BLACK HILL-GRANITE MOUNTAIN LOOP

BLACK HILL-GRANITE MOUNTAIN LOOP

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Granite Mountain Loop

Sandwiched between palm-tree-caressed swaths of upscale homes, sprawling ranches and a wall of 7000-foot-high mountains rising over the Verde River Valley, Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a refuge for marauding herds of javalina, deer and city dwelling hikers, bikers and equestrians looking to unwind. It's an open, airy place reminiscent of Montana's "big sky county" replete with far-reaching views and western character. The Black Hill Trail delves into the guts of this natural sanctuary, following a wide, decommissioned dirt road lined with jumbo saguaros and thickets of yucca.

Smothered in desert plant life, the area's myriad wildflowers and blooming shrubs erupt in brilliant waves beginning in January when blood-red chuparosa flowers and shock-yellow clusters of desert rock peas serve as opening acts for a riot of color that ends with the annual show-stopping blast of creamy white saguaro blossoms in May.

Black Hill Trail ends at Powerline Road where a battalion of electrical towers strung together over the desert reminds that civilization shares this space.  At this point, a network of connecting trails makes for endless hiking combinations. One to try is the 4.2-mile Granite Mountain Loop, which begins directly across the road. The trail's highest point is 2,780-foot "Scenic Overlook". Here, a patchwork of homes in the valley below mingles with pristine desert and the muted silhouettes of the Superstition Mountains on the southern horizon. Added goodies on the loop include a noble crested saguaro near the Branding Iron trail junction and an optional side trip to geological wonder, Balanced Rock.

Black Hill Trail

LENGTH: 8.8 miles (9.6 miles with Balanced Rock)

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION:  2540' - 2780'

HOURS: open daily sunrise to sunset

GETTING THERE: Fraesfield Trailhead.

From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Princess/Pima exit 36 and go 6.5 miles north on Pima to Dynamite Blvd./Rio Verde Dr.  Turn right and go 5.6 miles to the trailhead on the left.  There's a restroom but no water at the trailhead.

Desert Rock Pea

INFO & MAP: McDowell Sonoran Preserve

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/preserve/Northern+Preserve+Map.pdf

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THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION PARK

THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION PARK

City of Glendale

Highpoint on Arrowhead Point (H2) Trail

With over 14 miles of trails spread over a 1,185-acre preserve, Thunderbird Conservation Park offers easy access to desert hiking. The park’s eight trails weave around Hedgpeth Hills---a chain of peaks capped with black basalt boulders tucked among subdivisions and bustling roadways. Bisected by 55th Avenue, the park's east and west sections are connected by a pedestrian bridge. Three of the trails ascend to summits with cityscape views while others wend around ridgelines and a wetland area with wildlife viewing blinds. Although the trails are currently identified by a nondescript number system (H1, H2, etc.), proposed new names are much more colorful and speak to each route’s distinct character. For instance, Flatlander (a.k.a. H1A), is---well, flat and sweat-free, while Chuckwalla Trail (H5A) meanders through the park’s prime “fat lizard” territory.  A good way to sample the trails and get an overview of the area is to hike  up to the flagpole on Arrowhead Point Trail (H2) and loop back on Coach Whip Trail (H1) with a side trip to the wetlands. This trek begins at the Pinnacle Peak Road trailhead and climbs swiftly to the 0.75-mile point where an American flag anchored in a pile of volcanic rubble denotes the park's highest point. While on the summit, see if you can spot the  dome of  University of Phoenix Stadium, which will be the venue for Super Bowl XLIX in 2015. From here, the trail descends down to a junction near some ramadas.  Go left to visit the lake, then backtrack for a 4-mile out-and-back trek.

LENGTH:

8 trails ranging from 0.25 to 5 miles.

RATING: easy to moderately difficult

ELEVATION: 1400'- 1862'

HOURS: sunrise to sunset daily

FACILITIES: restrooms, horse staging, shade ramadas

GETTING THERE:

North Entrance (as described here): Pinnacle Peak Road between 53rd and 55th Ave. Go north on I17 to the Pinnacle Peak Road exit 217 and drive 3.5 miles west to 55th Ave. 

Main Entrance: 22600 N. 59th Ave., Glendale

INFO:

http://www.glendaleaz.com/parksandrecreation/thunderbirdpark.cfm

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ECHO CANYON RECREATION AREA

ECHO CANYON SUMMIT TRAIL
Camelback Mountain 

Camelback Mountain as seen from Piestewa Peak

After being closed for improvements for nearly a year, the new Echo Canyon trailhead at Camelback Mountain was opened Wednesday, January, 15, 2014. Providing access to one of the most popular, iconic and infamously crowded in-town hikes, the new recreation site features smoother traffic flow, double the parking, restrooms, water and a stabilizing trail realignment. The summit of Camelback Mountain is the highest point in Phoenix and  the aggressive ascent is a prime workout for peak-bagging hikers and cardio trainers alike.
This trail is NOT RECOMMENDED for novice hikers or those who are not accustomed to desert conditions. Although it's frequently touted as a "must do" for out-of-state visitors, Summit Trail is not a walk in the park.  It's an insanely steep haul with loose footing, sheer drop offs and elbow-to-elbow foot traffic.  Prime season for the hike is from November through April.  Off-season temperatures can climb to the triple-digits making it downright dangerous to attempt.  Dehydration---which can be, and has been deadly--- is a common problem for hikers on this route. Additionally, the sheer volume of trekkers using this trail is taking a toll on the terrain---and with so many other wonderful Phoenix hiking destinations, it's smart to test your mettle elsewhere.

LENGTH: 1.23 miles one-way
ELEVATION: 1504' - 2704'
RATING: difficult

GETTING THERE:
4925 E. McDonald Drive, Phoenix
INFO: City of Phoenix, 602-261-8318
http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/camelback/camelpark.html

GIANT SAGUARO HIKE

BLUFF SPRING TRAIL to the GIANT SAGUARO

Superstition Wilderness

Giant Saguaro, Jan.11, 2014

Although it’s not the largest  ever discovered, the colossal cactus known as “Giant Saguaro” along Dutchman’s Trail is a commanding presence.  Balancing a massive, Medusa-like crown of spiny arms and isolated in a landscape where neighboring saguaros sport more modest profiles, this impressive plant grabs the spotlight.  But, it might not stand for much longer.  An ominous gray scale on its north side and what appears to have been a lighting strike in its core may spell its doom--who can say.  The probability that this cactus has been around for hundreds of years is a testament to its tenacity.  Whether it stands for one more year or another century, hikers with a love of natural curiosities should pay it a respectful visit.  The hike to the saguaro, begins at the Peralta trailhead on Bluff Spring Trail with the (infamous) climb of “cardiac hill”---a nearly 800’ ascent in less than a mile--and although the route has many ups-and-downs, this is the most challenging segment. Stay on Bluff Spring Trail to the 3.1-mile point, head north (straight ahead) on Dutchman’s Trail and follow it 1.7 miles to the giant saguaro.  You can’t miss it. EPITAPH 2016: The giant saguaro is officially dead and down.

water in Bark's Canyon

LENGTH: 9.7 miles round trip

RATING: difficult

ELEVATION: 2153' - 3184'

"Cardiac Hill"

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go east on US60 to just past milepost 204 in Apache Junction, turn left at the "Peralta Trailhead" sign and follow Peralta Road (FR77) 8 miles to the trailhead. Six miles of FR77 is dirt with some washboard sections passable by carefully driven sedans.

INFO: Mesa Ranger District, Tonto National Forest, 480-610-3300

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35523&actid=50

Next Wag & Walk Dog Adoption hike is Saturday, Feb 1, 2014

WAG & WALK DOG ADOPTION HIKE: FEB. 1, 2014

Usery Mountain Regional Park, Mesa

Bark, I mean MARK your calendar (with a pen, not pee) for Saturday Feb. 1, 2014.  That's the date for the next Maricopa County Animal Care/County Parks DOG ADOPTION HIKE! On the first Saturday of each month from November through April, the public is invited to hike the Merkle Trail with adoptable dogs from Maricopa County Animal Care’s Mesa shelter. “Wag & Walk” hiker dogs are already spayed or neutered and available to go home on the spot, usually at reduced adoption fees.  Many of the dogs who participated in these hikes have found their "fur-ever" homes, and all of them certainly enjoyed strutting their stuff on the trail. 

The dogs also inspired some (human) hikers to become Day Foster Volunteers.  This special team takes dogs out of the shelter for a day, weekend or a few hours to walk, socialize or just to get some quiet time and extra attention.  Sound interesting?  Sign up here: http://www.maricopa.gov/Pets/help.aspx

LENGTH: 1-mile loop (Merkle Trail)

ELEVATION: 1950'

RATING: easy, barrier-free

FEE: $6 park entry fee per vehicle

FACILITIES: picnic tables, restrooms, water,

GETTING THERE:

3939 N. Usery Pass Rd., Mesa AZ 85207

From Phoenx, travel east on US60 to the Ellsworth Road exit.  Go north on Ellsworth to the park entrance.

TIME: 9 a.m. at the Merkle trailhead (area 6 parking).

INFO: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation, 480-984-0032

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE STORY ABOUT THE JANUARY HIKE:
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/get_out/events/collection_e9e6bcb4-77fc-11e3-8234-0019bb2963f4.html

HIKING WITH WOLVES

WOLVES IN ARIZONA 2014 UPDATE

No, that "wolf" you saw in South Mountain Park, Phoenix was probably a coyote. This is an easy assumption because Arizona wolves are rare and live in remote areas far from cities.

Hunted to near extinction in the last century,  reintroduction of Mexican Grey Wolves into east-central Arizona's Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests began in 1998.  Since then, the population  has grown to 13 packs consisting of 46 animals with functional radio collars and 5 single wolves. Both revered and reviled, the beasts roam mainly in the Blue Range Primitive Area near the New Mexico border. The recovery area includes many terrific White Mountains hiking trails and although wolves are generally not a threat to people, it's a good idea to know where the packs roam and how to handle an encounter. Back in 2006, I was lucky enough to spot a wolf while hiking in the Blue. The animal darted across the trail several yards ahead of me, then went behind a tree and froze. I froze too. While I tried to quietly get my camera, the beast peeked at me, tail twitching, giving me a good enough look at its face to determine that ,yes, this was a wolf, not a coyote. The wolf appeared frightened as he/she seemed to weigh escape options before bolting off into the forest. It was a moment I'll never forget! AZ Game & Fish has just posted a wolf project update on their website. There's lots of good information about the program and telemetry flight locations of the packs.

WOLF LOCATIONS AS OF 1-6-2014:

http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/es/documents/IFD1.6.14.pdf

Arizona Game & Fish Wolf Info: 928-339-4329

http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/es/wolf_reintroduction.shtml

OVERTON-GO JOHN LOOP

OVERTON-GO JOHN LOOP

Cave Creek Regional Park

The high point of Overton Trail

Some of the benefits of loop hikes are dynamic, ever-changing scenery and surprises around every bend. An easier, but equally interesting  alternative to Cave Creek Regional Park’s signature Go John loop, this circuit coils around a massif of crumbling schist and outcroppings of milky quartz. Because a local horse outfitter heavily uses this loop, hikers should be on the lookout for "road apples" and respect the equine right-of-way, by stepping aside when riders approach.  The route tops out at a mountain pass with picture postcard quality vistas of Elephant Mountain, Sugarloaf and Skull Mesa to the east and a muddled montage of peaks and valleys rolling out to the western horizon.  Here, a bench beckons visitors to relax and soak in the sights while a collection of artful native rock cairns decorate the trail's official high point. Moving on, the path heads downhill to connect with Go John Trail. With the tough part of the hike completed, veer right and it's all downhill from here.

Geology on Go John Trail

LENGTH: 3.4- mile loop

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2126' - 2501'

FEE: $6 daily fee per vehicle

FACILITIES: restrooms, water, picnic areas, nature center

GETTING THERE:

37900 N. Cave Creek Parkway, Cave Creek 85331

Take I-17 north to Carefree Hwy (SR74). Head east (right) and continue 7 miles to the park entrance at 32nd Street.  Follow the main park road to the Overton trailhead at the nature center.

A guided horse trail ride

INFO:  Maricopa County Parks & Recreation: 623-465-0431

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/cave_creek/hiking.aspx

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SPEAR S RANCH

MARICOPA TRAIL: SPEAR S RANCH DAY HIKE

Phoenix

Spanning 240 miles and linking 10 county parks, the Maricopa Trail is a unifying, non-motorized system of existing paths, closed roads and new construction. Forming a massive circle around the Valley of the Sun, its course brushes against busy recreation sites, suburban neighborhoods and desert wilds with entry points in the parks and at special trailheads.  Spear S Trailhead was established in 2011 and gives access to a splendid stretch of rangeland via paths established by the Hohokam people who lived in the area from  

trailhead

about 300 B.C. to 1500 A.D. This is also cattle country, and a plaque near the trailhead features a list of early homesteaders whose roads and ranch sites still imprint the land. The Spear S trailhead is located roughly halfway between Lake Pleasant, Cave Creek Regional Park and Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, making it a convenient launch for both day hikes and backpacking.

One scenic option is to do an out-and-back hike to the Cave Creek area parks. This route jogs along saguaro inhabited hillsides, shady washes painted green with plant life and heart-stirring open desert terrain with 3219' Apache Peak as a central beacon along the way.   Trail signs are posted at all junctions, but can be easy to miss.  At the 2.9-mile point, the trail splits.  Turn north to continue to Spur Cross or stay straight for Cave Creek.

LENGTH:

4 miles one-way to Cave Creek Regional Park, or

6 miles one-way to Spur Cross Conservation Area

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2050' - 2295' (as described here)

FACILITIES: none

GETTING THERE: Andy Kunasek at Spear S Ranch Trailhead: 41799 N. New River Road.

Go north on I-17 to Carefree Hwy (SR74) exit. Go east (right) to 7th Street, turn north (left) and go 4.5 miles on 7th St  (turns into New River Road) to the trailhead on the right (located just

Apache Peak

before Linda Lane).

INFO & MAPS: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation, 602-506-2930

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/MaricopaTrail/

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DINOSAUR WASH

A-B-C, D-INOSAUR

Wickenburg

A tight section of Dinosaur Wash

Despite its tantalizing name, there's nary a Cretaceous fossil to be found in Dinosaur Wash. Instead, hikers are treated to a cactus-studded paradise of high desert peaks and beach-like washes flanked by a mix of deeply carved sedentary and igneous rocks. From the trailhead, a trio of grand mountains stands out---the elongated profile of Precious Peak (3191'), soaring Creighton Peak (3666') and the prominent russet-capped pyramid of Red Top Peak (3190').  This stony triumvirate guides the trek, which winds around their jumbled flanks

Dinosaur Wash

and breezy passes.

Here, a middle-of-nowhere character presides over a wilderness where eons of harsh winds and raging waters have sandblasted sediments and lava flows into bizarre sculptures and shallow caves.  One such sculpture looming above Dinosaur Wash resembles a yawning Brontosaurus.

After a pleasant stroll through this outdoor art gallery scented with the resinous fragrance of creosote, the trail squeezes through the peaks to emerge at Dinosaur Wash.  From here, free-form exploration is the way to go.  Head northwest (left) through a corridor of sand and stone that vacillates accordion-style between wide alleys and tight passages.  There are a few spots where minor down climbs and boulder hops are required to get through, but most hikers in reasonable shape should be able to plow through to the 4.97-mile point where a 10-foot, slick rock drop off mandating a tricky move serves as a good turnaround spot.

HIKE DIRECTIONS: Although the traditional start point for this hike is off Scenic Loop Road, we decided to tackle it from Sophie's Flat, using the A-B-C-D trail system.  Here's the plan:

From the trailhead, follow A Trail 1.1-mile to B Trail. Follow B Trail to the 1.88-mile point, veer right and follow C Trail to the 2.39-mile point and turn left on the A Trail. Follow A Trail to the 2.91-mile point and connect with D Trail.  Follow D Trail less than a mile, drop into the obvious course of Dinosaur Wash and head northwest (left).  We hiked to the 4.97-mile point and turned around at a slick rock drop off, although with some scrambling it’s possible to continue another mile to the Hassayampa River, Mistake Mine Ruins and the Box Canyon. River water levels vary with rainfall, so bring wading gear if you're intent on hiking through the box. Trails are well-signed up to the wash.

Red Top Peak

LENGTH: 9.5 miles roundtrip

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2337’- 2789’ (1100’ cumm gain)

FACILITIES: restroom, map kiosk

GETTING THERE: Sophie's Flat Trailhead:

From Phoenix go north on I-17 to Carefree Hwy/SR74 (exit 223) and go 30 miles west toward Wickenburg on SR74, turn right at US60 and continue to just before the Hassayampa River Bridge traffic circle in Wickenburg.  Turn right on El Recreo, go 0.25 mile and veer right onto Constellation Road. Continue 2.7 miles, turn left onto Blue Tank Road and drive 1.3 miles to the trailhead on the right. The last 4 miles are on sedan-friendly dirt roads.

Pass between Creighton & Red Top Peaks

INFO:

http://www.wickenburgtrails.org/Riding___Hiking_Trails.html

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Hiking Holidays

Desert Christmas cactus: Brown's Ranch, Dec 2013

Hi Hikers,
It's been a hectic couple of weeks, but in the coming days, I'll be posting a brand new desert loop hike I did yesterday  (once I get through the photos and bust out of writer's block). Until then--Na zdravi!

New Arizona Trail book available now

Your Complete Guide to the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
Available after Dec. 22, 2013

Add caption

Its here! It's here!  The epic 800+-mile Arizona Trail is now documented in a hefty 320-page book. Inside this beautiful work, are topo maps, elevation profiles, trailhead directions and descriptions of water sources, vegetation and geology for all 43 passages of the trail. Plus much, much more.  Richly illustrated with inspiring photography, this is the most comprehesive guidebook to the AZT ever published.

Book sale proceeds support the Arizona Trail Association's mission to build, maintain, promote, protect and sustain the trail.

$25.95 + $7 shipping

ORDER ONLINE:

http://www.aztrail.org/guidebook.php

JOIN THE AZ TRAIL ASSOC:

http://www.aztrail.org/

(Full disclosure: as a contributing photographer, I received a free advance copy of the book)

Next "Wag & Walk" dog adoption hike is January 4, 2014!

"WAG & WALK" DOG ADOPTION HIKE

Usery Mountain Regional Park

"Oreo" participated in the December hike

Take a hike with a pack of adoptable dogs from Maricopa County Animal Care’s Mesa shelter on Saturday January 4, 2014 starting at 9:00 a.m.. In addition to being exceptionally cute and sweet, “Wag & Walk” hiker dogs are already spayed or neutered and available to go home on the spot, usually at greatly reduced adoption fees.  Even if you’re not looking for a new fur baby, hiking with a group of tail-wagging dogs who are ecstatic about getting out of their kennels for some much needed exercise makes for a memorable morning in the desert. Also, everybody who adopts one (or more) of the hiker dogs will be eligible to win free county park passes!  PLEASE JOIN US.  NO REGISTRATION---JUST SHOW UP.

"Bugle" was adopted!!

LENGTH: Merkle Trail: 1-mile loop

ELEVATION: 1950'

RATING: easy, barrier-free

FEE: $6 park entry fee per vehicle

FACILITIES: picnic tables, restrooms, water,

GETTING THERE: Usery Mountain Regional Park,

3939 N. Usery Pass Rd., Mesa AZ 85207

From Phoenx, travel east on US60 to the Ellsworth Road exit.  Go north on Ellsworth to the park entrance. HIKE MEETS AT "AREA 6" TRAILHEAD PARKING.

INFO: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation, 480-984-0032

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/

HILINE TRAIL

HILINE TRAIL

Oak Creek-Sedona

Beware of the double diamond trail rating.  That's mountain bike speak for extremely difficult, and Sedona's new Hiline Trail is most  worthy of this designation. Initially created by the biking community, the trail has been recently stabilized and absorbed into the forest service system.  Renowned for its edgy-ledgey exposure, slick rock and technical chutes, it's not a trail for novice hikers or those who fear heights. The narrow, serpentine route clings to the vertical face of a north-south running butte serving up a carousel of terrific views including  Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock and the mountains surrounding Jerome and Prescott Valley.

At the 1.5-mile point, the trail meets "the Pedestal" a remarkable sandstone outcrop with dizzying vistas and abysmal drop offs.  Beyond the Pedestal, the route becomes even more dodgy, traversing loose rock, tight turns and precariously close-to-the-edge segments on its way to connect with Baldwin Trail where numerous loop options and (safer) return routes can be planned.

LENGTH: 3.2 miles 1-way

RATING: difficult

ELEVATION: 4086' - 4646'

FEE: a Red Rock Pass ($5 daily) is required

FACILITIES: map kiosk, interpretive signs, pass vending machine

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to the Sedona-Oak creek exit 298 SR179.  Head west on SR179 and continue to the Back O' Beyond traffic circle near milepost 310. Swing around the circle and go 1.4 miles  south on SR179 to the Yavapai Point trailhead on the right. To reach Hiline Trail, hike less than a mile south on the Shady Slim trail to the signed junction.

YAVAPAI POINT TRAILS

YAVAPAI POINT TRAIL SYSTEM

Oak Creek-Sedona

View from Yavapai Vista Trail

Once just a pullout along SR 179, Yavapai Vista has evolved into a buffed-and-polished hiking destination. The site's time-honored interpretive signs describing notable Red Rock Country landforms are now augmented with a meticulously groomed system of short, interconnected exploratory trails. These seven routes, wiggling among slick rock  and pockets of Arizona cypress, offer a quieter alternative to the busy Bell Rock system of trails across the highway. Finding your way around is super simple. Trail maps at each junction make it nearly impossible to get lost, and white dots mark the way where the trails get sketchy on the sandstone mounds.  The path's short lengths are ideal for a quick road trip leg stretch or drama-free treks with kids. For those who prefer longer, more challenging hikes, the system also connects with forest service trails in the Catherdal Rock area.

Slim Shady Trail

LENGTH: 4.7 miles total

Basalt: 0.1

Coconino: 0.3

Hermit: 0.3

Kaibab: 0.1

Made in the Shade: 1.0

Slim Shady: 2.5

Yavapai Vista: 0.3

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 4200' - 4400'

FEE: a Red Rock Pass is required. 

FACILITIES: benches, pass vending machine, map kiosks

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, take I-17 north to the Sedona-Oak Creek exit 298 for SR179.  Head west on SR179 and continue to the Back O' Beyond traffic circle near milepost 310. Drive around the circle and go 1.4 miles south on 179 to the Yavapai Point trailhead on the right. 

LITTLE HORSE to CHICKEN POINT

LITTLE HORSE TRAIL

Oak Creek-Sedona

Approach to Chicken Point

You'll want to save your camera batteries for the last quarter-mile of this hike. That's because the final uphill scramble over slick rock lands hikers on Chicken Point--one of Sedona’s most photographed sites. From this rust-red perch, "fly-over" perspectives of Sedona's iconic Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte rival those seen from helicopter tours.  Located between busy SR179 and Munds Mountain Wilderness, this hike straddles the spheres of "been there" and "out there". In addition to views of the keynote landmarks, the Little Horse trail's soft substrate and simple route ambles among high desert vegetation on its climb to the scenic overlook where the trail connects with Broken Arrow and Chapel Trails as well as a popular Jeep tour road.

Photo moments on Chicken Point

LENGTH: 2.2 miles one way (include access path)

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 4280' - 4570'
FEE: a Red Rock Pass is required. There's a self-serve kiosk at the trailhead. Daily option is $5.
FACILITIES: restroom, map board

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to the Sedona-Oak Creek/SR179 exit 298.  Head west (left) on SR179 and continue to the Little Horse trailhead at milepost 308.9.

INFO: Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-203-2900

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55336&actid=50

Chapel of the Holy Cross as seen from Little Horse Trail

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WALKER LAKE

WALKER LAKE

Coconino National Forest

Walker Lake in August

Arizona's own crater lake resides quietly within the bowl of a nondescript volcano north of Hart Prairie.  From a distance, the pine-speckled hill doesn't appear to be anything special.  But a short walk up a closed road reveals a shallow lake filling a vent that spewed lava in its former life.  The road makes an easy climb to the lip of the crater where it transitions into a footpath that follows the fortress-like rim. The high vantage points offer
fantastic views of the San Francisco Peaks, Kendrick Mountain, White Horse Hills and Hochderffer Hills---volcanos all.  The crater forms sort of a  wet "meadow in a bowl" fostering a swale of wild field mint, daisies, silverweed, and New Mexico vervain as well as a herds of thirsty elk that frequent its reliable watering holes.

Water smartweed in Walker Lake

Numerous paths also lead down to the ephemeral lake that in summer shrinks to a patchwork of shallow  puddles besieged by clouds of colorful dragonflies.  

Walker Lake in August

LENGTH: 1-2 mile roundtrip

RATING: easy

ELEVATION:  8,060' - 8,189' 

GETTING THERE:

From Flagstaff, go north on US180 for 19 miles to the northern exit for FR151 (Hart Prairie Road) just past milepost 235.  Turn right and continue 1.6 miles on the good dirt road to FR418.  Turn left and go 0.2 mile to the second road on the left (across from a log cabin).  Go left onto this dirt road (FR9007S), continue 0.2 mile to a roundabout, veer right onto FR9004S (sign is not obvious) and continue to a circular parking area near where FR 9219T heads right.  The trail begins at the “road closed” sign in the northwest end of the parking area. Dirt roads are passable by carefully driven sedans.

BOOTLEGGER-GRANITE MOUNTAIN LOOP

BOOTLEGGER-GRANITE MOUNTAIN LOOP

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Just a few odometer clicks and 1000 feet in elevation north of downtown Phoenix, is a desert rangeland with enough fresh air and open space to expunge the mind-numbing pressures of city living.  Here, a 6-mile trail around 3526' Granite Mountain transports hikers through a rugged habitat of survivalist native creatures and landforms.  There's little moderation here.   Summer heat is brutal, it freezes in winter and the area's 12" of annual rainfall arrives in episodic lusty torrents that turn bone dry washes and

Sculpted granite

canyons into raging rivers within minutes. But for a few months between the extremes, this desert preserve is a balmy, blooming paradise. The best time to hike here is from late October through early May, when temperatures are mild and wildflowers color the land like splattered paint. Hikers will get a kick out of the acres of granite masses scoured into fanciful forms by eons of geological calamity. As unforgiving elements peck away, molecule-by-molecule, the rock erodes into the embodiments of giant mushrooms, dragons, serpents and goblins. One hiker saw the profile of the Quaker Oats guy. Whatever image the nature-whittled granite conjures is a personal journey.

Although there are more direct routes to connect with this loop, going by way of Bootlegger Trail exposes hikers to some exceptional geological jumbles such as narrow passages and cave-like enclaves that would have made handy hooch hideouts for brewers evading prohibition patrols.

To take this trip, begin on Bootlegger trail and hike 0.7 mile to Saddlehorn Trail.  Follow Saddlehorn 0.2 mile (can you spot the eponymous rock formation?) and connect with Granite Mountain Loop.

LENGTH: 6-mile loop

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2570' - 2780'

HOURS: trails are open sunrise to sunset

GETTING THERE:

Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136th St. Scottsdale. From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Princess/Pima exit 36 and go 6.5 mile north on Pima to Dynamite Blvd./Rio Verde Dr.  Turn right and continue 5.9 miles to 136th St., turn left and go 1.8 miles to the trailhead on the left.

No facilities.

INFO:

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve

PENNY HOWE TRAIL

PENNY HOWE BARRIER FREE NATURE TRAIL

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

One of the greatest benefits of living in the Valley of the Sun is its plethora of  parks and recreation sites.  Phoenix is already home to many municipal parks and on going acqusition of additional lands for public use demonstrates the city's commitment to providing residents and visitors with superlative access to outdoor activities.  The current 35,000 acres of parks and preserves is laced with more than 100 miles of hiking trails ranging in difficulty from grueling to painless. In the painless category is the Penny Howe Nature Trail.  Fully paved and built on a joint-friendly slope, the trail is set at the base of craggy North Mountain with close access to water, shade and restrooms.  The stroll is enriched with informational plaques spaced at convenient intervals along the walkway. Each plaque on the self-guided tour  adds  educational tidbits about  desert flora and fauna to an easy leg stretch that's accessible to all.

LENGTH:  0.3 mile

RATING: paved, barrier-free

ELEVATION: 1420' - 1380'

FACILITIES: restrooms, water, shaded picnic ramadas

GETTING THERE: North Mountain Park, 10600 N. 7th St., Phoenix.

(7th Ave. & Peoria)

Trail beigns in the northwest corner of the Havasupai parking lot.

INFO: City of Phoenix, 602-262-7901

http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/north/hiking/

WHISKEY BOTTLE TRAIL

WHISKEY BOTTLE TRAIL

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

With its boozy moniker and fresh-cut course, this trail, which departs from  Fraesfield Mountain trailhead, is an intoxicating trek.  Meandering through a seemingly endless expanse of yucca-studded “horse country” the well signed network of trails enables carefree hiking for experts and greenhorns alike. Whiskey Bottle begins with a brief climb along the east flank of Fraesfield Mountain.  Below, a yawning vegetation-rich wash where rain lingers in mud-fringed pools is a favorite “pub” for thirsty bands of local deer, javelinas and coyotes.  The trail’s high point provides a platform to wrangle your bearing by checking out views of surrounding mountains---Four Peaks to the east, white “golf ball” topped Humboldt Mountain to the north and to the distant southeast, the iconic spire of Weaver’s Needle in the Superstition Wilderness cuts a muted lavender silhouette.  The trail scoots along the preserve’s southern boundary passing an upscale golf course near the Dixileta Trail junction.  Although the route’s name suggests otherwise, the only relic of trailside imbibing is a rusted can of Modelo lodged in the roots of a mesquite tree.  However, members of the golf community might get a Manhattan at the club after 18 holes.

Jiding Javelina

LENGTH: 5.8 miles roundtrip

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION:  2540’ – 2764’

GETTING THERE: Fraesfield Mountain Trailhead,

From Loop 101 in Scottsdale take the Princess/Pima exit 36 and go 6.5 miles north on Pima to Dynamite Blvd./Rio Verde Dr.  Turn right and go 5.6 miles to the trailhead on the left. No facilities or water. Trailhead is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

INFO:

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve