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Bell Trail optional connector by montezumawell Overview This trail was created to connect an "equestrian trailer parking area" to the Bell Trail along Wet Beaver Creek. The short trail was constructed in 2004** as a National Trails Day volunteer project. Although designed to serve the horse people, the little Brockett trail provides an interesting way to begin and end hikes on the Bell #13, White Mesa #86 , Weir #85, or Apache Maid #15 Trails. Hike The Brockett Trail begins from an enormous graveled parking lot that is large enough to service about 20 or more horse trailer rigs. It winds pleasantly through the desert scrub brush so typical of this region. The trail rises about 150 feet in 0.6 mi to crest on a small saddle at the western toe of White Mesa. Here it offers a sweeping vista of the Wet Beaver Creek riparian zone. Squaw Peak and the Pine Mtn. Wilderness can be seen on the far southwest horizon. The trail also gives a glimpse of the Southwest Academy campus and the Long Canyon #63 TH across Beaver Creek. The trail then descends about a quarter mile to connect with the Bell Trail about a half mile from the new Bell TH parking lot. On the return trip, views from the saddle crest feature Mingus and Woodchute Mtns, Jerome, and the expansive Verde Lakebed sediments that cover the floor of this valley. Note This will be a blazingly hot trail during summer. A short distance east of the parking lot lie two sewage settling ponds that service the old Beaver Creek Ranger Station. The trail was laid out in such a way to minimize and actually eliminate the visual presence of the ponds. The ponds and their fence are visible on only about the first 0.1 mile of the trail. History Cattleman Bruce Brockett helped build and manage the Beaver Creek Guest Ranch, one of the notable early resorts of the area. It eventually became Southwestern Academy. He later bought the V Bar V cattle operation and ran unsuccessfully for governor in the 1940's. He is also remembered for making pets of sick or injured cows. ** 2018 The man himself wrote HAZ that he led groups constructing the trail and trailhead. Stating it took more than one day to complete. Used to work at BCRD & lived at Beaver Creek for 17 yrs. Worked on most trails in the now Red Rock Ranger District from 1988-2005. One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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.
