Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
House Mountain Day Hike

when	Trip Report : January 30, 2016
where	Cornville
the hike	House Mountain, although quite visible from many surface vantage points in the Verde Valley, is rarely mentioned as a destination for hikers. However, for those who have trekked to the summit, we prefer this ignorance as it allows more space to enjoy the expansive views of Cottonwood, Jerome, Sedona, and the surrounding mountains including the San Francisco Peaks.     A shield volcano that erupted outside of the Village of Oak Creek (near Sedona) 14.5 million years ago, House Mountain lava flows were deflected by the Mogollon Rim and covered the Verde Valley with many meters of lava. In a few million more years, erosion is projected to join this area with the Grand Canyon, but I suppose we all won’t be remembered at that point of time, so why not explore it now?     Due to limited parking at the meet point AND restricted capacity for comfortable viewing at the summit, THERE WILL BE A LIMIT OF THREE VEHICLES (15 HIKERS) originating in Phoenix for this outing.
distance	10 miles
time	7-8 hours
EC	+-1400' elevation change
elevations	3750' at start to 5050' at summit
on trail	100% — Jeep trails of varying levels of maintenance.
rating	"B-"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed	no
cost	Sharing gas expenses with the driver. Red Rock passes are not necessary. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather	Cottonwood
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. I will need an experienced hike leader to organize transportation and sign-in at this location.
drive	•  I-17 north to Cornville Rd., exit 293. • Go left on Cornville Rd. and proceed 4.5 miles to Beaverhead Flats Road (it is well signed). • Go right, drive 2.7 miles, and turn left on FR 9952. • The last mile is on poorly maintained forest road. Drivers should have high-clearance vehicles, although 4-wheel drive is not a requirement. • The hike leader will be visible in a Honda Element and will lead you to an unmarked parking area.

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updated September 21, 2016	© Copyright 2016, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.