Dam Trail - Watson Lake • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Jun 25 2021
		Yoder • Triplogs 273

Hiking	6.70 Miles	1,200 AEG

Hiking	6.70 Miles	3 Hrs 13 Mns		2.36 mph
	1,200 ft AEG	23 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

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A little cool snap, and the wife said we could go hiking somewhere North this weekend. We Wanted a place that might have some birds, so we selected the Watson Lake.
We decided to start at the Flume and Watson Dam Trailhead, a no fee area and hike into the Watson Lake Loop and then hike out the Dam Trail. Glad we did, the Flume hike is probably the nicest part of the hike. It's short, but secluded, and we spotted a Porcupine near the flume.
Initially, I was planning on doing this hike in a clock-wise manner, but the trail was narrow at the flume area, and Mr. Porcupine was going clockwise, so we decided we would alter our plans. This turned out probably the better way to go anyhow.

I have mixed fillings in this hike, there is a little bit of everything, The flume hike goes over some rock formations, then along a streambed to the flume, after that its back over the rocks. Eventually you start hitting the common use areas, There are lots of spin-off loops along the main trail, and ALL trails are marked with white dots, so if you are trying to stay on the official route, good luck with that. You can tell this is a highly used area, and there are plenty of signs with maps on them, so you shouldn't get lost.
At the south end of the lake you will be going parallel to the freeway for a while on a road, not a real nice experience. Next, on the South-West side you will be on a "trail" that appears to be converted from an old train track. This is more like a dirt road, and seems to be popular for bikers.
Eventually you leave the road-trail and you are back at scrambling amongst the rocks, generally away from people.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] House Finch Porcupine Rock Wren

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J. Yoder

May 05 2021

jillyonanadventure

Routes 175
Photos 2,335
Triplogs 191

44 female

Joined Jan 21 2019
Pine, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		May 05 2021
		jillyonanadventure • Triplogs 191

Hiking	6.57 Miles	622 AEG

Hiking	6.57 Miles	4 Hrs 18 Mns	1.68 mph
	622 ft AEG	23 Mns Break

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7 linked trail guides

[ checklist ] Claret Cup Cactus Colorado Four O'Clock Indian Paintbrush White Camas

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Decided to drive up North on a whim for the afternoon to visit Watson Lake. I’d only been once before and hiked on Peavine, so I was excited to do the loop! I totally meandered and took everything in as I was in no rush.

I actually missed the traditional parking lot turn and was about to turn around when I saw a secondary parking area called Lake overlook (and it was free!), so I parked there and headed to the right to start the loop.

Just FYI There was a ton of things in the air that would make anyone with severe allergies miserable without proper meds! Once I got off the Peavine trail onto the loop trail it definitely got more interesting. For a hike with not a ton of elevation gain, you’ll still get a great workout. Climbing up, down and all around the rocks is a bit tiring! It was also pretty hot and humid.

Highlights for me were the treehouse, the cool geology & seclusion of the middle of the loop and also the waterfall dam. I did also see someone’s shelter tucked away and I didn’t get too close since I was solo, lol. I only saw one other woman hiking solo on the loop portion, but did see a solid amount of people once closer to the TH.

The water levels were pretty low; looked less than half full and the shallow areas were covered in algae. The sunset was a total stunner which was an awesome bonus! Really glad I got outside and always love exploring new places!

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Great Blue Heron

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Sporadic on the loop. A good amount near the TH.

	Watson Lake	26-50% full	26-50% full
	The water level was VERY low, but people were still kayaking and SUP. I’d guess less than half, refer to photos.

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Restless between adventures...

2 archives

May 27 2018

paulshikleejr

Guides 20
Routes 81
Photos 542
Triplogs 409

60 male

Joined Feb 02 2010
Scottsdale, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		May 27 2018
		paulshikleejr • Triplogs 409

Hiking	2.40 Miles	290 AEG

Hiking	2.40 Miles	2 Hrs 34 Mns		1.73 mph
	290 ft AEG	1 Hour 11 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

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sarahrebeccalee

Great Memorial Day weekend hike with Ipparz and Bipparz.

_____________________

Decisionmaking and action should only be informed by, not subject to, healthy, reasonable concern.
That being said, anything worth doing is worth doing to excess.

Nov 25 2017

DbleDutch

Photos 250
Triplogs 74

male

Joined Dec 10 2009
Tempe, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Nov 25 2017
		DbleDutch • Triplogs 74

Hiking	3.00 Miles

Hiking	3.00 Miles	3 Hrs 20 Mns		1.29 mph
		1 Hour Break	15 LBS Pack

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Wondered the white spot trails north of Watson Lake from the Granite Dells TH. So many trails and could not name them all. Enjoyed the base of the dam and the cooling mist from the discharge. Too warm for the elevation and this late in Nov. Oh well helped burn some Tday calories.

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate

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May 28 2016

joebartels

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Prescott Constellation Trails

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		May 28 2016
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	1.69 Miles	252 AEG

Hiking	1.69 Miles	1 Hour 21 Mns		1.78 mph
	252 ft AEG	24 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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More ups and downs than non hiking enthusiast probably prefer. The dam wasn't pumping out a misting waterfall like 6 weeks ago. Just a heavy gurgle. With the lower flow the creek was murky too. Less crowded though than mid April despite being Memorial Day Weekend.

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- joe

Apr 16 2016

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Constellation Willow-Watson Loop, AZ

Hiking		Apr 16 2016
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	16.19 Miles	1,756 AEG

Hiking	16.19 Miles	7 Hrs 38 Mns		2.54 mph
	1,756 ft AEG	1 Hour 15 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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17 linked trail guides

Phippen Recon - Constellation

North 40 - Constellation

Lost Wall - Constellation

Ron James Approach - Prescott

Willow Dells Loop

Willow Lake Loop Trail

Willow Creek Reservoir

Rock Wall - Constellation

Cottonwood Spur - Willow Lake

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joebartels

rayhuston

Joe through a dart at the Constellation Trail system and said, come up with something. I didn't know anything about this "Little Gem" so I started downloading stuff. There are 11 trails in the Constellation Trail system, totaling less than 5 miles. So that wasn't going to make the drive to Prescott worth it. I'd looped Watson lake before and enjoyed the heck out of it. I'd always wanted to loop Willow Lake also, so it was on.

The Constellation Trail System is a wonderful group of of short trails through a boulder wonderland. Officially it's a self-enclosed system. But as we found on the way back, there is a trail that connects this with the Willow Dells system and Willow Lake. The Ron James Approach Trail does not show to connect on the maps, but it does. There is no signage and it's not obvious though.

All but the east side of Willow Lake looked like just a means to connect the loop, but then we stumbled on the Cottonwood Spur. Some of the biggest Cottonwood stands I've seen. `

Willow Lake Video https://youtube.com ... YbKg
Back on the Jan Alfano Trail and then we jumped over to Watson Lake, to do the loop there.

Watson Lake Video https://youtube.com ... CTBU

The highlight on this loop is the Lakeshore Trail and the Over The Hill Trail, taking you to the Granite Creek Dam.

Granite Creek Dam, Watson Lake Video https://youtube.com ... nVp0
A little road walk got us back over to the Willow Dells Trails.

Once again the hiking was great, except for 1/2 hour bug storm we ran through.

I really enjoyed looping these two Granite infested lakes, and the weather was perfect!

A great time out with the Squad.

On the day....A Gopher snake, Squirrels, Cottontail rabbits, Cormorants, all sorts of Ducks, Bluejays, Blue Herons, A hawk diving out of the sky right in front of us snagging a bird.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Granite Creek Dam Granite Dells Granite Mountain Watson Lake Willow Creek Reservoir Willow Lake Park

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

Watson Lake

51-75% full

Willow Creek

Pools to trickle

Willow Creek Reservoir

51-75% full

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

1 archive

Apr 16 2016

rayhuston

Guides 1
Routes 447
Photos 4,407
Triplogs 938

68 male

Joined Mar 09 2012
Gilbert, AZ

Constellation Willow Watson Lake Loop, AZ

Hiking		Apr 16 2016
		rayhuston • Triplogs 938

Hiking	16.05 Miles	1,747 AEG

Hiking	16.05 Miles	7 Hrs 40 Mns	2.60 mph
	1,747 ft AEG	1 Hour 30 Mns Break

no routes

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Prescott Constellation Trails

Willow Lake Loop Trail

Cottonwood Spur - Willow Lake

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joebartels

The_Eagle

The more I hike around Prescott, the more I like it. Joe tossed out a starting point (the Constellation trails) for this hike and Bruce filled out the rest. The result is a gem. A beautiful granite landscape dominates a big chunk of the hike while giant cottonwoods add variety and splendor along the way. The weather, while a bit windy at times, was perfect otherwise. We did have to improvise to connect the dots, but it worked out well. Lots of large swarming gnats chased us around the east side of Willow Lake on the return, but that was a minor inconvenience for a few minutes on an otherwise great hike.

Bruce and Joe, thanks for inviting me along. As always, I had a tremendous time!

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Granite Creek Granite Dells

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1 archive

Oct 07 2015

mazatzal

Routes 36
Photos 2,658
Triplogs 1,347

67 male

Joined Jul 28 2004
Scottsdale, AZ

Watson & Willow, AZ

Hiking		Oct 07 2015
		mazatzal • Triplogs 1,347

Hiking	12.00 Miles	1,100 AEG

Hiking	12.00 Miles	5 Hrs 5 Mns	2.53 mph
	1,100 ft AEG	20 Mns Break

no routes

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14 linked trail guides

Embry-Riddle & Jan Alfano Trails - PCT

Willow Lake Loop Trail

Willow Dells Loop

Willow Creek Reservoir

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Watson Lake Circle Trail should be renamed “Links (not Lynx) Lake Circle Trail” :lol:

I did Watson clockwise and Willow counterclockwise. These loops are okay but in both cases the part in the Granite Dells is very cool while the rest is a bit monotonous. I saw very few people on either loop. Weather was great, a bit cool at the beginning but very pleasant later.

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated

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3 archives

Aug 01 2015

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 840
Photos 22,055
Triplogs 1,993

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Aug 01 2015
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	5.66 Miles	681 AEG

Hiking	5.66 Miles	2 Hrs 33 Mns	2.46 mph
	681 ft AEG	15 Mns Break

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[ checklist ] Dam - Rock Trail Signs and Markings Wooden Dwelling

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clairebear

John9L

Culture can only be bookended with adventure, and Watson Lake fit the bill.

9L wanted to get as many links in the shortest hike possible, so he went to HAZmasterB for research -- and Bruce's hiking history directed us to this gem of link heaven :y:

(Richard, I expect to see you up here in the next two weeks

)

There was some kind of car show in the Watson Lake Park, so we had to fight traffic to get in, but once there it was quite a peaceful hike. Only saw a couple of people on the circumference until the Peavine Trail. Below the dam is the most "strenuous" part of the hike and nobody goes there. It was stupid humid out and we were all soaked and ready for a swim. Too bad I wouldn't touch this water in a HAZmat suit!

Clouds made for some nice lighting though. South end of the lake is rather boring, Claire got to ogle some firefighters in action so that was good I guess. :roll:

We had a quick snack before continuing our adventure trifecta.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Black-necked Garter Snake

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Granite Creek Granite Creek Dam Watson Lake

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I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

Aug 01 2015

John9L

Guides 6
Routes 183
Photos 5,612
Triplogs 1,647

male

Joined Mar 12 2004
Scottsdale, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Aug 01 2015
		John9L • Triplogs 1,647

Hiking	5.66 Miles	681 AEG

Hiking	5.66 Miles	2 Hrs 33 Mns	2.46 mph
	681 ft AEG	15 Mns Break

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no photosets

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chumley

clairebear

This was a nice and easy loop before our planned kayaking trip. We made a clockwise loop around the lake. The hiking is okay but the views are nice. Some sections are a little rugged but easy overall. The dam was really cool and that area is very lush.

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Aug 01 2015

clairebear

Photos 188
Triplogs 163

43 female

Joined Oct 26 2011
Tempe, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Aug 01 2015
		clairebear • Triplogs 163

Hiking	5.66 Miles	681 AEG

Hiking	5.66 Miles	2 Hrs 33 Mns	2.46 mph
	681 ft AEG	15 Mns Break

no routes

no photosets

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chumley

John9L

I know two guys who were a bit tired after a weekend of more miles than normal so it was a nice occasion to get in a chill day on the water. Before we enjoyed a relaxing lake paddle, we opted to hike the circumference trail.

Weird day, since none of us expected to have to fight our way through a car show in order to get to lake parking. After that we hit the trails which were pretty quiet for an urban hike. The first couple of miles were through the Dells and very rocky and followed some stupid white dots every couple of feet to stay on trail. Eventually the trail goes beyond where the lake is dammed and it becomes very lush and green. We walked over to as close to the dam as we could get to check it out. The water from the dam pools into quiet little ponds that are home to some very large frogs. Afterwards we checked out some coves where Chumley found a bum house and also a tree house. Eventually we picked up the Peavine trail and were able to walk very quickly back to the car. The Peavine trail
has nice views of the lake on one side, and eventually takes an interesting turn on the opposite side.
Interesting views- a police training facility and a firefighter
training facility where we watched the fire men in action. Neat.

So, basically our quiet lake hike turned into, avoiding a car show, chumley almost walking into a bums house, exploring a questionable tree house and then watching some firefighters put out a mock fire.

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May 11 2013

SunDevil3

Guides 3
Routes 7
Photos 514
Triplogs 94

43 male

Joined May 21 2004
Phoenix, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		May 11 2013
		SunDevil3 • Triplogs 94

Hiking	0.75 Miles

Hiking	0.75 Miles	2 Hrs		0.50 mph
		30 Mns Break	8 LBS Pack

no routes

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Started out mid morning from the trailhead with my dog. Nice easy hike without too much vertical change (positive or negative) to speak of. The early part of the trail runs right in among some of the houses in the local community and there are numerous signs encouraging trail-users to keep noise to a minimum. A couple of the houses in the first half-mile are actually visible through the brush and someone definitely squeezed off a couple shots of a .22 as I passed by one of them. I am not sure if the shots were for my benefit or just a coincidence but we definitely kept moving along from that point, creating only a minimum of disturbing noise.

Hike out to the dam was pleasant, not too hot for early May, but a little buggy due to the abundance of water (at a dam, go figure) at places. My dog had no issue with 3 or 4 nice, very-well constructed wooden bridges which we hit early on but wanted nothing to do with the small metal one out towards the dam (regardless of the fact that it only spanned about 7 feet over an 8" depression-- thus, I carried his 60lbs across that one and headed on the last hundred yards to the dam.

The damn was nice-- not huge but impressive-- although the water at the base looked somewhat stagnant and full of algae life. Ended up taking a bit of a loop back on a slightly higher (e.g. 30-40ft) trail where it was a little drier, less buggy, and caught a nice breeze here and there.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dog Mallard Duck Rock Squirrel

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"Being unselfish is a natural high, like hiking or paint thinner."
- Homer J Simpson

Feb 21 2012

PrestonSands

Guides 170
Routes 148
Photos 5,914
Triplogs 2,097

48 male

Joined Apr 12 2004
Tucson, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Feb 21 2012
		PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097

Hiking	2.00 Miles	400 AEG

Hiking	2.00 Miles	45 Mns		2.67 mph
	400 ft AEG		6 LBS Pack

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A relaxing sunset hike during a break at work.

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"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan

Sep 17 2011

Randal_Schulhauser

Guides 71
Routes 98
Photos 9,967
Triplogs 1,009

65 male

Joined May 14 2003
Ahwatukee, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Sep 17 2011
		Randal_Schulhauser • Triplogs 1,009

Hiking	5.00 Miles	500 AEG

Hiking	5.00 Miles	3 Hrs 30 Mns	1.43 mph
	500 ft AEG

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Best of Watson Lake - September 2011

Prescott represents a "black hole" for me - never really hiked in the area. I've been intrigued by some stunning photos from Watson Lake filed away in the memory bank (http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=180306 , http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=84851 , http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=28807 , http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=73139 ) and had this destination on the "TO DO" list for some time. A check on the Watson Lake weather forecast for this Saturday (Hi 78degF, sunny skies), and Lynn, dogs, and I were off to Prescott.

First stop; Watson Dam Trail/Flume Trail Loop. Curious what was generating the loud chirping sound - frogs?

Second stop; Watson Lake Park. Paid the $2 entrance fee and explored parts of the Circle Trail, Lower Granite Creek Trail (aka Discovery Trail) and lots of rock hopping through the granite dells.

Photos to follow...

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Watson Lake

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Aug 26 2011

PrestonSands

Guides 170
Routes 148
Photos 5,914
Triplogs 2,097

48 male

Joined Apr 12 2004
Tucson, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Aug 26 2011
		PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097

Hiking	1.50 Miles	277 AEG

Hiking	1.50 Miles	30 Mns	3.00 mph
	277 ft AEG

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A short sunset hike with dramatic and colorful clouds.

_____________________

"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan

Jul 29 2011

PrestonSands

Guides 170
Routes 148
Photos 5,914
Triplogs 2,097

48 male

Joined Apr 12 2004
Tucson, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Jul 29 2011
		PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097

Hiking	1.50 Miles	277 AEG

Hiking	1.50 Miles	30 Mns		3.00 mph
	277 ft AEG		2 LBS Pack

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I found out about this hike from a Prescott trails map I bought yesterday at Manzanita Outdoor in Prescott, and was excited to discover new trails in Granite Dells. Off I went today for a quick lunch break hike on the Watson Dam and Flume trails, not knowing what to expect. Interesting weathered granite formations, a lush riparian area, and a waterfall of sorts shooting out of Watson Dam made for better-than-expected scenery and a very satisfying little hike. I'll be back to hike this one again, for sure.

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"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan

Oct 09 2010

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Oct 09 2010
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	6.71 Miles	795 AEG

Hiking	6.71 Miles	3 Hrs 48 Mns	1.77 mph
	795 ft AEG

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Went out to spend the day around Watson Lake hiking and kayaking. Started out at the TH for the Watson Dam trail and looking for a route around the Lake clockwise. I'm amazed at how few HAZ'ers have been up to this area.

Climbing in and out of the rocks led to some gorgeous views. There is a real sweet riparian area abutting the base of the Watson Lake dam. It was a very peaceful hike with very few hikers for a Saturday. There are many areas to explore around the rocky outcroppings on the lake.

The hike was quite enjoyable on all but the road hike to get back to the car.

Here a collection of short videos taken from around the lake.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsnqvVBoJJg

My clockwise route around the Lake took me on:
Watson Dam Trail,
Flume Trail,
Over the Hill Trail,
Lakeshore Trail,
Peavine Trail,
Lower Granite Creek Discovery Trail,
Watson Lake Trail (Circle Trail),
Route 89a (.5 mile)
East Granite Dells Trail (.2 mile)

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Rock Squirrel

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dam - Power Plant

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Granite Creek Granite Dells

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Jun 12 2010

Stoic

Routes 297
Photos 6,928
Triplogs 552

49 male

Joined Dec 30 2007
Avondale,Az

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Jun 12 2010
		Stoic • Triplogs 552

Hiking	4.25 Miles	150 AEG

Hiking	4.25 Miles	3 Hrs	1.42 mph
	150 ft AEG

no routes

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