Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Schultz Creek Loop Day Hike
| when |
Trip Report :
July 18, 2015
|
| |
Trip Report :
July 19, 2014
|
| |
Trip Report :
August 3, 2013
|
| |
Trip Report :
August 8, 2009
|
| where |
Flagstaff |
| the hike |
This hike follows the Rocky Ridge, Brookbank, Sunset, and Schultz Creek
trails, forming a loop.
| • |
The Rocky Ridge trail crosses rolling terrain leads through a forest
of pines, gambel oaks, and alligator junipers. It also provides a
variety of shrubs and wildflowers.
|
| • |
The Brookbank trail offers good views of Flagstaff and the pine
forest surrounding it. The rim of Oak Creek Canyon provides a
dramatic backdrop. The route passes through alternating areas of
forest and meadow, and then finishes down a moderately steep slope
along a forested wash.
|
| • |
The Sunset trail climbs gradually to a high ridge with good views of
Mount Humphreys, then continues to the east edge of Mount Elden’s
summit plateau. From this perspective you can see Sunset Crater and
the Bonito Lava Flow. Parts of this trail were burnt out in 1977,
but you can now see forest recovery in progress.
|
| • |
The Schultz Creek trail parallels a drainage that carries water from
the higher reaches of the San Francisco Peaks. Barring show melts and
monsoon rains, the creek is usually dry, but even walking beside the
water-smoothed stones and ledges worn by waterfalls can give one the
feeling of being near a brook.
|
All four trails generally show traces of wildlife. If we’re
lucky, we may even see the actual beasts.
After the hike those intrested will head into town for a spot of sustenance. |
| distance |
14.25 miles |
| time |
7-8 hours |
| EC |
+-2018' elevation change |
| elevations |
7185' (Schultz Creek Trailhead) to 8813' (hill 8843) |
| rating |
"B"
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| on trail |
100% — Rocky Ridge, Brookbank, Sunset, and
Schultz Creek Trails |
| dogs? |
no |
| type |
loop |
| starting at |
| Schultz Creek Trailhead |
35° 14.714' N, 111° 39.654' W [NAD27]
|
|
| cost |
Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
| weather |
Flagstaff |
| meet |
6:30 AM in the
Fry’s parking lot on the SW corner of I-17 & Bell Road. Park
behind Denny’s, near the entrance to the Deer Valley Park & Ride.
33° 38.307' N, 112° 7.024' W [NAD27]
To meet us at Camp Verde, Flagstaff, or the trailhead, please contact the leader
to finalize a time and place.
|
| drive |
| • |
Take I-17 to Flagstaff. |
| • |
Leave Flagstaff on highway 180 north. |
| • |
Go past the Museum of Northern Arizona to Schultz Pass Road (FR 420). |
| • |
Turn right (east) on Schultz Pass Road (FR 420) and continue 0.5 miles. |
| • |
Turn left (north) to stay on Schultz Pass Road and continue for 0.3 miles. |
| • |
Turn right (east) and go down the hill toward Schultz Creek. |
| • |
The trailhead is marked with a sign near the creek. |
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