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Hike Arizona: Prescott and Sedona |
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Bear Mountain, Sedona
Bear Sign Trail, SedonaHike:Bear Sign Canyon is a little known, untraveled, fabulous diversion with views of rust sculptured canyon walls overhead. In spring, a secret creek splashed over slickrock pools for your pleasure. Turn around when the going gets too tough about 2.5 miles. Best Time of Year to Hike: May - September Distance: 4 miles Elevation Change: +-500' Difficulty: Easy. Weather Conditions: Sedona Drive: Easy to find but rough on your car. To access the trailhead, take I-17 north and take the Sedona Exit. From the Sedona "Y" (where SR179 intersects SR89A) drive southwest on Highway 89A (toward Cottonwood) for a distance of 3.2 miles. Turn right onto Dry Creek Road (MP371). Go right and follow the map to the trailhead. Dry Creek Road turns to dirt and may become a little rough, if you drive your car, plan to go slow. Description: Start at the well known Vultee Arch Trailhead. The sign says "Dry Creek Trail #52" at the north end of the parking lot. Head up Dry Creek Trail. At mile 0.6 the trail and creek split and you will hopefully spot a rusty sign that says "Bear Sign #59" leading to the left. Bear Sign Canyon is a little known, untravelled, fabulus diversion with views of rust red sculptured canyon walls overhead all year. In spring, a secret creek splashed over slickrock pools. Turn around when the going gets tough after about 2 miles.  Trip Report
Bell Rock Trail, SedonaHike: Description: Here's an easy trail with many rewards. You can bring the whole family on this Sedona stroll.From the parking lot check out the posted maps. Jump on the Bell Rock Path as it is called. Wide and flat, the hike up to Bell Rock is very easy. Continue on the Bell Rock Path around the west side of Bell Rock. Hang a right on the Courthouse Butte Loop. From here on the trail is single track heaven around Courthouse Butte. Several side trails will be encountered along the way. If you stay close to Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte you should be okay. The forest closes in and the scenery goes into overdrive. Up, down and curving the contours of the land this is one awesome stretch of trail. Be on the lookout for mountain bikers as you stroll east. As you begin to head south on the east side of Courthouse Butte you enter the Munds Mountain Wilderness. I mention this because mountain bikes are not allowed in the Wilderness zone. Down near the southeast side of Courthouse Butte I passed two artists hard at work sketching the monument. The trail heads back west to the junction with Bell Rock Path. Head on back to the parking area.
Trip Report
Granite Mountain, PrescottHike - Exposed boulders and buttresses of Precambrian granite are among the more interesting geological features on this hike in the Granite Mountain wilderness.This trail is one of the most popular on the Prescott National Forest and earns its reputation and popularity. It traverses a great variety of environs, cool stream side forest, warm brush covered hillsides, and stark granite boulder gardens at the top of Prescott's urban wilderness. The trail lies within Granite Mountain Wilderness, a 9,700 acre preserve that reaches to 7,600 feet in elevation. When you reach Granite Mountain Saddle, turn to the right. The trail continues to climb for a while, then passes over a relatively level area of scattered ponderosa pines and huge boulders. From the saddle, it is a mile to the viewpoint where the hike ends. Return by the same route.
I-17 to Highway 69. At split with 89 to Sedona/Chino Valley, stay to left following Gurley St. signage. Continue into downtown Prescott. Continue on Gurley St. approx 0.3 miles to Grove Ave (1st of 2 sets of traffic lights). Turn right (north) onto Grove. Grove turns into Miller Valley Rd. Continue approx 2 miles from intersection with Gurley St. to intersection with Iron Springs Rd (Hastings on NW corner, hospital on NE corner). Turn left onto Iron Springs Rd. Continue about 3 miles on Iron Springs Rd. to Granite Basin Recreation Area on right. At approx 2 miles along Iron Springs Rd. you'll intersect with Williams Valley Rd. Stay to the left, continuing towards Skull Valley. Turn right into the Granite Basin Rec. Area. Follow signs to Metate trailhead. The road will curve to left, then turn into a loop road. Follow signs to right (on one way loop). Metate Trailhead parking will be on your left, trailhead on the right. There is a restroom at the parking lot. Self Pay $2 per vehicle parking day use fee. Pay station at head of parking lot. When leaving, turn left out of parking lot onto loop road (one way). Follow loop back to main road. Follow main road back to Iron Springs Rd. Turn left (East) to head back to Prescott. The recreation area is now open to day use, but only from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The gate just 0.4 miles from Iron Springs Road is closed and locked at 5:00 PM. Hikers in the area need to be out past this gate before it is locked. Trip Report
Long Canyon, Sedona
Trip Report
Lynx Lake Campout, Prescott
Nelson Trail, Pine MountainHike:Starting out in a soothing riparian forest along Sycamore Creek on the Nelson Trail (No.159), this loop hike eventually climbs 1,500 feet up to the Verde Rim as it aims for its high point atop Pine Mountain. The enchanting array of walnut, sycamore and oak trees weaves a cool cover of shade. Trout break the ice-cold water's surface. Hawks squawk in the treetops lining the creek. Bears seem at home here. As the trail rambles in the crevice of the Sycamore drainage into the Pine Mountain Wilderness, bear signs are fresh enough to evoke caution. An apple orchard at the Nelson's Place ruins, within the first mile of the hike, draws the bruins. Elk, mountain lion and deer also share the wilderness. The hike seems easy enough at first, but when you are within two miles of the top there's an endless series of switchbacks to conquer. On the 4.5-mile climb to the Verde Rim, the trail (No.159 and then 12) separates from the creek and passes through a forest where pines and oaks provide immediate shade, and maples and an anomalous stand of aspens promise a burst of color in the fall. At the Verde Rim Trail (No.161), hikers will turn south (right) and head to Pine Mountain, where they'll get a 360 degree panorama with Horseshoe Lake in the south, the rugged Mogollon Rim in the east, the Verde Valley to the north and the Bradshaw Mountains in the west. After about a mile, hikers will turn west (right) onto the Pine Mountain Trail (No.14) and zigzag 1.2 miles down the mountain back to the Nelson Trail and then an additional 3.2 miles to the trailhead.
Take Interstate 17 north to the Dugas interchange (Exit 268); follow Forest Road 68 for 17.8 miles to the trailhead. High-clearance vehicle necessary.
Red Rock Crossing, SedonaHike:This was a trail listed in the Sunday Travel section on the 20th of April, 1997. Features: Views of Cathedral Rock Difficulty: Easy. Weather Conditions: Sedona Drive: Follow I-17 north approximately 100 miles to RT 179. Take 179 West into Sedona to the intersection of 179 and Rt. 89A. Make a left to head West on RT 89A. Follow 89A West to Upper Red Rock Loop Road. Go south on Red Rock Loop to signs directing to Red Rock Crossing. Red Rock Pass parking costs $5 per vehicle.
Vista Point Trail, JeromeHike:Located just up the mountain from the town of Jerome, this is about a four mile moderate hike. You'll want to allow plenty of time to savor the spectacular views of the Verde Valley. The Vista Point Trail (No. 106) starts near the top of Mingus Mountain and immediately descends the mountain's southeastern edge, introducing panoramas of the Verde Valley, Mogollon Rim and Colorado Plateau that will accompany you the entire trip. In winter and spring, you'll likely encounter snow on this high altitude hike. By late spring and well into summer, you'll find a variety of forest vegetation. The ponderosa pines atop Mingus Mountain quickly give way to juniper, Gambel oak, Apache plume and penstemon, then scrub oak. The south facing slope is a haven for trees, bushes, flowers, vines and plants of all kinds. Before the trail's end, a small rise affords a new view to the north, encompassing the San Francisco Peaks, Kendrick Peak and Bill Williams Mountain. Trail No. 106 connects to North Mingus Trail #105 allowing for a loop back to the top of Mingus Mountain. This is really a beautiful trail. When I was there during Memorial Day weekend there were lots of people at the campground but none of them were on the trails. It was very green and filled with plenty of flora. We even noticed quite a few bear droppings along the way. Yep, there are bears in those woods but we had no problems. The view is worth the drive and the hike — if you're up for it. Bring Plenty of Water: it does get warm there during the day. Best Time of Year to Hike: spring, summer and fall Distance: 4 miles Elevation Change: +-1000' Difficulty: moderate Weather Conditions: Jerome Drive: Proceed north on 1-17 toward Jerome. (Take Cottonwood exit and head toward Clarkdale and Jerome on highway 89A) Go through the town of Jerome and proceed up to the submit of Mingus Mountain. On the left-hand side of the road, you will see a parking lot and some bathrooms, which is where you will need to turn to go into the campground. We will meet at this location at approximately 9:30 AM. Great place to stop and go to the bathroom if you need to. We will probably need to leave some cars at this location due to limited parking at the campground. Proceed down the dirt road (Forest Road 104) for approximately 2.6 miles to the Mingus Mountain Campground. At the major LEFT FORK in the road, you will immediately see the Vista Trailhead. We'll probably park a few cars at the opposite end of the loop (the end of the trail is just up the road a little further to the hang glider site.) Mingus Trail #105 ends at this hang glider site. Trip Report
Vultee Arch, Sterling Canyon, SedonaHike:The trail goes 1.7 miles along the bottom of Sterling Canyon. It is easy to follow as it basically goes along the creek bed. The creek is dry most of the year. About 0.75 mile in, there are tall, white sandstone cliffs on the right with Douglas firs growing in the clefts. The trail dead ends at a plaque placed at the base of a red rock outcropping in remembrance of Gerard and Sylvia Vultee who were killed in an aircraft crash on January 29, 1938. The crash site was on East Pocket Mesa, more than a mile north and at a higher elevation than the plaque. On the north side of Sterling Canyon is the red sandstone arch named for Vultee, an early aircraft designer from California. Return trip is by the same route. Best Time of Year to Hike: May - September Distance: 4 miles Elevation Change: +-400' Range of Elevation: 4800' to 5200' Difficulty: Easy to moderate Weather Conditions: Sedona Drive: Take Interstate 17 to State Hwy 179. Drive northwest on Hwy 179 to Sedona. In Sedona turn left on US 89A going towards Jerome and Clarkdale. Drive through West Sedona for 3.0 miles to Dry Creek Rd. Turn right on Dry Creek Road and drive 2.0 miles on this paved road. Turn right on Sterling Canyon Road FS #152C. Drive 4.3 miles on this dirt road until the road ends at turn-around. Trip Report
West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon, SedonaHike:This popular trail in narrow West Fork Canyon follows a twisting and turning tributary of Oak Creek. It is possible to hike the entire 14 miles of the canyon; however, the trail is maintained only for the first three. The trail is well worn and easy to follow. Be prepared to cross the slippery creek a number of times as you go deeper and deeper into Oak Creek Canyon. Because of the crowds and limited parking, the West Fork trail is best attempted during the week, especially in October when the bright fall leaves carpet the canyon floor. As always, the farther in you go, the fewer people you'll encounter. At the start of the trail, before you reach the water, you'll see the ruins of Mayhew's Lodge, a resort opened in 1926, and destroyed by fire in 1980. Best Time of Year to Hike: May - September Distance: 6 miles round trip Difficulty: Easy Weather Conditions: Sedona Drive: Take 89A S. from Flagstaff to Oak Creek Canyon. Approx. 3 miles from the base of the the Mogollon Rim and its many switchbacks there will be a sign for a home that reads "two pines" or "Dos Pinos". There will be a trail just to the north of the home that crosses Oak Creek and then follows the west branch of Oak Creek upstream. Trip Report
Wilson Mountain, SedonaHike:Best hiked in cooler weather, the Wilson Mountain trail is a 2.8 mile trek up 2400 feet to the rim of an overlook where you'll enjoy an eagle's view of Oak Creek canyon and the surrounding mountains. The view is well worth the climb! You begin by hiking 1.4 miles up 1600 feet to the first saddle. This is walk through desert with lots of cacti, manzanita, and juniper trees. The walk is hot in the summer, so if you hike that time of year, bring plenty of water. Next you will climb up into a beautiful, lush forest where there is black dirt, tall pines, ferns and wildflowers growing. This part of the trail is decidedly cooler and a welcome relief after the first leg. When you reach the top of the mountain you'll enjoy a delightful stroll through a pine forest until you reach the overlook at the north edge of the mountain. Although the climb is arduous the views are phenomenal from the top. In a way they are on par with the Grand Canyon, only on a smaller scale. This is a great place to spend an afternoon with a picnic lunch or reading a good book, and if you get restless there are plenty of other good views to be seen by exploring the rim of the mountain top. Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Bring more water than you think you need, pack a lunch, and bring your camera! A backpack or comfortable belly pack is a must. Best Time of Year to Hike: May - September Distance: 4 miles Elevation Change: +-500' Difficulty: Strenuous. The hike is not technical, but you go up and up and up forever it seems! Weather Conditions: Sedona Drive: From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Hwy 179 (exit 298). Turn left onto 179 and follow it past the Village of Oak Creek to the Sedona (Burger King) "Y". Turn right at the "Y" onto North 89A. Take this about 1.1 miles until you cross the huge metal bridge (Midgley Bridge). The parking lot is on the left side of the road immediately past the bridge, and the trailhead is to the right near the picnic tables with a sign marked "Wilson Mountain #10." Allow six to seven hours total for your hike. You don't want to be hiking down at sunset like a girlfriend and I once did! Trip Report
Yeager Canyon Loop, Mingus MountainHike:From the trailhead, start on the Little Yeager Canyon Trail, which is signed and begins from the southeast side of the parking area. Several switchbacks through pinyon-juniper forest lead to the top of a ridge, where ponderosa pine begins to take over. The trail climbs gradually through a small saddle, then meets the Allen Springs Road 1.6 miles from the trailhead. Turn left (east) and walk down the road 0.2 miles to signed Trail 111. Turn left (north) onto Trail 111. Trail 111 drops slightly as it traverses a side canyon of Little Yeager Canyon, then begins to work its way up the head of the canyon. The trail then comes out onto a pine flat on the southwest ridge of Mingus Mountain. Turn left on a signed trail 1.8 miles from Allen Springs Road. Continue for 0.1 miles to the end of Trail 111 at a three-way trail junction. Forest Trail 530 continues straight ahead, while Trail 28 crosses from left to right. Turn left (west) and follow Trail 28 to the rim, where there is a good view of Little Yeager Canyon and the rim of Mingus Mountain. The trail then descends southwest in a series of switchbacks until the trailhead is visible along the highway. When the trail reaches the bottom of Yeager Canyon, it turns left on the old highway roadbed. It stays on the left (east) side of the creek and doesn't cross on the old highway bridge. Best Time of Year to Hike: Spring through fall Distance: 6-mile loop Range of Elevation: 6,000' to 7,200' Difficulty: Moderate. Weather Conditions: Sedona Drive: From Prescott drive 22 miles east on AZ 89A to the unmarked trailhead. To find the trailhead, note your mileage as you pass the Prescott National Forest boundary sign at the foot of Mingus Mountain. The trailhead is on the right 1.7 miles past the sign. Turn sharply right on the dirt road and park on either side of the normally dry creek.
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| Northwest | Northeast | Sedona/Prescott | Payson/Mogollon Rim | | White Mountains | West | Southwest | Central | Southeast | |
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| updated January 29, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||