Posts
YAVAPAI POINT TRAIL
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
 |
| Yavapai Point Trail |
One of three new hiking paths that debuted in November 2014
at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Yavapai Point Trail adds a moderate climb and
sweeping vistas to the park’s 6-trail, 8.3-mile system. The hike begins at the Cottonwood
Day-Use Area with a 0.2-mile walk on Pipeline Canyon Trail to the Yavapai Point
junction. Here the trail swerves
toward the water, following the cliffs above the lake. A scenic viewpoint at roughly the
half-mile point serves as an appetizer for what awaits hikers at trail’s end.
From here, the hike becomes an edgy, switchback-moderated ridgeline climb with
views of Cottonwood Creek, Fireman’s Cove and Pipeline Canyon. The hike’s big
payoff is a panorama of the lake and surrounding desert mountains on the breezy
summit. From here, you can return
the way you came and pick up the new Cottonwood Trail or connect with Pipeline
Canyon, hike 1.9 miles south and step out on the third new route, Wild Burro
Trail.
LENGTH: 3.4
miles roundtrip (Yavapai Point out-and-back)
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION:
1,782’ - 2,178’
FEE: $6 daily fee per vehicle
FACILITIES: restrooms, water, picnic ramadas, camping,
nature center
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix go north on Interstate 17 to Carefree
Highway/State Route 74 exit 223.
Head west (toward Wickenburg) to Castle Hot Springs Road turn right and
drive 5.4 miles to the Lake Pleasant North Access road. Turn right (pay fee at
gate) and go 0.4 mile to the turn off for Cottonwood Picnic area, turn right
and go 0.4 mile to the Pipeline Canyon trailhead.
INFO: Lake Pleasant Regional Park
MAP:
MORE PHOTOS:
