Towel Creek Trail #67, AZ

This trail is unique among those on the Coconino National Forest. It leads through an area of picturesque buttes and low bluffy mountains that is quite different from that along any other trail on the forest. It is also one of the few trails on the Coconino that leads to the Verde River, a great place to camp out or cool your feet before starting back to the trailhead.


The main vegetation type in this rugged country is high chaparral. It consists primarily of manzanita, scrub oak, and cliffrose. There are hackberries, for which nearby Hackberry Mountain is named. Cottonwoods, sycamores, and willows cluster near the few seeps and springs, while stands of pinyons and junipers cling to the higher elevations.The Towel Creek area has been grazed since the latter half of the nineteenth century. You'll see evidence of its cattle growing past, present, and even its future along the trail. One thing you might notice is that the grass cover is comparatively healthy here despite being grazed. That's the result of a progressive management program being used by the local rancher. The Towel Creek Trail is used to move cattle between seasonal ranges.

About 3 miles from the trailhead, a short side-hike leads to Towel Spring. 3.5 miles further along, you'll see an old line shack that cowboys still use. From here, it's two more miles to the Verde River and its cool waters.

2008-07-27 HAZ_Hikebot