moderate
GETTING THERE:
From Lookout Mountain, head back to Greenway Pkwy and go left (west). Continue on Greenway Pkwy to 7th St and turn left (south) Follow 7th St south to Thunderbird Rd. and turn right (west). Follow Thunderbird west and take a left onto Central Ave. The trailhead parking area is located on the right side of the road. Once again, you may need to wait awhile to get a parking spot.
HIKE:
This is a loop hike. At the trailhead, go left onto trail 306 and follow it to the summit. From the summit, follow the old paved road back down.
6.
NORTH MOUNTAIN: Phoenix Mountains Preserve
2,104 feet
LENGTH: 1.6 miles RT
ELEVATION GAIN: 614 feet
RATING: moderate
GETTING THERE:
From Shaw Butte, go back onto Thunderbird and turn right (south) onto 7th Street. Go south on 7th St. to Peoria Ave and turn west (right) into the park. Follow the one-way park road to the Maricopa Ramada parking area.
HIKE:
The trail begins on a steep, dirt path and then connects with a paved road that leads to the top of the hill. Once at the end of the road, look for trail 44 to the left. It leads to the highest accessible point as well as a scenic ridge.
7.
SHADOW MOUNTAIN: Phoenix Mountains Preserve
1,928 feet
LENGTH: 1 mile RT
ELEVATION GAIN: 440 feet
RATING: Moderate
GETTING THERE:
This under-appreciated gem of a mountain is accessible from several points in residential areas. We selected the 25th Place trailhead. To get there from North Mountain, exit the park and go south (right) on 7th St. to Cave Creek Road. Turn right onto Cave Creek Road and drive north past the big church. Just before reaching Greenway Pkwy. turn right onto Claire. Follow Claire past 25th St. and take the next right onto 25th Place (unmarked road). The trailhead is at the corner of 25th Place and Acoma. Park along the retaining wall.
HIKE:
A sweet little traipse through the desert with a short steep scramble near the top. The summit offers up pleasant views of the surrounding area including a weird-looking reservoir and multi-million-dollar homes under construction.
PIMA CANYON WASH TRAIL
South Mountain Park
Finding the road-less-traveled in South Mountain Park is easy; just follow the chuckwallas. Quieter than the multi-use trail above it, the soft sand of Pima Wash feels good under boots and local wildlife finds solitude in its scrub and rocky embankments. Middens spilling from petroglyph-encrusted crevasses in the canyon walls betray favorite hangouts of desert critters. In places, the pungent, camphor-pine aroma of rare, elephant trees perfumes the breeze.
At the National Trail junction, return the way you came or, continue to the head of the canyon where, a dry waterfall, caves and native bird songs enhance a lizard’s-eye view of downtown Phoenix.
LENGTH: 3.5-miles round-trip
RATING: Easy
ELEVATION GAIN: 300 feet
GETTING THERE:
Exit I-10 at Elliott Road. Turn towards Phoenix onto Elliott and go to 48th Street. Go right on 48th Street and take the 3rd left turn after the Piedmont light, which is the continuation of 48th Street. The Pima Canyon entrance is the first drive on the left. Beyond the parking lot, hike the dirt road for .2 mile, then, veer left down the ravine into the wash. Follow the sand and trail signs.
PASS MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Situated on over 3,000 acres of unspoiled desert terrain just south of Mesa, Usery Mountain Regional Park has more than 29 miles of hiking trails. Pass Mountain trail is the most difficult and longest of the twenty designated routes within the park. Open to horseback riders and hikers, the path makes a wide loop around the multiple 3,000-foot-high peaks of Pass Mountain for continual panoramic views of cholla-dotted arid plains and the jagged volcanic ridgelines of both the Superstition and Goldfield mountains. When hiked in a counter-clockwise direction, most of the strenuous uphill hiking happens in the first couple of miles as the trail climbs 600 feet before it levels off on the slopes beneath the peaks. After that, the route rambles over minor humps and shallow ravines until at near the 4-mile-point, it encounters a wide pass with spectacular views of a sprawling valley. Beyond the pass, the trail winds downhill through a maze of boulders cactuses, and palo verde trees that frame distant urban landscapes.
LENGTH: 7.1-mile loop
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 2,000-2,600 feet
FEES: $6 daily fee per vehicle
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, take Highway 60 east to exit 191, (Ellsworth Road) and go north (right). Continue on Ellsworth (which will turn into Usery Pass Road) for 6.7 miles and then turn right onto Usery Park Road. Follow the signs to the Horse Staging Area. The trail begins at the east side of the lot where there are porta potties and shaded picnic tables but no water.
INFORMATION: maricopa.gov/parks/usery/Trails.aspx 480-984-0032
HUNTER CREEK
Tonto National Forest
Those in search of solitude will appreciate this off-the-beaten-path stroll along a trickling waterway embellished with sun-dappled meadows. To find Hunter Creek, hike uphill from the parking area, pass a gate and drop into the streambed. To make your return trip easier, mark your entry point, as it’s easy to miss it on the way out. Once at the creek, head right (south west) and follow the babbling brook, taking time to explore terraced waterfalls, a spring, and a crumbling stone foundation. This is also a good place to test your animal track identification skills on the dozens of footprints that clutter the stream’s muddy margins.
HIGHLIGHTS: seldom-visited, creek side ramble
LENGTH: 2- 5 miles roundtrip
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 6,100-6,160 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 125 miles
GETTING THERE: From Payson, go east on Highway 260 for 25 miles to Colcord Road (Forest Road 291). Go right and continue .3 mile and park on an unmarked dirt road on the right where there’s a barbed wire gate visible roughly 40 yard farther up the road.
INFORMATION: 602-225-5200 or fs.fed.us/r3/tonto
“THE BOX”
Christopher Creek Canyon
There’s always a lot of woopin’ and a hollerin’ at this favorite summertime swimmin’ hole where the scene on any given weekend is a collision of Andy Griffith-esque country charm and the Nine Inch Nails crowd. Cooler-toting baby boomers in plaid Bermuda shorts and white socks mingle with young people in butt-crack-bearing swim trunks to cool off in the clear water and fresh, pine-scented air of Christopher Creek box canyon.
For millions of years, the spring-fed waters of Christopher Creek that spill from the base of the Mogollon Rim, have sculpted the rose-tinted ramparts that flank the gorge and funnel water into slippery chutes, churning rapids and low-flow channels awash in swirls of pine needle litter.
The most spectacular section of the gorge is less than a mile in length and can be fully explored by those who don’t mind boulder hopping, minor hand-over-foot climbing, wading and swimming. However, most of the action takes place at the head of the canyon where the sun-warmed escarpments fill up quickly with sunbathers and weekend warriors. So, if you’re looking for solitude---try a visiting on a Tuesday.
HIGHLIGHTS: Canyon-bound outdoor “spa”.
LENGTH: 1.25 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate-difficult
ELEVATION: 5,680 – 5,400 feet
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 120 miles
GETTING THERE:
From Payson, go east on Highway 260 for 19 miles. Between mileposts 271 and 272, look for a dirt turnoff on the south (right) side of the road. Watch that rut!
INFORMATION: refer to the Tonto National Forest map
GRANITE MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Granite Mountain Wilderness
West of Prescott, the unmistakable, monolith of Granite Mountain dominates the horizon. Meandering through a wilderness of billion-year-old granite boulders and colored with a mosaic of wildflowers and blooming shrubs, trail #261 leads to a scenic, cliff lookout area 2,000 feet over Granite Basin Lake. Junipers, pines and oaks, shade parts of the trail but most are exposed to the sun.
Between the months of December and July, the cliffs are closed (the maintained trails in the area remain open) to climbing due to nesting Peregrine falcons, and if you have a good eye, you may be able to see one of the fastest creatures on the planet in flight. Once at the “Vista Lookout” sign, continue hiking among the boulders as the path hugs the escarpment and opens up to a spectacle of volcanic crags, a blue horizon and distant mountain peaks. At the end of the trail, there’s an optional boulder scramble to an interesting jumble of granite spires.
LENGTH: 9 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 5,580 – 7,626 feet feet
GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take I-17 north to the Cordes Junction interchange then turn left (west) onto Highway 69 toward Prescott. In Prescott, take Highway 89 south (a.k.a. Sheldon Street) and drive 1.3 miles to the “T” intersection with Montezuma Street. Keep following Montezuma Street., which will turn, into Whipple Street which will then turn into Iron Springs Road (a.k.a. SR 10). Drive 3 miles on Iron Springs Road and then turn right onto Granite Basin Road (a.k.a. FR 374). Drive 3.5 miles to the signed Metate trailhead where there’s a restroom and a water fountain. There’s a $2 daily fee per vehicle. The dirt roads are accessible by sedan.
INFORMATION: www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott (928) 443-8000
