ANDREWS-KINSEY TRAIL

ANDREWS-KINSEY TRAIL

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Complex geological features are highlights of the hike

Opened in 2014, the Andrews-Kinsey Trail acts as a connector route between Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve and adjacent Fountain Hills Preserve. The trail pays tribute to the efforts of Chet Andrews and Roy Kinsey who have given over 40 years of service to the McDowell Mountain Conservancy stewardship programs. The two-mile preserve section of the route runs along foothills overlooking a green valley bolstered by the distinctive profiles of Four Peaks, Mount Ord and Weaver's Needle. At the top of each hour, the Fountain Hills geyser can be seen from the high ridges spewing one of the tallest water spouts in the world. The mostly exposed trail begins across from a junction located beneath Sunrise Peak. Rolling out in a curvy single track, it clings to the edge of cactus cloaked slopes, rock escarpments and patches of cholla sprouting from clearings littered with glinting slabs of broken quartz. These beautiful specimens are just a tiny part of the complex geology of the surrounding terrain. Both the rocks underfoot and those visible on the horizon chronicle many cataclysmic chapters of earth's history. During high hiking season (October-April), stewards occasionally offer guided geology hikes and talks that give insight into the volcanism, faulting and erosion that continues to shape this stretch of basin and range topography. For a primer, check out the resources available on the Arizona Geological Survey website.

Overlooking Fountain Hills

LENGTH: 8.4 miles (as described here)

RATING: moderate-difficult

ELEVATION: 1,923'-2,962'

GETTING THERE:

Sunrise Trailhead, 12101 N. 145th Way, Scottsdale.

From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, exit onto Shea Blvd. and go 5.8 east to 136th St. Turn left, go 0.4 mile north to Via Linda, turn right and continue 1.75 miles to the overflow/horse lot on the right or continue to the 2-mile point and the main trailhead on the left. Begin on the Sunrise Trail and hike 2.2 miles to the Andrews-Kinsey junction. From here, the trail goes 2 miles to the border with Fountain Hills Preserve, where you can continue on or return the way you came.

INFO: McDowell Sonoran Preserve, 480-312-7013

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve

MAP:

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

GEOLOGY INFO: Arizona Geological Survey

http://repository.azgs.az.gov/sites/default/files/dlio/files/nid943/ofr-95-16_report_fountainhills.pdf

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JIM THOMPSON & WILSON CANYON TRAILS

JIM THOMPSON & WILSON CANYON TRAILS

Sedona

The head of Wilson Canyon

Sedona's red rocks are famous for their beauty and soul soothing qualities. And, what they're also really good at is absorbing noise. This is especially apparent on the Jim Thompson and Wilson Canyon Trails where russet cliffs soak up the din of nearby Uptown Sedona and the bustling recreation sites at the mouth of Oak Creek Canyon. The well-marked route traces stoney ledges high above busy Highway 89A where a constant stream of cars and trucks can be seen (but not heard) rumbling across Midgley Bridge. Jim Thompson Trail jogs around the massive form of Steamboat Rock through a mix of cypress forests, sandy washes and exposed slick rock. As the trail snakes around vertical rock escarpments, the white limestone cliffs of Wilson Mountain soon come into view. Although there are two popular trails that lead to its summit, the lesser-used Wilson Canyon Trail---which begins at the far east end of the Jim Thompson Trail--- explores a deeply wooded gorge below the south face. The slender path makes a mostly easy, half-mile climb among scrub oak, cypress, juniper and occasional patches of cottonwood trees that inhabit moss embellished, spring-fed enclaves. To stay on course, look for basket carins where the trail crosses gullies and drainages. As the trail ascends, the canyon walls converge, echoing the sounds of dripping water and wild bird songs before ending in what appears to be a dead end. However, there's a primitive spur path for sure-footed hikers who want to make a short but very steep, 400-foot haul up to a secluded lookout point surrounded by soaring bluffs and whispering mountain breezes.

LENGTH: 7 miles roundtrip

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 4,390' - 4,920'

FEE: A Red Rock Pass is required. There's a self-serve pay station at the trailhead.

FACILITIES: restrooms, picnic tables

GETTING THERE:

Jim Thompson Trailhead.

From the State Route 179/89A traffic circle in Sedona, go right onto 89A, drive 0.3 mile to Jordan Road on the left. Go 0.8 mile on Jordan Road, turn left onto Park Ridge Dr. and continue 0.5 mile to the trailhead on the right. The last half mile is on a gravel road with potholes but is suitable for all carefully driven vehicles.

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

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/recarea/?recid=55332&actid=50

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COYOTE CANYON

COYOTE CANYON

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Crested saguaro on Coyote Canyon Trail

The next phase of trail development in Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve is underway. Repurposing of existing social paths and new construction in the far north corridor that stretches from Dove Valley Road to the border of Tonto National Forest will continue through 2016. Several fresh routes have already been opened including the Coyote Canyon Trail which is already becoming a hiker favorite because of its unique features. In addition to see-forever views of the Cave Creek

Mountains and Verde River Valley, the route has two signature attractions--- a granite-walled slot canyon and a gloriously gnarled crested saguaro. Since this trail is deep-baked into the heart of the preserve, the only way to get to it is by hiking along connecting routes.

Inside the mini box canyon

Until additional legal parking areas are established, the trail must be accessed from the Granite Mountain trailhead. Here's the most direct circuit. Follow the 136th Street Express 1.3 miles north and turn left onto the Dove Valley Trail. Hike 0.9 mile to the Coyote Canyon Trail junction veer left and trek 1.3 miles to where it ends at the Granite Mountain Loop Trail. From here, there are many options for your return route (download the preserve map for details) but the shortest way back to the trailhead is to turn turn left and go 0.5 mile to the Cow Poke Trail, follow it 0.6 mile back to Dove Mountain Trail and return the way you came.

LENGTH: 6.2 miles (as described here)

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 2,580' – 2,840'

Entrance to the box canyon

GETTING THERE:

Granite Mountain Trailhead, 31402 N. 136^th St. Scottsdale.

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 continue 5.9 miles to 136^th St., turn left and go 1.8 miles to the trailhead on the left. Trailhead is open sunrise to sunset.  No facilities.

INFO:

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve
MAP:

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

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HUALAPAI MOUNTAIN PARK TRAILS

ASPEN PEAK-POTATO PATCH LOOP

Hualapai Mountain Park, Kingman

View from Aspen Peak 

In Arizona's northwest corner, an archipelago of "biological sky islands" juts from the desert around the town of Kingman providing cool respite for heat-weary hikers. The roads and trails that ascend into the razorback ridges and rounded granite pinnacles of the Hualapai Mountains glide up from arid foothills through vegetation life zones of chaparral, pine-oak, mixed conifer and fir-aspen. Occupying a band of high elevation cool air and shady forests, the sprawling recreational hub of Hualapai Mountain Park makes exploring this diverse sphere of outdoor wonders a cinch.

The 2,300 acre park offers camping, picnic sites and over 10 miles of hiking trails.

There's so much to see and do here that you'll want to pitch a tent, park a RV or splurge on "glamping" in one of the rustic rental cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. With your base camp established, grab a map from the ranger station and hit the trails. The beautifully illustrated map which complements the well-signed routes also corresponds with numbered points along the trails and has tidbits on the history and natural features visible at each stop. If you enjoy climbing to high summits, there's plenty to keep you busy as trails lead to Hayden Peak (8,390'), Hualapai Peak (8,417') and Aspen Peak (8,124') while numerous overlooks with comfy benches offer more casual ways to view the ring of mountain ranges flanking the park. The park's signature trek--4.3-mile Potato Patch Loop--begins at the main trail junction (#4 on the map) and forms sort of a wagon wheel around the site with spokes connecting to major roads and trails. The loop winds through thick forests, exposed edges and massive stone outcroppings with expansive views all the way around. An optional 1.26-mile roundtrip hike up the Aspen Peak Trail leads to Dean Peak Overlook (7,950') where you can relax and enjoy the vistas or scramble to the true summit---a short haul that requires route finding and some hand-over-foot climbing.

LENGTH: 4.3-mile loop (5.56 with Aspen Peak)

RATING: moderate-difficult

ELEVATION: 6,486' - 7,950'

FEE: $7 day use (7 a.m. - 7 p.m.) See website for camping & cabin rental rates.

GETTING THERE:

6250 Hualapai Mountain Road, Kingman.

From Phoenix, travel north on I-17 to SR74 (Carefree Hwy) exit 223. Head west on SR74 to US 60, turn right and continue to the US93 junction in Wickenburg. Take 93 north to I-40, head west to the DW Ranch Road exit 59, turn left and follow the signs to the park.

INFO: Mohave County Parks, 928-681-5700

http://www.mcparks.com/parks/hualapai-mtn-park/

TRAILS MAP:

http://www.mcparks.com/wp-content/themes/mcparks/images/hmp_trails_map_large.pdf

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FOREST ROAD #608 TRAIL

FOREST ROAD #608 TRAIL

Pine-Strawberry

Traversing a rock wall high above Strawberry Canyon

Fitting squarely into the "who knew" category of Rim country hiking trails, Forest Road #608 (a.k.a. Rock Wall Trail ) is a pleasant surprise hiding in clear view of Highway 87 near the hamlet of Strawberry. The unsigned, unadvertised route follows rugged Forest Road #608 as it clings to flaking limestone ledges below the Mogollon Rim. Ascending more than 1000' through the filtered shade of Emery oaks and Ponderosa pines, the red-earth Jeep route hangs in precipitous knots above Strawberry Canyon and is shored up by artfully constructed stone retaining walls where it bends along the choppy contours of the gaping, conifer-fleeced gorge.

In the beginning, the route is not marked, but once you've navigated through the maze of paths at the trailhead, the rest of the way is simple to follow.

From the trailhead, pass the gate, veer right and follow the power line road 500 feet to a fork just before the road heads very steeply uphill. Turn left here (marked by a green metal post at N 34 24.405, W 111 28.891). From this point, ignore the side paths and veer right to stay on the wide road heading uphill. In just under a mile, the first of the eponymous rock walls stabilizes a hairpin turn. Here, additional fortifications are visible high on the cliffs across the canyon. This is your destination. As the trail climbs, views of the Mazatzal Mountains peek through the forest before it swings onto a scenic, exposed ledge where the road is hacked from wildflower-embellished vertical rock faces. The two- miles-long "walls" portion of the hike ends where the road heads inland at the trail's high point. Although this is a popular turnaround spot, you can opt to follow the "608" signs two more miles through fragrant woodlands to reconnect with Highway 87. Unless you parked a shuttle vehicle here, return the way you came.

LENGTH: 4 miles round trip for the "walls" segment or 8 miles round trip for the entire road.

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 6000' - 7160'

GETTING THERE:

Strawberry Trailhead:

From the State Route 87/260 junction in Payson, go 17 miles north on SR87 to the trailhead at milepost 270 on the right.  There’s parking for about 4 cars, but additional space is at the Trail #15 lot a few yards up the road on the left.

Forest Road 608 Trailhead:

Continue on AZ87 to just past milepost 277 and park near the FR 608 gate on the right.

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AERIE-COCKSCOMB LOOP

AERIE-COCKSCOMB LOOP

Sedona

Red Rock views on the Aerie Trail

For hikers stepping out on Sedona's rusty soils for the first time, best bet trails to try include Boynton Canyon, Bear Mountain and Fay Canyon. Until recently these crazy-popular routes were isolated from each other, but now the Aerie Trail tethers the trifecta of Upper Dry Creek Area trailheads to it's own roomy parking area. This new access point off Boynton Pass Road provides respite from the boot-clad masses and access to dozens of trails. The 5.2-mile Aerie-Cockscomb loop takes off from this portal swooping around Doe Mountain and the distinctive silhouette of the Cockscomb rock formation. As with any Red Rock Country hike, views long this gently undulating trail are picture-postcard quality and an optional slog up the connecting Doe Mountain spur path offers a panoramic spectacle of color saturated mesas and buttes for those willing to tag on another 1.2 miles to the trek.

HIKE PLAN:

From the Aerie trailhead, begin on Cockscomb Trail. Hike past the Rupp and Dawa junctions and turn left at the Aerie Trail sign at the 3.3 mile point. From here, hike 1.2 miles to the Doe Mountain junction. This 0.7-mile spur trail climbs 460 feet to the summit of a long mesa and is well worth a detour or you can skip the climb and continue 0.7 mile back to the trailhead. All routes are signed.

LENGTH: 5.2-mile loop (6.6 with Doe Mountain spur)

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 4250' – 4660' (5120' with summit spur)
FEE: None. A Red Rock Pass is NOT required at the Aerie trailhead

GETTING THERE:

From the State Route 179/89A traffic circle in Sedona, head 3.2 miles west (left toward Cottonwood) on SR89A to Dry Creek Road. Turn right and go 2.9 miles to Boynton Pass Road (FR152C), make a left and continue 1.5 miles to a “T” junction and veer left to stay on FR152C. Continue 1.4 miles to Aerie Road, turn left and go 0.4 mile to the turn off for the trailhead on the right.

INFO:

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

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=71954&actid=50

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GRAPEVINE TRAIL #4

GRAPEVINE TRAIL #4

Prescott National Forest, Mayer

Grapevine Creek

UPDATE: June 2017. This area was heavily impacted by the Goodwin Fire.
From Highway 69, the high desert grasslands around Big Bug Mesa near the town of Mayer don't look like they're hiding an oasis. But, deep within these arid hills, Grapevine Canyon harbors a perennial creek and a meandering sliver of green fed by snowmelt-charged springs. This sensitive site has been designated "Grapevine Botanical Area" and is now open only for day-use by hikers and equestrians. The dirt access road to the trailhead gets rough and narrow after 2 miles, which is why many hikers prefer to park at the

first fork and hike the final 1.5 miles. While the road hike is pleasant, it also saves your vehicle from the "Arizona pin stripping" caused by thorny shrubs that arch over the rugged two-track. Whether driven or hiked, the road follows the terrain as it makes an amazing and rapid transition from dry scrub and cacti to pine-oak groves. Then, with the jolt and flamboyance of a firecracker display, bang---a verdant Garden of Eden spills from a moist woodland corridor at the trailhead. Here, a forest of alder trees crowd around an information kiosk and a small "Trail 4" sign marks the beginning of the 2.5 mile hike up the canyon. Although Grapevine Creek goes underground at the trailhead, it resurfaces after a few minutes of hiking. Massive stands of oak, walnut, boxelder and wild canyon grape vines sink their roots deeply into the crystalline water that tumbles over boulders and slick rock chutes. Dozens of waterfalls gush through log jams and columbine-decorated embankments providing photo opportunities galore as well as a soothing soundtrack. After about a mile of shaded, creekside hiking, the trail begins an aggressive climb along the canyon wall above the creek. This half-mile segment, which winds through exposed cliffs populated with manzanita and cacti, provides excellent views of Prescott Valley and the strikingly divergent riparian gorge below. On the top of the canyon, the route meets the creek and cool tree cover once again, passing through two gates (presumably to keep cows out) before making several creek crossings and a final ascent to the main source spring at trail's end.

LENGTH: 2.5 miles one-way (4 miles one-way with road hike)

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 4750'-6320'

RULES: Day use only. Mountain bikes and motorized vehicles are not allowed.

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on Interstate 17 to Cordes Junction exit 262 and head west on State Route 69 (toward Prescott). Continue 11 miles and make a left turn onto Grapevine Road (FS87A) just before milepost 274. There is no sign at the turn, but there's one on the road. Follow the dirt road 2 miles to a fork where there's a parking apron for drivers who want to avoid the rough road ahead. Those with high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles can continue down the left fork to a green gate at the 2.7 mile point. Park here if the gate is locked, otherwise, you may drive another 0.6 mile (go straight and then veer right at a fork) to the trailhead. Be prepared for some very rocky obstacles and shrubs that will scratch wide vehicles.

INFO & MAP:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5122092.pdf

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ROUND VALLEY TRAIL

ROUND VALLEY TRAIL

Payson Area Trails System

View of the Mogollon Rim

The Payson Area Trails System (PATS) is a collection of routes weaving through the business districts and suburbs of this north-central Arizona town. The trails tie in nicely with nearby Tonto National Forest routes and most are open to hikers, equestrians, bikers and ATV users alike. Round Valley Trail begins in a quiet residential neighborhood with a climb along foot paths and 4x4 roads that leads to scenic high points with far-ranging views of the flat-topped profile of the Mogollon Rim and majestic peaks of the Mazatzal Mountains. Because many unsigned roads bisect the route, be sure to look for PATS signs to stay on track. Even though it's close-to-civilization, the trek offers a genuine outdoor escape as it runs through undulating juniper-pine forests south of town. In springtime, wildflowers like the ground hugging, purple blossoms of the Featherplume dalia and wild carrot pop up from the loose, rocky soils. One of the trail's most prolific spring bloomers is a shrub called Gregg's Ceanothus which sprouts tiny white or pink flowers that release a lilac fragrance from March through May. After topping out at 5200', the trail dips down into Round Valley and curves toward Highway 87 where the sweet wildflower breezes mingle with the aroma of burgers and fries as the path approaches its west trailhead at the Sonic restaurant lot on the Tonto Apache Reservation.

LENGTH: 4.5 miles one-way

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 4800' - 5200'

GETTING THERE:

EAST TRAILHEAD:

From Phoenix, travel north on State Route 87 (Beeline Highway) to Payson. Just past the Mazatzal Casino, turn right on Phoenix Street (easy to miss, near the Circle K), drive 1.6 miles to Gibson Court, turn right and continue 0.1 mile to the inconspicuous trailhead on the left. There's parking along the road and in a cul de sac a few yards up the street. Do not block private drives in the area.

WEST TRAILHEAD:

Located at the south end of the Sonic restaurant at SR87 and Green Valley Pkwy. near the Mazatzal Casino.

INFO: Payson Area Trails System

http://paysonrimcountry.com/Mountain-Recreation/Hiking-Trails/Payson-Area-TrailSystem

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SONOITA CREEK STATE NATURAL AREA

SONOITA CREEK STATE NATURAL AREA

Patagonia

Sonoita Creek along the Railroad Trail

The 9,453' summit of Mt. Wrightson is a magnet for winter snow and summer rain. This year-round precipitation is the source of the perennial waters flowing through the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. Located south of the sky-scraping Santa Rita Mountains near the vineyards of Arizona's southeast wine region, the preserve was established in 1994 to protect the fragile watershed and riparian corridor. More than 20 miles of hiking trails wander through the 9,959-acre site that encompasses seven types of vegetative communities from

semi-desert grassland to moist deciduous forests along the creek. For an overview of the area, begin with the 0.7-mile, 500' climb up the Overlook Trail. On the summit, there are terrific views of adjacent Patagonia Lake and the peaks of the San Cayetano and Patagonia Mountains huddling around ocotillo studded savannah. To the east, the creek appears as a green satin ribbon dressing up the muted hills and gullies that bevel toward the water's twisting groove. A diverse menu of trails offer treks into the arid foothills, the lake dam and spillway, up into the Coal Mine Spring watershed and of course, walks along the creek.

Maps available at the visitor center and ample junction signage make navigation simple. One of the most popular day hikes is the easy, 4-mile Sonoita Creek-Cottonwood Loop circuit which begins with a 1.5-mile walk through high desert and ends with a spindle plunge into the creek channel and traipse through a lush forest of ash, willow, mesquite and walnut trees. For an extended, more challenging hike, continue on along the Railroad Trail which makes a stepping stone creek cross to follow the abandoned bed of the New Mexico and Arizona Railway 3 miles to the confluence with the Santa Cruz River. This section of trail is subjected to the whims of nature, so look for carins where the path gets erased by floods or downed trees. In addition to proper gear and plenty of water, a pair of binoculars will come in handy for viewing the more than 315 bird species--including the impossible to miss, brilliant red, Vermillion Flycatcher--- that inhabit the area.

LENGTH: 20 miles of trails

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 3610'-4250'

FEE: $15 daily per vehicle

DAY USE HOURS: 4 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is always open, but the Visitor Center is closed during summer. Permits for hiking, hunting and horseback riding in the Natural Area can be obtained from the park gatehouse or by calling (520) 287-6965.

FACILITIES: Primitive, hike-in camping. Major ammenities are available at adjacent 

Patagonia Lake SP

GETTING THERE:

400 Lake Patagonia Road, Patagonia.
From Tucson, go 17 miles east on Interstate 10 to the State Route 83 exit 281. Head 24 miles south on SR83 to the SR83/82 junction in Sonoita, turn right (west) on SR 82 and continue 7 miles to Lake Patagonia Road. Turn right and go four miles to the Patagonia Lake State Park gate. Pay the entry fee and proceed to the visitor center to get a free hiking permit for the natural area. Only a limited number of hikers (and horses) are allowed in the natural area at any time. So, call ahead if you're hiking with a group.

INFO & MAPS:

Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

520-287-2791

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/SOCR/index.html

SKYLINE REGIONAL PARK

SKYLINE REGIONAL PARK to BREAK GROUND THIS SPRING

Buckeye

Future site of Skyline Regional Park

After years of public meetings, environmental assessments and negotiations with land management agencies, Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye is about to become a reality. Situated in mountainous, geologically complex terrain north of Interstate 10, construction on the the 8,675-acre recreational site will begin sometime in April/May. The park will be developed in phases with long term goals that include expansion of trails, building additional facilities and working toward connectivity with Maricopa County Parks and the Valley-circumnavigating Maricopa Trail. When the park opens this year, there will be paved access roads, gatehouse, developed trailhead, parking, horse staging area, picnic ramadas, restroom and camping sites along with an environmental education programming area. A 133' long by 14' wide bridge will span a gaping desert wash to connect hikers, equestrians and bikers to 14 miles of existing trails. Another 14 miles of trails are in the planning stages. The non-motorized use routes will range in challenge level from barrier-free to difficult and each will be surrounded by breathtaking Sonoran Desert plants and wildlife. Deer, javelina, desert fox, raptors and the Sonoran Desert Tortoise live among the park's rich stands of ironwood, Palo Verde and mesquite trees that shade colorful spreads of wildflowers, native vines and blooming cacti. From the park's high points, big sky views beg to be savored, which is why a special spot perched on a yawning mountain saddle will be designated for interpretive star gazing events.

The park will be open from sunrise to sunset daily. Initially there will be no fees to enter the park, but that may change over time. Check back here for park updates, opening day announcement, location details and trail reviews. Until then, you can read up on the park's history and future plans by clicking on the links below.

INFO: City of Buckeye
http://www.buckeyeaz.gov/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/1.7.2_Skyline-Regional-Park-Master-Plan-Final_201208141340254260.pdf

White Tank Mountains Conservancy

http://www.wtmconservancy.org/

Sonoran Institute:

http://www.sonoraninstitute.org/where-we-work/southwest/sun-corridor-legacy/867-white-tank-mountains-conservancy.html

SAN PEDRO RIVER TRAIL

SAN PEDRO RIVER TRAIL

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

San Pedro River 

From its headwaters in Sonora Mexico to the confluence with the Gila River near Winkelman, the San Pedro River flows 140 miles north through 57,000 acres of riparian wildlife habitat surrounded by scrub and sprawling grasslands of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. Cradled between the high peaks of the Huachuca Mountains and the ore-rich hills around Bisbee, the river is one of the last free flowing waterways in the Southwest.

Over its lacy course, the unbridled river unfolds in idiosyncratic oxbows, linear pools, marshes and mesquite-cluttered floodplains giving a glimpse of what the area might have looked like to ancient inhabitants.

The 27-mile San Pedro River Trail runs adjacent to the water and a web a spur paths leading to the muddy banks and pebble-strewn sandbars add myriad opportunities for viewing some of the 350 species of birds, 80 species of mammals, 68 kinds of reptiles and amphibians and 2 species of native fish that reside in a tangled forest of cottonwood, willow and ash trees.

Numerous trailheads and backcountry camping areas are spread long the trail's length making for easy car shuttle, day hike or backpack outings.

The well-signed route is peppered with sites that chronicle the area's human history. There's a Clovis Paleo-Indian culture locale (11,000-8,000 B.C.), petroglyph gallery, mammoth kill pit, remnants of Spanish and Mexican colonial explorations and the foundations of territorial ranching and mining outposts. Taking in the entire scope of SPRNCA is a multi-day venture, but for a quick day trip or to learn more about the conservation area, a good place to start is at the San Pedro House trailhead. Here, knowledgeable volunteers from the Friends of the San Pedro River host guided hikes and are on hand to help optimize your itinerary. This is also the stepping out point for a trek along the San Rafael del Valle section of the route that culminates 8 miles upstream at the Hereford Bridge trailhead.

LENGTH: 27 miles one-way

or 8 miles one-way for the San Rafael del Valle section

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 3762' - 4071'

FACILITIES: Restrooms, bookstore, picnic tables at San Pedro House. Restroom at Hereford Bridge.

FEES: No trailhead fees. Backcountry camping permits are $2 per person per day.

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east toward Tucson. Continue to the AZ90 Fort Huachuca/Sierra Vista exit #302. Follow the AZ90 signs through Sierra Vista, then:

SAN PEDRO HOUSE TRAILHEAD:

From Sierra Vista, continue east on AZ90 to milepost 328 and turn right (south) at the sign just before the bridge.

HEREFORD BRIDGE TRAILHEAD:

From Sierra Vista, continue east on AZ90 to Moson Road (traffic light just past milepost 325), turn right and continue 7.6 miles to Hereford Road. Turn left, go 4.6 miles and turn right at the sign just past milepost 8 before the bridge. Roads are paved up to the 0.1-mile access roads which are good gravel.

INFO & MAPS:

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, (520) 439-6400

http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/recreation/hiking/sptrail.html

San Pedro House Trails System: (520) 458-3559

http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/recreation/hiking/sphouse.html

Friends of the San Pedro River

http://sanpedroriver.org/wpfspr/

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GOOSENECK TRAIL

GOOSENECK TRAIL

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Gooseneck Trail

It's fitting that this McDowell Sonoran Preserve connector route is named Gooseneck. That's because over its 7-mile length, it twists and bends in a continuous dance through the desert that dodges among massive granite outcroppings with majestic views of Four Peaks, Superstition Wilderness and the Verde River Valley. More than just a point-to-point journey, this route--which was opened in 2014-- runs from two major trailheads--Fraesfield in the north and Tom's Thumb to the south and is also part of the Maricopa Trail that spans adjacent McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Additionally, the trail ties in with the newly created Saguaro Nest (1.9 miles) and Redbird (1.1 miles) trails. Beginning the trek from the south involves hiking 0.3 mile on Marcus Landslide Trail and 0.2 mile on Rock Knob to the Gooseneck junction. Immediately upon stepping out on this playfully snarled route, a botanical treasure trove of desert plants fills the landscape. You'll walk among gorgeous specimens of wolfberry shrubs, yucca, desert hackberry bushes and glowing clusters of jumping cholla. In spring, blooming wildflowers like red maids, filaree, lupines and poppies sprout from the loose gravel soils. With big views, interesting geology and an understory of colorful blossoms, you'll be glad the trail sweeps out in lazy arcs that revel in the secret finds and secluded niches of this North Valley preserve.

LENGTH: 7 miles one-way

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 2500' - 2813'

HOURS: sunrise to sunset daily

GETTING THERE:

Parking is allowed ONLY at these Scottsdale trailheads:

FRAESFIELD: 13400 E. Rio Verde Dr.

TOM'S THUMB: 23015 N. 128th St.

INFO& MAP: McDowell Sonoran Preserve http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/preserve/Central+Area+Map.pdf
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SILLY MOUNTAIN

SILLY MOUNTAIN PARK

Apache Junction

High Point Trail go to the summit of Silly Mountain 

Sandwiched between the US 60 freeway and the rough-cut mountains of the Superstition Wilderness, Silly Mountain Park straddles the worlds of hot pavement and rugged back country. A web of 11 trails meander along the the mountain's humps, slumps and points of interest including an old grave site and an abandoned mine. The park is the result of a restoration project funded by public and corporate donations and managed through a partnership between the City of Apache Junction and the Superstition Area Land Trust--a non-profit educational corporation created to protect and preserve Arizona State Trust Lands around the southern slopes of the Superstition Mountains. Up until 2008, Silly Mountain was being used as an off-road vehicle playground which took a heavy toll in the terrain. The decimation of native vegetation and deep trackway scars were becoming an eyesore and a public safety concern. Restoration of the site involved stabilizing trails for long term sustainability, re-establishing indigenous plants and restricting travel to non-motorized use. The park's most resent addition is a barrier-free, interpretive Botanical Walk that features 280 species of Sonoran Desert plants.

LENGTH: 3.5 miles of trails plus a barrier free Botanical Walk

RATING: easy to difficult

ELEVATION: 1550 - 2139 feet

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel east on U.S. 60 and turn left onto Mountain View Road just past milepost 199. Go 0.3 miles on Mountain View, turn right onto 32^nd Ave and continue 0.2 mile to Silly Mountain Road. Turn right and go 0.4 mile to the trailhead on the left.

INFO & MAP:

Superstition Area Land Trust (SALT)

http://www.azsalt.org/silly-mountain-restoration-and-trail-system.html

CLIFFROSE TRAILHEAD

CLIFFROSE TRAILHEAD

Cottonwood

Cliffrose Trailhead in Cottonwood

In what might be described as the "tip of the iceberg", the Cliffrose trailhead in Cottonwood represents the ongoing efforts of the Verde Valley Regional Trails Concept Plan. This grassroots effort to enhance and maintain the area's multi-use trail systems draws upon the expertise of residents from towns of Jerome and Camp Verde, and staff from the Prescott National Forest, Coconino National Forest, State Parks, City of Sedona, City of Cottonwood, Town of Clarkdale, and Yavapai County.

Together these groups are working to foster a long-range vision for Verde Valley trails and open spaces for the development of interconnected recreational travel systems.

The compact, no-frills Cliffrose trailhead sits near the Verde Valley Botanical Area and provides access to the Lime KilnTrail which in turn provides an established 15-mile travel corridor between Cottonwood and Sedona. At this writing (Jan. 2015), the trails here are unsigned but well defined. A dirt road heading east from the trailhead curves north to meet Lime Kiln in roughly 2 miles while a web of loop trails heading west trace a starkly beautiful landscape of ravines and cave riddled, jagged-edged limestone outcroppings. Beyond the chalk white sediments and high-desert scrub, sweeping vistas of Sedona's angular, vivid, rusty hued sandstone mesas and spires contrast with the hushed tones and rounded slopes of the Bradshaw Mountains. Finding your way around the roughly 3 miles of nicely maintained trails is easy. Just use the lay of the land as a natural compass. The red rocks of Sedona are in the northeast, Cottonwood and Jerome on the western frontier and the hum of Cornville Road to the south provide all the navigation tools you'll need.

LENGTH: variable, our GPS track of the loops read 3 miles

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 3,089' – 3,353'

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go north on Interstate 17 to the McGuireville exit 293 and go 12.4 miles west on Cornville Road (a.k.a. CR30, Mingus Ave.) to State Route 89A. From here, cross 89A ,continue less than a mile and turn right at the Cliffrose Trail sign.

INFO:

http://www.lakemontezuma.us/pdfs/VVTrailPlanFinalDraft.pdf

http://cottonwoodaz.gov/Genplan/5-Open-Space-Parks.pdf

JAIL TRAIL RIVER WALK

JAIL TRAIL RIVER WALK

Cottonwood

Verde River

A trip to Old Town Cottonwood just isn't complete without a stroll under the "Gateway to the Verde River" archway that leads to a hike along the Jail Trail. Debarking from the site of a rustic old jail building, which is now home to a quaint tea house, the mile long, easy trail follows the banks of the river through River Front Park and on to Dead Horse Ranch State Park. The trail is shaded by thick tangles of willows and enormous cottonwood trees towering over the running water, cattail ringed coves and rock strewn flood plains. With reliable water and ample nesting spots, this riparian corridor is a productive birding location with hundreds of resident, seasonal and migratory species gracing the property. The hike can be enjoyed year-round as it cycles through the seasons. During the leafless winter months, the riparian corridor is as enchanting as ever with the benefit of bare branches giving clear views of roosting raptors and flocks of red-winged blackbirds. Springtime brings a flurry of chartreuse leaf shoots and fluffy catkins that mature into emerald canopies of cooling shade that last through summer. The balmy days and cool nights of late October turn the leaves into a spectacle of gold and russet. So whether you're visiting Cottonwood for a day of wine tasting, antique shopping or a scenic drive, a walk along the Verde River is de rigueur and the Jail Trail is the easiest path to the water.

LENGTH: 1 mile one-way

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 3300' - 3290'

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel north on Interstate 17 to the Camp Verde exit 287. Head 10 miles east on State Route 260 toward Cottonwood and Jerome. When SR260 intersects with Main St./State Rt. 89A/Historic 89A, take a left. When State Rt. 89A separates at the light, stay on Main St./Historic 89A to get to Old Town. Continue through Old Town to where the road makes a sharp left turn just past Yavapai Street. Look for the “Gateway to the Verde River” archway and park in the lot on the right at 1101 N. Main Street.

INFO: Sedona Verde Valley Tourism Council

http://www.sedona-verdevalley.com/cottonwood/hikethejailtrail.html

Birding info:

http://www.birdyverde.org/Verde%20Birding2012/Birding%20Trail/3%20Jail%20Trail%2072pix.pdf

LIME KILN-BILL ENSIGN TRAILS

LIME KILN-BILL ENSIGN TRAILS

Cottonwood

Bill Ensign Trail

The Lime Kiln Trail is a reclaimed wagon road that was originally used from the 1890s thru the early 1900s to transport building materials and market goods between Cottonwood and Sedona. Today, the 15-mile-long route serves as a recreational trail for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers anchored by Dead Horse Ranch State park in the west and and Red Rock State Park in the east. Named for a kiln built in the 1880s to produce mortar for the construction of several homes in Cottonwood area, the trail wanders through a landscape of limestone-layered rock formations dotted with Crucifixion thorn, juniper and beavertail cacti with impressive views of the mining town of Jerome, Mingus and Woodchute Mountains and Sedona's House Mountain volcano. Multiple access points and connecting trails provide dozens of day hike and backpack options. One to try is an out-and-back circuit using the Lime Kiln and Bill Ensign trails. Beginning from the Lagoon trailhead at DHRSP, this trip passes by the kiln site where interested hikers can take a short spur trail to the crumbling remains. At the 1.7-mile point, turn right at the Bill Ensign junction and hike 1.5 miles through high desert terrain skirting the boundary of the Verde Valley Botanical Area--a preserve established to protect the endangered Arizona Cliffrose. The trail culminates at a high point overlooking a riparian corridor of willows and cottonwoods along the Verde River.

LENGTH: 7.5 miles (as described here)

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 3,300' – 3,590'

FEE: $7 daily fee per vehicle

FACILITIES: restrooms, camp sites, cabins, picnic ramadas, fishing

GETTING THERE:

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

From Interstate 17 go north to State Route 260 exit 287 and head west toward Cottonwood. Continue 11 miles to Main Street in Cottonwood (Hwy 89A) and turn left. Continue through Cottonwood on Main Street, turn right on 10th Street and follow the signs to the park.

INFO:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=74051&actid=50

MAPS:

Lime Kiln-Bill Ensign:

http://azstateparks.com/parks/DEHO/downloads/DEHO_Trails_Color_2009_c.pdf

Lime Kiln:

http://azstateparks.com/parks/DEHO/downloads/DEHO_Lime_Kiln_Trail_c.pdf
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ORACLE STATE PARK TRAILS

ORACLE STATE PARK TRAILS

Windmill Loop connects with the Arizona Trail

Because Oracle State Park is open only on weekends, there's a narrow window of opportunity for hiking the site's 15 miles of trails during the cooler months. Located in a prime wildlife corridor of high desert scrub and savannah grasslands, the park is bolstered by the far northern reaches of Tucson's Santa Catalina Mountains and the sprawling rampart of the Galiuro range looming over the meandering gorge of the San Pedro River to the west. Although there's little shade on the 8 routes that amble among stands of Soaptree yucca, agaves, isolated patches of scrub oak and fruit-bearing cholla, the upside is that the sun drenched foothills display unobstructed, "see-forever" vistas. The best time to hike here is November through April when crisp mountain breezes whipping through hip-high forbs add hair-rustling fun to the trek.  Despite being within a park setting with all the expected amenities, the trails have a nice wilderness feel to them.  Sightings of mammals like whitetail deer, fox, javelina as well as native birds and reptiles are common. Passage 13 of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, which skirts the park's edge, connects with several of the routes.  Excellent signage and soft footing make for easy, pain-free travel on most of the trails. The one exception is the Windmill Loop that begins at the bottom of Kannally Wash with a trudge through calf-cramping sand with few directional signs.  Post hike, visit the park’s Kannally Ranch House.  The 1930s-era, adobe structure with its, multiple levels, twisting staircases, unusual art-embellished spaces and a kitchen with a wall of original iceboxes adds a note of history to top off your day.

LENGTH: 15 miles plus 4 miles of AZT

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 3700' - 4600'

HOURS: Saturdays & Sundays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

FACILITIES: restrooms, picnic areas, museum, gift shop

FEES: $7 daily fee per vehicle

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, take Highway 79 south. At the junction with Highway 77 turn left (east). Turn right off Highway 77 at the Oracle turnoff. Follow the road through Oracle (America Avenue) 2.3 miles to Mt. Lemmon Road. Turn right on Mt. Lemmon Road. Follow it 1.1 miles to the park entrance. The park is located on the left (north) side of Mt. Lemmon Road.

INFO:

Oracle State Park

3820 Wildlife Drive, Oracle, AZ

520-896-2425

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/ORAC/index.html

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KING CANYON TRAIL

KING CANYON TRAIL

Saguaro National Park West

Wasson Peak Summit

If you hike along the trails of Saguaro National Park West in any depth, sooner or later, you'll end up on the 4687' summit of Wasson Peak.  Two clusters of trails located at the southwest and northeast ends of the park tie in with arterial routes that funnel to the highest point of the Tucson Mountain Range. King Canyon Trail is the shortest, most direct route to the top.  Although brief, the trek is no walk in the park (ok, well, technically it's in a park).  Over its 3.5-mile one-way course, hikers ascend 1987' along a dirt path that goes aggressively vertical  

on the last mile. Right out of the gate, a tempting, cloud-caressing massif looms ahead.  This is the infamous "false summit" of Wasson Peak. The actual highpoint resides behind it and you won't see it until you've hiked halfway up its deceptive sibling. Advance knowledge prevents the emotional torture of discovering this cruel fluke with exhausted legs. From the parking area located just outside the Saguaro National Park boundary, follow the dirt road at the end of the lot and hike a few dozen yards to the official trailhead.

King Canyon Trail proper ends 0.3-mile from the summit prize. Here, the drool-worthy destination appears as a lone stub at the end of a spur trail hugging a knife-edge ridge hovering over Tucson valley and the Santa Catalina Mountains.  At this point, with just one more uphill haul left to tackle, the physical climbing challenge is mostly complete. Regroup your resolve, take a deep breath and trudge on because mentally---you're already there.

LENGTH: 7 miles roundtrip

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2700’- 4687'

FACILITIES: none

RULES: Dogs, bikes and motorized vehicles are prohibited. Livestock is not allowed on the summit switchbacks.

GETTING THERE:

From Interstate 10 in Tucson, take Speedway Blvd. exit 257 and head 12 miles west (Speedway turns into Gates Pass Road) to Kinney Road. Turn right and continue 2.5 miles to the trailhead located 0.1 mile past the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum at parking area K24 on the right.

INFO:

http://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm

MAP:

http://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/upload/sentinel_fall10_tmd.pdf

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ROBBINS BUTTE WILDLIFE AREA

ROBBINS BUTTE WILDLIFE AREA

Near Buckeye

Robbins Butte 

Occasionally, some of the best hiking can be discovered where there are no trails. This is true of the Robbins Butte Wildlife Area located south of Buckeye.  The Arizona Game and Fish Commission manage this 1,681-acre swath of riparian-desert upland ecosystem for the preservation of native animal habitats and enhancement of wildlife-oriented recreation.  Except for a short accessible trail built by the Boy Scouts in 2008, there’s not a traditional hiking trail to be found in the astonishingly varied terrain.  Instead, hikers can explore along dirt roads and hunter paths that lead to cattail-lined wetlands along the Gila River, mesquite forests and sandy washes running through expansive rangelands of creosote and cholla. The property is designated an Audubon Important Birding Area and is one site in their annual Christmas bird count. At any given time, thousands of white-wing and mourning doves can be seen feeding on the crops that are planted here to attract and sustain them. Besides the familiar trill of doves taking flight, there are chirping quail, squawking water birds and, in winter, a bevy of raptors like bald eagles and red-tailed hawks inhabit the affluent land. Determined bird watchers may also spot rare species like the Western yellow-billed cuckoo and Lark Buntings.  I was fortunate enough to view a pair of Cooper’s hawks sparing above a rogue cottonwood tree.  This free-form hiking excursion can be experienced from any of the 6 designated parking areas along the 2-mile main access road. Just step out and wander at will. I hiked along the roads and footpaths for 7 miles and barely scratched the surface of sights to be seen in this extraordinary public land preserve.

LENGTH: variable on roads and hunter paths

RATING: easy, exploratory

ELEVATION: 578’ – 820’

FACILITIES: none. No fees.

GETTING THERE:

From downtown Phoenix (I17 and 7th Ave.), go 30 miles west on Interstate 10 to State Route 85 exit 112. Head 8 miles south on AZ85 to the signed turn off on the right for Robbins Butte and follow the dirt road 0.3 mile to the parking area on the right just before the road fork.  The main road (right at fork) leads to 5 additional parking areas and is sedan-friendly dirt, while the road to the Butte (left at fork) is washboard rough, sandy and better suited for high-clearance vehicles.

INFO & MAPS:

http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/wildlife_area_robbins.shtml

MARICOPA TRAIL

MARICOPA TRAIL

Anthem-Lake Pleasant

With the New Year comes the anticipated completion of the Valley-circumnavigating Maricopa Trail. Its 240-mile circuit connects county parks, open spaces and suburban communities.  Most of the trail is already cut, signed and ready to explore with the gaps to be bridged in 2015. One interesting, close-to-town section runs for 16.2-miles from Lake Pleasant to Anthem. Beginning at the Agua Fria trailhead that was dedicated in 2011, the route roughly parallels Highway 74, turns north to connect with the Black Canyon Trail then heads east under Interstate 17.  Near the lake, the path scoots around and above the Beardsley and Waddell canals, Camp Dryer Diversion Dam and the massive wall of Carl Pleasant Dam.

The route can be a bit confusing at the beginning.  To stay on track, go east (right) on the dirt path for 0.1 mile to where it comes out on the access road.  From here, continue hiking on the road, cross the canal bridge and look for a Maricopa Trail sign on the right where the road curves to the north at 0.2 mile from the trailhead. From this point on, the route is marked with signs and cairns where it gets sketchy in washes.  In addition to the reservoir features, the trail also passes through an ironwood-lined gully, and crosses a flat plain of creosote and cholla before encountering a RV park near 87^th Avenue.  As the trail moves east, the sound of gunfire from Ben Avery Shooting Range heralds the approach to Interstate 17 and a traipse into the Anthem community.

LENGTH: 16.2 miles one way to Anthem

Option: 2.7 miles to 87th Ave

Option: 3.7 to New River Road

Option: 9.3 miles to Black Canyon Trail

Option: 11.5 to I-17

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 1100' - 1737'

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix travel north on Interstate 17 to Carefree Highway/State Route 74 exit 223. Drive 9 miles west (toward Wickenburg) to Beardsley CSR, turn right, go 0.1 mile and make a U-turn to the trailhead parking area.

INFO:

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

MAP:

https://www.maricopa.gov/parks/MaricopaTrail/pdf/2012maps/printer/72k-regional-trail-anthem-pleasant-bw-8x11.pdf

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