Mount Tritle, AZ

History
Following Fremont was Frederick A. Tritle, appointed by President Chester A. Arthur. Tritle had been in Arizona for about a year before his appointment. Despite that short tenure as a resident, he is generally considered the first Arizonan to be appointed Governor.

President Grover Cleveland asked for Tritle's resignation to appoint Conrad Meyer Zulick, who had to be rescued from a Mexican jail before he could take office.

On February 26, 1885, John Samuel Armstrong introduced House Bill 164, "An Act to Establish a Normal School in the Territory of Arizona." The measure passed the 13th legislative assembly and was signed by Governor F.A. Tritle on March 12, 1885, thereby establishing what is known today as Arizona State University, Tempe, and Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff.

Summary
This hike up trail 65 gives you the best views of Yavapai county and the adjacent countryside. Getting to the trailhead brings you through some of the best forests in the area. Ponderosa, Aspen, and all of the upper elevation fir trees can be found in the same area.

At one time, this used to be the most active mining area around. Panning at the Hassayampa, to hard rock mining at the Davis Dunkirk Mine.

You can also mountain bike this whole route. I find this helpful in covering miles when you only have a short day to explore. Plenty of side trails and 360-degree views. Heck, you can see all the way to Salome.

On really cold days, you can see mirages on the horizon to the north.

I regularly hike this trail with my view camera, and I'll share these images when I can afford the drum scans. Until then, my scans of the b/w polaroids will suffice.

Also, this trail is used by local horse people quite a bit. Please be courteous and give right away to them. There are mountain lions, bears, deer, and elk on the mountain, be aware, be cautious.

You will also find quads and dirt bikers here. Hunters find this area great for archery, so beware during the season.

If you have time in the future for a big loop hike, one can create a variety of connection trails to ponder. I am sure this will be one of your favorite hiking destinations.

For you flatlanders... nothing else cools your thirst like a cold beer on top. It's extra weight, but well worth it. Please Pack out all of your trash and pick up some that the hunters left behind. Let me know what you think. I'll be glad to guide this area for you; leave a message.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2004-02-21 Prescottstyle