This trail extends the Isabella Trail (#377) hike into a lasso type loop adding about a mile to the total length and an additional 600 feet of accumulated elevation gain. It utilizes the Isabella and Groom Creek (#307) trails as described in the Isabella Trail description and adds more of the Groom Creek loop and a section of the Transcendent Mine "road" to connect the loop.
Begin at the Isabella Trail trailhead and hike to the Spruce Mountain summit as described in the Isabella Trail description. As you near the summit you intersect with Forest Road 52A on the right in an area where there are picnic tables and an outhouse. The trail to the left is a continuation of the Groom Creek trail on which you should continue after exploring the summit. Continue downhill on the Groom Creek trail until you reach a 4-way intersection at N34 27.594 W112 25.259 at which point you turn left onto the Transcendent Mine road which is really just a trail. There is a large sign there readable from the downhill side that gives the trail name. Shortly after making this turn you pass a spring on the left and begin a steady uphill climb over the next mile. The trail is less traveled than the other trails on this hike but still easily followed. When I did this there were several downed trees that had to be skirted. After a mile this trail intersects the Groom Creek trail at N34 27.048 W112 25.094. Turn right here and retrace your steps on the Groom Creek and Isabella trails back to the Isabella Trail trailhead.
All in all this is a pleasant hike on shaded trails with some great views.
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.
Only trailheads with six "amenities" have fees. Amenities are picnic tables, trash, toilet, parking, interpretive signing and security.
Directions
Road
FR / Dirt Road / Gravel - Car Okay
To Isabella Trailhead Directions - From Phoenix take I-17 north to the Cordes Junction exit. Take SR 69 west towards Prescott. Pass through Prescott Valley and turn left on Walker Road, which is the light just west of the Costco. Continue on Walker Road for about 10.5 miles to Potato Patch, bear right. Just beyond Potato Patch, watch for a dirt road heading off to the right (do not turn on this road, it accesses the cabins in the area), followed by a sign for the Isabella Trail. The trailhead is a pulloff on the right side of the road about 20 yards beyond the sign.
From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 99.0 mi - about 2 hours 6 mins From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 204 mi - about 3 hours 34 mins From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 2 hours 5 mins
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