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BRIDLE
CREEK HABITAT ENHANCEMENT AREA
Town
of Bagdad
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| Bridle Creek flows below Sanders Mesa |
On
a desert highway halfway between Phoenix and Las Vegas , motorists
are treated to a botanical spectacle that unfolds in springtime.
From
late February through April, the Joshua trees along US 93 sprout
gigantic, lime-white blooms with surreal spikes and a not-so-sweet
aroma. The annual event is reason enough take a drive along this
scenic route through a landscape of sprawling flatlands tossed with
rugged canyons and mountains.
Despite the bloom fest, only a handful
of the travelers rumbling by ever stop to marvel at the hairy-barked yuccas
that can live up to 300 years. Although it's impossible to know their
reasons for zooming past or their ultimate destinations, one thing's
for certain though: Most motorists are not going to Bagdad. And,
that's a shame---especially for vehicles with hikers on board. That's
because those who veer off the byway and head into town will be treated
to a pleasant “who knew” moment. Located 100 miles northwest of
Phoenix, the company town that orbits around the Freeport-McMoRan
copper and molybdenum mine features a massive open-pit operation that
hums 24/7 and Main Street is a mix of mom and pop shops, watering
holes, a single grocery store, gas station, and a golf course.
Although the place doesn’t exactly scream “primo hiking
destination”, the hamlet’s signature trail is a very fine one
indeed.
The Bridle Creek Trail is an unexpected trek surrounded by an
expanse of barren mesas and raw, mineral rich back country tucked
between the Aquarius and Weaver Mountains. The 27-acre Bridle Creek
Habitat Enhancement Area traces the edge of Sanders Mesa and the
riparian green zone of an intermittent desert stream. The site is
certified through the Wildlife Habitat Council's “Wildlife at Work”
program and is managed for habitat enhancement, community outreach
and wildlife rehabilitation activities. Except for three easy creek
crossings that involve some minor rock hopping, the park-like, linear
trail is an easy stroll among cottonwood, willow and juniper trees.
Halfway through the out-and-back hike, the terraced mounds of the mine
are visible in the distance. Since Bagdad isn't near a major
metropolis, it's a long drive for most people. So, to get your gas
money's worth, plan on taking the guided Bagdad Mine Overlook tour
which is conducted on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m.. Then, head
back to the Joshua Tree Forest, pull over at a road side table and
enjoy the blooms.
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| Cottonwoods and willows in the riparian corridor |
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| The trail is wide and easy to follow |
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| Cottonwoods frame Sanders Mesa |
 |
| Joshua trees bloom Feb. - Apr. |
LENGTH:
1.4 miles round trip
RATING:
easy
ELEVATION:
3799'- 3870'
HOURS:
5 a.m.to 10 p.m.
GETTING
THERE:
 |
| Joshua trees along US 93 near Bagdad |
From
Phoenix, go north on Interstate 17 to exit 223B for State Route 74
(Carefree Highway). Go 30 miles west toward Wickenburg to US 60,
turn right and continue to the traffic circle in Wickenburg and
connect to US 93. Go 43 miles north on US 93 and turn right on State
Route 97 (just past mile post 155). Continue 10.6 miles to State
Route 96, turn left and continue 4.2 miles on SR 96 (turns into Main
Street) to the town of Bagdad. Turn right on Lindahl Road and go 1.3
miles then turn left onto an unsigned dirt road located just before
the sign for Turtle Rock Ranch. Follow the narrow dirt (sedan
friendly) road 0.1 mile to the trailhead.
There's
a seating area and portable restrooms at the trailhead.
INFO:
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