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Howard Draw-Priest Draw Loop
Flagstaff
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| Pleasant hiking with side show attractions |
Holy bat cave--shared use forest trails don't get more
interesting than this one.
Well known as a world-class destination for the sport of
bouldering, Howard and Priest Draws are side-by-side shallow canyons with a yawning
meadow in the middle. Cavernous limestone bluffs with cantilevered overhangs,
slabby shelves, cracks and fist-sized depressions anchor both draws---a perfect
topography for the nimble climbers who dangle from the stone like acrobatic
bats.
In my experiences, the climbers don't mind spectators as
long as they keep a respectful and safe distance as the climbers work on their "problems". On my
visit, a couple of them struck up a conversation with me and answered my (albeit
ignorant) questions like "How do you do that?" (Uh, you just do it.) And
"What are those folding mattresses called?" (Crash pads. Duh.).
Even on busy weekends when dozens of "bat people" clamor for choice rock, the commotion
is absorbed in scattered pockets of solitude where the trails meander among
pine woodlands, aspen fringes and flower-speckled seas of hip-high forbs.
Although directional signage is non-existent, trodden and
true footpaths are simple to follow.
From the parking area, head right, descend a series of steps
and hike 1.5 miles through Priest Draw to a path taking off on the left near
FR235A. Follow this track 0.7 mile
to a T-junction, turn left and hike 1.6 miles though Howard Draw back to the
trailhead.
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| A choice bouldering "problem" |
LENGTH: 3.8-mile loop
RATING: easy
ELEVATION:
6830' - 6880'
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| Trailhead |
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| Limestone closeup |
GETTING THERE:
From Flagstaff go south on
Lake Mary Road (FR3) to Crimson Road which is on the right just past the Canyon
Vista Campground turnoff. Turn
right onto Crimson and then make an immediate left onto CR132. Continue 3 miles on CR132 to a dirt road
on the right, signed "Priest Draw parking area". Follow this rough
dirt road (FR238) 0.3-mile to the trailhead. Day use only.
No fees.
