Little Yeager Trail #533, AZ

I arrived at the west trailhead later than I wanted to. Overslept! But then it is Memorial Day Monday and I am in no hurry. The trailhead is just off Highway 89A on the right as you head to Jerome from Prescott Valley. The dirt road, almost hidden, drops down from the pavement onto the last bit of flat land before you head deep into the Mingus. A dry creek from Yeager runs through it. It might be rough for cars, but there is enough parking before the creek bed to park a couple of cars. But, once past the creek bed, there is plenty of parking, NO WATER, and NO BATHROOMS. Well, except for trees and bushes to provide for a field head.

In and around the area you will see some cement foundations. I cannot say with certainty, but I have been told by a friend, whose grandparents grew up in Jerome and studying an old topo relief map a few years back, this site was one time a ranger station. Today it is a well-used campground filled with debris from campers littering the site. I was amazed at the amount of brass (empty shell casings) and shotgun shells scattered around. It was easy to see the campers had a drunken orgy of fun shooting up the countryside, the beer bottles, and any targets deemed worthy to shoot. No campers were around this day. Whew! (2012-06-24 Nighthiker writes: CCC work camp)

The start of the trail is not marked. From the general area of the campground if you head to the southwest you will follow a road and begin your climb. The road will quickly narrow into a well-used trail and soon start your climb in earnest up into the mountains away from the mayhem left below. Notwithstanding, the sound of passing traffic on Highway 89A reverberates up the mountain and the pitch change of tires slamming over the cattle guard can be heard. With time as you climb the annoying sounds of busy folks traveling at breakneck speed disappears.

The trail does offer some scenic views to the west. Lonesome Valley, Prescott Valley, Granite Mountain can be seen in the distance. But I think what I enjoy most on this hike was the patches of small delicate flowers lining the trail. Purple, yellow, and white. I do not know what kind they are, but really, do you have to know what they are to enjoy them?

Once on top, it was quiet. A slight breeze whispering through the pines, birds calling out sharply on occasions.

You will pass a gate and after walking a short distance of perhaps a quarter of a mile come to Forest Road 105 where the trail ends. At this point, I hooked a left down the road and amazingly I felt exposed on the road! I did not have to walk far on the road, it did not take long before I saw the small orange wildlife gate signaling the start of Trail #111, the Yeager Cabin Trail.

Continue on to Yeager Cabin Trail #111

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2003-05-31 Abe