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Fraesfield Mountain meander by Crzy4AZ This day hike loop in the northern section of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve combines three trail segments originating from the new (2013) Fraesfield Trailhead: Whiskey Bottle Trail (1.6 miles), Turpentine Trail (1.4 miles), and Black Hill Trail (1.7 miles). The loop described hugs the northeastern edge of Fraesfield Mountain ( name origin is undiscovered[1] ) and then winds through the washes and basins south of Granite Mountain. From the parking lot take Black Hill Trail 0.1 mile and head northwest on Whiskey Bottle Trail 1.5 miles with the only slight elevation gain of this loop. The trail in this section is firmly packed but narrow and offers 180 degree panoramic views of Tom’s Thumb ridgeline, Four Peaks, and the Mazatzals. There is no access to the peak of Fraesfield Mountain (3,055 elevation) which is on private land and not part of the Preserve. After you cross the intersection with Dixileta Trail continue another 0.1 miles to trail marker WB3 and head northeast on Turpentine Trail. Turpentine Trail is narrow with very few turns, and you pass through stands of yuccas with Granite Mountain popping in and out of view to the north. Follow Turpentine Trail 1.4 miles to marker BH2 and then go directly south on Black Hill Trail 1.7 miles back to the parking lot. Black Hill trail is by contrast wide and sandy but very minor elevation change. You may stray slightly off the trail to see an old ranching water container littered with graffiti. This loop is an ideal late afternoon sunset hike and you might extend your distance by connecting to the other loops around Granite Mountain . Mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers will enjoy this undeveloped section of the Preserve. Just remember to bring water as there is none at the trailhead (and no bathrooms either).
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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
Whiskey Bottle Loop - MSPN
What nice afternoon for a hike in the McDowell Mountain Preserve. We hit the trailhead about 1pm and was met with a nice little breeze that stayed with us throughout the entire hit.
Only seen one hiker and two bike riders out today.
This was a very relaxing little hike that Rowdy and I both enjoyed.
Only seen one hiker and two bike riders out today.
This was a very relaxing little hike that Rowdy and I both enjoyed.
2016-09-08 RowdyandMe
Whiskey Bottle Loop - MSPN
Date hike - wanted something with not much elevation gain after hiking earlier in the day. Cloud cover made hike nice and luckily no gnats. Noticed an old AZGF water catchment basin off Turpentine trail that I had never noticed before. Just seems so silly and all it does is attract biting bugs and millions of bees. I think all the animals have lived just fine in the desert without human-created watering holes for a long time. Although maybe the real purpose is to attract animals to hunt them.
Saw 5 jack rabbits and heard/saw one very loud Diamondback rattlesnake. He was right by trail's edge and so loud - I scooted away then looked back and Brad with headphones on didn't hear it and was about to walk right near the snake as he's all coiled up and ready to strike. I yelled at Brad to move over - - and all was well. Snake stayed coiled/raised up but then settled down and stopped rattling.
Changed in parking lot and then had dinner at Mesquite Grill at McDowell golf club. There is a hamburger with bacon and pulled pork and cheese that is out of this world good. I love sitting out on their patio watching sunset.
Wildflowers
barrel cactus blooms here and there - - few marigolds too
Saw 5 jack rabbits and heard/saw one very loud Diamondback rattlesnake. He was right by trail's edge and so loud - I scooted away then looked back and Brad with headphones on didn't hear it and was about to walk right near the snake as he's all coiled up and ready to strike. I yelled at Brad to move over - - and all was well. Snake stayed coiled/raised up but then settled down and stopped rattling.
Changed in parking lot and then had dinner at Mesquite Grill at McDowell golf club. There is a hamburger with bacon and pulled pork and cheese that is out of this world good. I love sitting out on their patio watching sunset.
Wildflowers
barrel cactus blooms here and there - - few marigolds too
2015-06-06 Crzy4AZ
Whiskey Bottle Loop - MSPN
MSPT-North
Wow what a beautiful afternoon for a hike. I think today I saw more hawks than ever before. Rowdy had a great time with all the pools of water. We took a few breaks watching people walk by us but they never saw us awesome.
I really had no plan for my hike other than parking at Brown's Ranch Trailhead. I think I may have agitated my ankle on yesterdays hike but I do see my surgeon tomorrow and hopefully get more painkillers. The hike started out great and ended the same way. It was a fun and easy hike and great views all around.
I really had no plan for my hike other than parking at Brown's Ranch Trailhead. I think I may have agitated my ankle on yesterdays hike but I do see my surgeon tomorrow and hopefully get more painkillers. The hike started out great and ended the same way. It was a fun and easy hike and great views all around.
2015-02-01 RowdyandMe
Whiskey Bottle Loop - MSPN
Granite Mountain Loop - MSPN
The dog was begging for a walk. He just loves hiking but at 12, he just can't do what he used to be able to do. I ended up carrying him on the uphill portions of the last 2 miles.
This hike was chilly at the start so we set a pretty good pace. On the east side of Granite Mountain, we caught up to Richard and a friend. We hiked with them a bit, discussed linking, until they headed off trail to climb Granite Mountain.
We saw 8 horses, a dozen mountain bikers and a dozen hikers out enjoying the day.
This is a well established area with pristine trails perfect for low AEG hikes, Mountain Biking, and dog walking. I'll bet Scottsdale has eradicated all instances of Catsclaw in a 5 mile radius of their trails.
This hike was chilly at the start so we set a pretty good pace. On the east side of Granite Mountain, we caught up to Richard and a friend. We hiked with them a bit, discussed linking, until they headed off trail to climb Granite Mountain.
We saw 8 horses, a dozen mountain bikers and a dozen hikers out enjoying the day.
This is a well established area with pristine trails perfect for low AEG hikes, Mountain Biking, and dog walking. I'll bet Scottsdale has eradicated all instances of Catsclaw in a 5 mile radius of their trails.
2015-01-02 The_Eagle
Whiskey Bottle Loop - MSPN
Just a beautiful morning to get my 500 miles in for the year. Rowdy and I hit the road about 11:30am. Jump in my car and change my jump drive to start the drive. Wow it started out playing Joe Cocker so that is what we listen to going both ways. It was a sad day when Joe Cocker died such a great entertainer.
When we got to the trail the parking lot was about half full. I only saw a few hikers out, but a few more bike riders and horse back riders. It was a real nice day out and some nice views from this trails.
When we got to the trail the parking lot was about half full. I only saw a few hikers out, but a few more bike riders and horse back riders. It was a real nice day out and some nice views from this trails.
2014-12-29 RowdyandMe
Whiskey Bottle Loop - MSPN
Continue to hike Trails in the Browns Ranch area of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve I've not completed. From Fraesfield Trailhead off Dynamite/Rio Verde Rd I hiked Whiskey Bottle Trail to Dixileta Trail (East) to 136th St Express trail on to Monument Trail to parking lot. Nice vistas of Tom Thumb area, Four Peaks and Browns Ranch Mountain. On this Thursday morning I only saw one other couple and no mountain bikers.
2014-11-13 Sun_Ray
Whiskey Bottle Loop - MSPN
Kids with babysitter - just the two of us on a date hike. Was really cold and windy at the start. I had on three layers and was glad. Had some off/on spitting rain. Clouds made for a beautiful sunset. Went to dinner in Cave Creek and then had dessert at Isabella's Kitchen (which was overflowing with Phoenix Open golf fans). Great evening.
2014-02-01 Crzy4AZ
