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Mohave County Gold by AZLOT69 Overview: The Badger Trail is part of the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area, a joint program with BLM and the City of Kingman. The trail is open to hikers, horses, and mountain bikes. It is rather easy to miss the trailhead as traffic is going at least 65 on a beeline to Las Vegas. It is a nice break on the way to or from Las Vegas to unwind. The trail is a steady, moderate grade up to a saddle offering views in all directions. There is virtually no shade available on this hike, plan accordingly. Spring offers the most perks as there are many flowering desert plants. Hike: The well defined trail starts among nice stands of ocotillo and yucca. It begins its climb immediately. On your first visit if you are like me you will scan the horizon to see if you can anticipate the path of the trail. Usually I'm pretty good at picking it up but I totally misjudged this one. Even when it took an obvious turn away from where I thought it was headed, I still figured it would switch back which it never did. It adds a little intrigue to the outing. Shortly after the start you will come to a debris field of spectacular samples of very white quartz. To the left and high above the trail you can see the remains of an old mine. I was also certain that the trail would go to the vicinity of that old mine but I was wrong again. Plan on making the mine a side trip up a wash littered with quartz marking the way. Meanwhile the trail swings south following a contour around the mountain. Rural Golden Valley, Arizona is off to your right as well as highway 68 headed to Laughlin. As the trail hit's the southern side of the mountain there is a nice vista with a bench. Once around the backside of the mountain the trail takes on more of a wilderness experience. The trail serpentines back and forth among some nice rock outcroppings and thru a small area of crucifixion thorn trees. Several false summits and several more switchbacks brings you to the saddle which intersects with the Castle Peak Trail and Camp Beale Trail. There is a bench at this saddle also and this is your turn around spot for an out and back hike of 6.2 miles. Figure 3-4 hours roundtrip for the hike enjoying yourself. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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.
