Lynx Ruin Trail #301, AZ

Oh boy. It's been a while since I've visited this area. Welcome to Prescott Arizona, where ma and pa chaw drive around with rover on the flatbed.

The trail is listed as 0.75 miles at the trailhead and in several books. Lynx Lake Recreation guide lists the trail as 0.5 miles. I lean towards believing it's more near the half-mile figure myself. However, I listed the trail with the 0.75 figure as that's what's posted at the trailhead.

The trail takes off from the left of the parking pay station. Trail maintenance is incredible. There isn't much else good to say on this short journey. The vegetation seemed thin, and the trail is mostly exposed. Vandals have scratched interpretive signs along the trail. Six strong, forest service issue benches line the trail, which seemed overdone.

With little effort, you rise over the surrounding forest. You know it's over when you reach the deck. A deck floats over the ruin site. At this point, the ruins are just rocks scattered over the knoll. 600-700 years ago, it was possibly a fifteen room house. Return the way you came.

Okay, this mini-hike doesn't rank high on my list. I prefer other surrounding trails better, but it's not that bad. In fact, a family with children or older folks might find this trail more suited to their needs.

A good alternative to spice up this trek: Start at the Lynx Lake Loop(also listed on HAZ) trailhead. Walk back towards the Lynx Lake Marina Store. Look for trail 305 on your right. As seen in the map, Trail 305 connects to the Ruin Trail. This segment is 0.7 miles one way, which would make for a 2.9 mile out and back to the ruin site. The forest is more intense along this stretch with tall pines.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

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

2000-06-14 joebartels