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Fort Verde or Bust - P20 to V0 by The_Eagle Overview This historic trail currently starts in the high desert of 5000’, approximately 20 miles east of its original start at Ft Whipple in Prescott. It passes through the site of Ft Verde before climbing to the Mogollon Rim’s tall pines at almost 8000’. Its current eastern terminus at the Cottonwood Wash TH, is some 145 miles and 10,750’ in Accumulated Elevation Gain, from its start. The trail spans Prescott, Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves. National Forests (Trails #64, #130, #140). The original western start at Ft Whipple (now the Prescott VA Hospital area) to its current start around P20, is not established or marked, but the general path is known. The original eastern portion of this trail from V113 to Ft Apache, is a little less known and may have used numerous routes. Creation of the Trail The Trail was developed as a supply route to Ft. Apache from Fort Whipple in Prescott. The scouting for trail was started in 1871 with General Crook and a small party leaving Ft Apache heading north, and then traversing the rim to the west, arriving at Ft Whipple on September 6th. Actual trail construction began in the spring of 1872 from Ft Whipple (Prescott) and from the Show Low area, both heading towards Ft Verde. By 1873 the first pack train with supplies made the trip from Ft Whipple to Fort Apache. One year later the first wagon trains made the journey. For 22 years the trail was used by Crook’s men to patrol the northern border of the Apache Reservation. Infrequent Civilian use continued for another 24 years until the Rim Road was built in 1929. This trail was designated as the state’s first Arizona State Historic Trail The trail was marked for distances from Ft Verde. Markers to the west of Fort Verde were indicated with a “P” (for the Prescott side) and the Miles from Ft Verde (ie P7 was 7 miles west of Ft Verde). On the East side, markers were indicated with a “V”. V20 would indicate 20 miles from Ft Verde on the way to Ft Apache. Distances back then were derived from counting the number rotations of a wagon wheel. Only a few of the original blazes remain. The best example is possibly 13 mile rock, (V13) which can be seen at the pull out on route 260 on the way up the rim. Reestablishment of the Trail The Grand Canyon Council Boy Scouts of America, Troop 26, re-traced and re-marked the current trail. They did this for their Bicentennial Project starting in 1976. In the western/lower elevations they marked the trail with rocks in wire baskets and Mileage markers on 4” x 4” posts. As of this description, many of the posts remain, but none of the mileage signs have survived. Once in the higher elevations where trees are present, the trails location is indicated with white or red metal “V’s” attached to trees of posts. Mileage markers are placed on 6” diameter posts aprox. 4’ tall. Mileage is etched into the slanted top of this post (ie. V 21) Warning The Boy Scouts did a great job back in 1976 hiking and marking this trail as part of their Bi-Centennial project. Without this effort, it would not have been possible for us to hike it. The trail is a bit hard to follow in spots, Some spots are marked better than others. If you haven’t seen a “V” chevron on a tree for a while, turn around and check the back side of the trees and also check on some of the fallen trees. A GPS with a loaded track is a real important tool on this trail. Additional Reference Material “A Guide to the General Crook Trail” Published by the Museum of Northern Arizona Press and the Boy Scouts of America Copyright 1978 Hardcopy purchased online “General Crook National Historic Study Trail – Study Report” USDA Forest Service SW Region Sept 1986 Found on the internet Water Availability See Spring Reports Additional Trail Segments The remainder of the current General Crook Trail is made up of the following Trail descriptions. Please see one of the following Descriptions and GPS Tracks for the remainder or the trails. V0 – V55.5 General Crook Trail #130 - Coconino NF, AZ V55.5 – V113 General Crook Trail #140 - Apache SitgreavesNF, AZ Hike For purposes of this description, traveling from west to east, this trail starts nondescriptly, 1 mile east on FR323 off of SR169. There is an area that big enough for two cars and there are no signs indicating the start of this trail, but this is where the TOPO line starts on the map. This is approx. P21. Alternately start 1.3 miles further down to the east on FR323, at the small placard indicating Trail #64. Along the section west of I-17, it is mainly rolling hills, with scrub brush mingling with some grassy areas. It's not an Oooh and Aaah area, but very pleasant. You will pass over numerous small creeks that were flowing when we hiked it, until you find your way to the old stone corral area at P18-3/4. There are two large Stone corrals are present. Little is known on this site, but it is believed to be a place where travelers on the General Crook Trail back in the late 1800's, stopped, bartered, and watered their horses. There is supposed to be a foundation of a building in the area. See if you can locate it. The trail crosses south over SR169. During this time you are on paths, old jeep roads. The Boy Scouts in 1975-76 Cairned the route pretty well and at one time had 4x4 wooden posts as mileage markers. The 4x4s are mainly gone now, but can be seen in spots. Those cairns go all the way over to the Copper Canyon area on the east side of I-17. The trail is unclear around the Grey Wolf Plant area. The trail used to go through the center of the property. There are some cairns leading you to the south of the plant, then just follow east around it until you one again meet up with it. Between this point and I-17, there is evidence of the wagon trail worn ground around mile P12.5, close to SR169. You’ll cross under I-17 a couple hundred yards north of SR169, hike past the Bates Windmill and start the turn down Copper Canyon. Copper canyon is a pretty area even with its proximity to I-17. A two track turns ultimately to city streets as you make your way to the Ft Verde State park and Mile Marker 0. Stop in and check out the history while you are there. The next section is on General Crook Trail #130 - Coconino NF, AZ, which starts the climb to the Mogollon Rim. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. 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One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
General Crook Trail #64 - Prescott NF
I continued on my General Crook journey. I started by I-17 and headed down the Copper Canyon. After a while I made into the town of Camp Verde. This was my first in the town. It had a nice lade back feeling. One house had two big horn sheep in it's yard.
I made it to the General Crook '0' plague. The park manager came by and chatted for a while about the General Crook trail and how she wanted to hike it.
Soon I took off to do the boring section of hiking SR260. I went past my turn-around time just to finish off this section. It was nice making it to clear creek. I explored a little before heading back.
On the way back, I went to the "White Bridge" area to have lunch. The lunch spot was a shaded view of the Verde. Life was good!
The temps were perfect expect for the hike back down SR260. Maybe I was just tired of the road. I only saw about 4 ATVs on the was down Copper Canyon and none on the way out.
I've got about 15 miles to go for finishing the General Crook trail
I made it to the General Crook '0' plague. The park manager came by and chatted for a while about the General Crook trail and how she wanted to hike it.
Soon I took off to do the boring section of hiking SR260. I went past my turn-around time just to finish off this section. It was nice making it to clear creek. I explored a little before heading back.
On the way back, I went to the "White Bridge" area to have lunch. The lunch spot was a shaded view of the Verde. Life was good!
The temps were perfect expect for the hike back down SR260. Maybe I was just tired of the road. I only saw about 4 ATVs on the was down Copper Canyon and none on the way out.
I've got about 15 miles to go for finishing the General Crook trail
2013-10-20 topohiker
General Crook Trail #64 - Prescott NF
I did the Western end of the General Crook trail.
I parked on south Cherry Creek road where the trail crosses over the road. I headed north/west on the General Crook (GC). The trail was well marked cairns. All of the creeks were dry.
The trail fell apart when I got near the city landfill. It looks like the GC originally went through the landfill. Now it detours around it. If I didn't have coanbru’s GPS route, I would have never figured this out. I have to give Bruce kudos for figuring this one out. There were numerous turns without any cairns or signs. There were large sections were the trail was lost in knee-high grass. Hiding the grass was rocks and ankle grabbing holes. To say the least this was not fun. If you do this trail I highly recommend using Bruce’s GPS track, it will keep you on the straight and narrow.
Once you cross under I-17 the trail gets better. Soon you’re on roads and the views get much better. The trail starts to descend into Camp Verde and you start to follow creeks with big trees in it. This was the highlight of the hike. I hated to turn around, but it was time.
I’ll return to finish the Copper Canyon section of trail, but I won’t go West of I-17 on the GC trail again.
I parked on south Cherry Creek road where the trail crosses over the road. I headed north/west on the General Crook (GC). The trail was well marked cairns. All of the creeks were dry.
The trail fell apart when I got near the city landfill. It looks like the GC originally went through the landfill. Now it detours around it. If I didn't have coanbru’s GPS route, I would have never figured this out. I have to give Bruce kudos for figuring this one out. There were numerous turns without any cairns or signs. There were large sections were the trail was lost in knee-high grass. Hiding the grass was rocks and ankle grabbing holes. To say the least this was not fun. If you do this trail I highly recommend using Bruce’s GPS track, it will keep you on the straight and narrow.
Once you cross under I-17 the trail gets better. Soon you’re on roads and the views get much better. The trail starts to descend into Camp Verde and you start to follow creeks with big trees in it. This was the highlight of the hike. I hated to turn around, but it was time.
I’ll return to finish the Copper Canyon section of trail, but I won’t go West of I-17 on the GC trail again.
2013-10-14 topohiker
General Crook Trail #64 - Prescott NF
General Crook Trail - P20 to 0
The original General Crook Trail started in Prescott at Fort Whipple (Currently the site of the VA Hospital). It provided a route to Fort Verde and then up the Rim and ultimately to Fort Apache.
I've been looking at, reading up about, and drawing routes for the General Crook trail for over a year.
This hike starts at the Westernmost part as indicated on the Topo Maps at P21. P21 indicates mileage to Campe Verde from the Prescott Side. Subsequent hikes, leaving Camp Verde will indicate the distance from Camp Verde as V2, V3, all the way to V113.
3D Denny also enjoys the History associated with these trails, so he's my partner on this and hopefully future hikes on the GC Trail. We had the shuttle set up in Campe Verde and were back to the TH to get this party started by 7:15. I'd seen pictures of a large General Crook TH sign at the place we were starting, but it no longer exists. Existing is a spot for maybe 2 cars.
The area west of I-17, is mainly rolling hills, scrub brush to begin mixed in with some grassy areas. It's not an Oooh and Aaah area, but very pleasant. We passed over numerous small creeks that were flowing, and found our way to the old stone corral area.
Two large Stone corrals were present. Little is known on this site, but it is believed to be a place where travelers on the General Crook Trail back in the late 1800's, stopped, bartered, and watered their horses. There is supposed to be a foundation of a building in the area. We never saw it.
The trail crosses south over 169. During this time you are on paths, old jeep roads. The Boy Scouts in 1975-76 Cairned the route pretty well and at one time had 4x4 wooden posts as mileage markers. The 4x4s are mainly gone now, but can be seen in spots. Those cairnes go all the way over to the Copper Canyon area on the other side of I-17.
The trail has changed some since the Boy Scouts went through. We had to route south around the Grey Wolf Plant area. We found Cairnes for part of the re-route, then lost them.
We had lunch up by the Bates Windmill and rested our bones a bit.
This next section I was interested in doing. This is the Copper Canyon area. When you are heading north on I-17, and you are making the drop into Camp Verde, this is the area just to the east and straight down below. We saw some bikers, Quads and lots-o-cows. A real pretty area.
The rest was just a walk to Fort Verde State Park to retrieve the Shuttle Vehicle.
Thanks for joining me 3D Denny. 6 or 7 more trips and we should have it done.
I've been looking at, reading up about, and drawing routes for the General Crook trail for over a year.
This hike starts at the Westernmost part as indicated on the Topo Maps at P21. P21 indicates mileage to Campe Verde from the Prescott Side. Subsequent hikes, leaving Camp Verde will indicate the distance from Camp Verde as V2, V3, all the way to V113.
3D Denny also enjoys the History associated with these trails, so he's my partner on this and hopefully future hikes on the GC Trail. We had the shuttle set up in Campe Verde and were back to the TH to get this party started by 7:15. I'd seen pictures of a large General Crook TH sign at the place we were starting, but it no longer exists. Existing is a spot for maybe 2 cars.
The area west of I-17, is mainly rolling hills, scrub brush to begin mixed in with some grassy areas. It's not an Oooh and Aaah area, but very pleasant. We passed over numerous small creeks that were flowing, and found our way to the old stone corral area.
Two large Stone corrals were present. Little is known on this site, but it is believed to be a place where travelers on the General Crook Trail back in the late 1800's, stopped, bartered, and watered their horses. There is supposed to be a foundation of a building in the area. We never saw it.
The trail crosses south over 169. During this time you are on paths, old jeep roads. The Boy Scouts in 1975-76 Cairned the route pretty well and at one time had 4x4 wooden posts as mileage markers. The 4x4s are mainly gone now, but can be seen in spots. Those cairnes go all the way over to the Copper Canyon area on the other side of I-17.
The trail has changed some since the Boy Scouts went through. We had to route south around the Grey Wolf Plant area. We found Cairnes for part of the re-route, then lost them.
We had lunch up by the Bates Windmill and rested our bones a bit.
This next section I was interested in doing. This is the Copper Canyon area. When you are heading north on I-17, and you are making the drop into Camp Verde, this is the area just to the east and straight down below. We saw some bikers, Quads and lots-o-cows. A real pretty area.
The rest was just a walk to Fort Verde State Park to retrieve the Shuttle Vehicle.
Thanks for joining me 3D Denny. 6 or 7 more trips and we should have it done.
2013-02-16 The_Eagle
