Big Bug Mesa to Grapevine Falls Loop 3.5 miles 1700 AEG
Posted: Mar 02 2013 7:01 am
Google Earth 3D Flyover:
http://www.mapmyhike.com/routes/render_ ... pmyrun.com
Highway 69 & Grapevine Road
Grapevine Road is aka Forest Service Road 87A (Chaparral on Right side of 69), Mayer, AZ
Meetup at 7am here
Grapevine Canyon is about 15 Miles from Cordes Junction (Interstate 17, MP 262) and tears into the west forks of the Big Bug Mesa; Prescott National Forest. In the canyon are numerous springs and waterfalls amongst a thicket of tall cool pines; aspen; and gambel oak trees. The Grapevine Creek meanders through the canyon. The trail going up to the top of the mesa is a natural wildlife trail with occasional bull encounter (much of this area of forest is used for cattle grazing); somewhat strenous as your blasting out your entire elevation gain of 1538' in 1.2 miles after a 1/4 mile warmup through the forest.
Once we summit out at top of the mesa I like to stop, rest, refuel; also like to do some target practice while up on the mesa; we free-style north-northwest about 1/2 mile with about 600' in descent. There are areas we are climbing down rock ledges. Nothing that requires any technical. We will hear the falls. From the falls the "trail" meanders along the creek of the entire Grapevine Canyon that will take us back to the trailhead. The area is inundated with springs and the creek is always flowing. Its like a little mini Fossil Springs.
Meet up at Grapevine Road & Highway 69 (immediate left just before mile marker 274. The sign for Grapevine Road is not right on Highway 69; off the road a bit by the cattle guard. Take this well graded dirt road for 2 miles. There are a number of forks on this road but if you stay on the main road (or what appears to be the most traveled road) you will be OK. After about 2 miles on this road, the road becomes very rocky and only high clearance vehicles can continue. This area is somewhat of a parking area; those with low profile vehicles should park here. If you continue driving to the trailhead from this spot, you will put "Arizona Pinstriping" (scratches from Chaparral) on both sides of your rig.
Meet up at 7AM Highway 69 & MP 274 (Grapevine Road)
Mtn lion in area; side arm recommended.
http://www.mapmyhike.com/routes/render_ ... pmyrun.com
Highway 69 & Grapevine Road
Grapevine Road is aka Forest Service Road 87A (Chaparral on Right side of 69), Mayer, AZ
Meetup at 7am here
Grapevine Canyon is about 15 Miles from Cordes Junction (Interstate 17, MP 262) and tears into the west forks of the Big Bug Mesa; Prescott National Forest. In the canyon are numerous springs and waterfalls amongst a thicket of tall cool pines; aspen; and gambel oak trees. The Grapevine Creek meanders through the canyon. The trail going up to the top of the mesa is a natural wildlife trail with occasional bull encounter (much of this area of forest is used for cattle grazing); somewhat strenous as your blasting out your entire elevation gain of 1538' in 1.2 miles after a 1/4 mile warmup through the forest.
Once we summit out at top of the mesa I like to stop, rest, refuel; also like to do some target practice while up on the mesa; we free-style north-northwest about 1/2 mile with about 600' in descent. There are areas we are climbing down rock ledges. Nothing that requires any technical. We will hear the falls. From the falls the "trail" meanders along the creek of the entire Grapevine Canyon that will take us back to the trailhead. The area is inundated with springs and the creek is always flowing. Its like a little mini Fossil Springs.
Meet up at Grapevine Road & Highway 69 (immediate left just before mile marker 274. The sign for Grapevine Road is not right on Highway 69; off the road a bit by the cattle guard. Take this well graded dirt road for 2 miles. There are a number of forks on this road but if you stay on the main road (or what appears to be the most traveled road) you will be OK. After about 2 miles on this road, the road becomes very rocky and only high clearance vehicles can continue. This area is somewhat of a parking area; those with low profile vehicles should park here. If you continue driving to the trailhead from this spot, you will put "Arizona Pinstriping" (scratches from Chaparral) on both sides of your rig.
Meet up at 7AM Highway 69 & MP 274 (Grapevine Road)
Mtn lion in area; side arm recommended.
