Isabella Loop, AZ

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.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

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2009-06-22 MEWhiteman