Prospector Trail - MSP • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Sep 27 2025
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 866

Hiking	11.20 Miles	829 AEG

Hiking	11.20 Miles	5 Hrs	2.26 mph
	829 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

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I did this hike 5 years ago but this time I did the loop part CCW. Stopped at the Dixie Mine and saw the bottom due to light shining off of the water below. Rain and sun were intermittent throughout the morning, with lightning thankfully absent. Along the Coachwhip Trail I spotted a rainbow that seemed to be right in front of me.

I hiked up the trail that goes from the Prospector Trail to the ridgeline above. This trail is on the HAZ topo maps, so it's been there for a long time. Also saw another trail that the maps say links back up with the Coachwhip Trail. need to check that out another day. The ridgeline trail seemed to go on further but it was very faint and I was already nearly on my 9th mile.

Towards the bottom of the Prospector Trail I spotted a mining prospect next to the wash. It has 2 mine shafts that each go back 20-30 feet or so.

It was sunny when I finished but later in the day lightning storms were wafting through the valley. Glad I got this done before that rolled thru.

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1 archive

Apr 18 2025

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 18 2025
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	11.46 Miles	1,688 AEG

Hiking	11.46 Miles	5 Hrs 16 Mns	2.56 mph
	1,688 ft AEG	47 Mns Break

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6 linked trail guides

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I decided to stay close to home and do this lasso loop hike. I did the loop clockwise, and added in an 0ut-and-back ascent of Bell Pass.

The temps were cool and there was lots of cloud cover, so it was a great morning for a hike.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Creosote Bush Desert Senna Mesquite Strawberry Hedgehog

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Thompson Peak

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Sunburst Sunrise

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
As has been the case this spring, there were some ocotillo flowers but not much else.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

1 archive

Apr 03 2025

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ

Hiking		Apr 03 2025
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	9.31 Miles	1,507 AEG

Hiking	9.31 Miles	3 Hrs 58 Mns	2.62 mph
	1,507 ft AEG	25 Mns Break

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I had a dental appointment early this morning and didn't get to the TH until almost noon, but it was a nice afternoon for a hike.

I saw a few people coming back to the TH in the first mile, but did not see anyone after that.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
I saw a few ocotillo flowers and a few flowers on some strawberry hedgehogs, but that was it.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Feb 28 2025

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 683
Photos 7,454
Triplogs 4,710

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Thompson Peak, AZ

Hiking		Feb 28 2025
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,710

Hiking	13.19 Miles	3,837 AEG

Hiking	13.19 Miles	4 Hrs 7 Mns	3.28 mph
	3,837 ft AEG	6 Mns Break

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johnlp

john suggested a hike in the mcdowell mountains this morning
we set out from gateway around 0715
gateway loop, bell pass, prospector, cut over early to hit the road
two good ascents for a nice helping of aeg
didn't spend long on the summit
still a lot of dust in the air
back the same way
a lot of people once on gateway loop
refreshments at the car then lunch in old town scottsdale
nice morning, good idea, thanks john

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hazhole

Feb 28 2025

johnlp

Guides 1
Routes 15
Photos 7,278
Triplogs 5,227

68 male

Joined Mar 16 2008
chandler,az

Thompson Peak, AZ

Hiking		Feb 28 2025
		johnlp • Triplogs 5,227

Hiking	13.19 Miles	3,837 AEG

Hiking	13.19 Miles	4 Hrs 7 Mns	3.28 mph
	3,837 ft AEG	6 Mns Break

no routes

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trekkin_gecko

Every time you hike Thompson Peak you realize how much better shape you could be in. The last quarter mile up to the peak is killer.
Kelly and I got started from the Gateway trailhead just behind the early crowd. Shade until we got to Bell Pass.
Once on Prospector we took a cairned use trail over to the service road, cutting off a chunk of mileage.
A nice breeze going up the road to the peak made for less of a sweat fest.
Hazy skies all around from the wind the last couple days. Saw a brittlebush with two flowers!
Kelly pushed the pace on the return trip as ice cold NAs awaited us in the car.
Lunch after. Good day. Thanks Kelly!

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

_____________________

“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson

Feb 07 2025

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ

Hiking		Feb 07 2025
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	9.35 Miles	1,429 AEG

Hiking	9.35 Miles	4 Hrs 12 Mns	2.59 mph
	1,429 ft AEG	35 Mns Break

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

I decided to stay close to home this morning and do this hike to get a bit of exercise.

It was kinda cool at the start but it warmed up quickly. There was some decent cloud cover which made the warmer temps tolerable.

I did not see anyone early on, but on the way back there were quite a few people out on the trail. Snowbird season is in full swing!

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Nov 04 2024

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Nov 04 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	11.48 Miles	1,627 AEG

Hiking	11.48 Miles	5 Hrs 3 Mns	2.60 mph
	1,627 ft AEG	38 Mns Break

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6 linked trail guides

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I decided to stay close to home and do this hike again today. I did the loop CW, and also took a side trip up to Bell Pass.

We had some rain yesterday afternoon and the trail was a tad soft early, but it was drying out pretty good on the way back.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Oct 22 2024

pseudalpine

Guides 64
Routes 1,125
Photos 1,329
Triplogs 1,448

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 22 2024
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,448

Hiking	11.72 Miles	1,666 AEG

Hiking	11.72 Miles	3 Hrs 58 Mns	3.14 mph
	1,666 ft AEG	14 Mns Break

no photosets

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7 linked trail guides

Dixie Mine Ridgeline - McDowells

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Slightly crispy desert near the trailhead.

5 archives

Oct 20 2024

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ

Hiking		Oct 20 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	9.35 Miles	1,418 AEG

Hiking	9.35 Miles	4 Hrs 6 Mns	2.61 mph
	1,418 ft AEG	31 Mns Break

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I had not done this hike in a while so I decided to take advantage of a nice morning and stay close to home by doing this hike.

There were a few people out but the trails certainly weren't crowded.

It looks like it will be warming up again soon, but it was nice to hike in some cooler weather.

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Sunrise

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

May 25 2024

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ

Hiking		May 25 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	9.22 Miles	1,415 AEG

Hiking	9.22 Miles	3 Hrs 36 Mns	2.70 mph
	1,415 ft AEG	11 Mns Break

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I decided to stay close to home this morning. There was a nice breeze and it wasn't TOO hot, so it was a nice hike.

On the way back I channeled my inner @gummo and almost stepped on a d'back -- it was stretched out on the side of the trail and I did not see it until my left foot almost landed on it. I missed it by about one inch, which was too close to comfort. The snake never rattled and never moved until I got past it.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
There are not many flowers left: some buckwheat, catclaw, and saguaro flowers is about it.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

May 06 2024

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ

Hiking		May 06 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	9.25 Miles	1,464 AEG

Hiking	9.25 Miles	4 Hrs 5 Mns	2.50 mph
	1,464 ft AEG	23 Mns Break

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Temperatures were pleasant for this hike today. I had the trails completely to myself.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] White Ratany

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
There are not many flowers left at this point -- some brittlebush, buckwheat, and staghorn cholla are around here and there.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Apr 22 2024

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ

Hiking		Apr 22 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	9.29 Miles	1,427 AEG

Hiking	9.29 Miles	3 Hrs 40 Mns	2.72 mph
	1,427 ft AEG	15 Mns Break

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I stayed close to home to do this one again.

The weather was pleasant, but other than brittlebush the wildflowers were few and far between; however, there was some decent fairydusters and buckwheat.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Fairy Duster Flat Top Buckwheat

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
There is a decent amount of brittlebush blooming, but other flowers are few and far between for the most part.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Apr 16 2024

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ

Hiking		Apr 16 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	9.24 Miles	1,564 AEG

Hiking	9.24 Miles	3 Hrs 42 Mns	2.69 mph
	1,564 ft AEG	16 Mns Break

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I decided to stay close to home and do this hike again.

On the way back I met 3 hikers, and that was the only people that I saw this morning.

I saw a gopher snake stretched out on Thompson Peak road, apparently enjoying the sun.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Gopher Snake

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Brittlebush is starting to bloom finally, and I saw a good number of fairy dusters. Buckwheat is beginning to bloom. Wildflowers this year have been underwhelming, especially compared to the super bloom last year.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Apr 08 2024

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ

Hiking		Apr 08 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	9.29 Miles	1,458 AEG

Hiking	9.29 Miles	4 Hrs 9 Mns	2.69 mph
	1,458 ft AEG	42 Mns Break

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I decided to stay close to home today to check out the wildflowers in this area. I would describe them as "moderate" right now, but perhaps they will pick up.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Strawberry Hedgehog

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
There is a good bit of owl clover out owl, but still not much brittlebush. There was a bit of stinknet along the Prospector Trail.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Mar 23 2024

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Bell Pass from Dixie Mine, AZ

Hiking		Mar 23 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	9.24 Miles	1,466 AEG

Hiking	9.24 Miles	4 Hrs 3 Mns	2.67 mph
	1,466 ft AEG	35 Mns Break

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I decided to stay close to home this morning and hike this one again.

There was lots of cloud cover which was nice. Actually it would have been a good day for a longer hike.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Desert Wishbone Bush Microseris

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
This seems to be the Year of the Fiddleneck. Blue Richards looked pretty good this morning also. Owl Clover is awakening from their slumber, but brittlebush are still hibernating.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Mar 16 2024

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Dixie Mine - Windgate Lasso Loop, AZ

Hiking		Mar 16 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	16.18 Miles	3,176 AEG

Hiking	16.18 Miles	7 Hrs 9 Mns	2.61 mph
	3,176 ft AEG	57 Mns Break

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9 linked trail guides

Inspiration Point via Windgate

Windgate Pass Trail - MSP

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I decided to stay close to home today and take advantage of cool weather to do this longish hike.

I did a lasso loop starting on the Dixie Mine Trail, going over Bell Pass, and then looping back on the Gateway Loop Trail, and going past Inspiration Point on the way to Windgate Pass. In other words, the loop was clockwise.

There was a fair number of people on the trails that can be easily accessed from the Gateway TH, but hardly anyone otherwise.

I heard some coyotes yapping in the morning, and saw 3 deer at Windgate Pass.

The weather was very nice for mid-March.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dichelostemma capitatum Coulter's Lupine

Wildflowers Observation Light
Blue richards won the wildflower derby, with fiddlenecks the runnerup. Poppies had their moments along with some lupine. Brittlebush are not blooming yet.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

3 archives

Feb 26 2024

The_Eagle

Guides 42
Routes 1,677
Photos 15,238
Triplogs 2,805

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Thompson Peak Loop, AZ

Hiking		Feb 26 2024
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,805

Hiking	13.28 Miles	2,684 AEG

Hiking	13.28 Miles	5 Hrs 14 Mns		2.68 mph
	2,684 ft AEG	17 Mns Break	6 LBS Pack

Linked

11 linked trail guides

Bell Pass - Bell / 104th TH

Saguaro Trail - MSP

Equestrian Bypass Trail - MSP

Quartz Trail - MSP

Paradise Trail - MSP

Levee Trail - MSP

104th Street Trail - MSP

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A gorgeous overcast day with perfect temperatures all day, and some of the virga transformed to light drizzle for the 2nd half. Busy on the gateway loop, one MTB'er on the Prospector, and four descending Thompson Peak. After that, nobody.

The climb to the saddle where I went down off-trail was steep as always. Slow going on the steep downhill off-trail section to get to the Quartz Trail. I'm not a big fan of the Paradise Trail, but it helped me complete my loop.

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

Jan 22 2024

Lower Sonoran Trail - FHP

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Adero Super Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 22 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	19.62 Miles	3,264 AEG

Hiking	19.62 Miles	8 Hrs 30 Mns	2.58 mph
	3,264 ft AEG	53 Mns Break

Linked

17 linked trail guides

Promenade Trail - FHP

Sonoran Trail - MMRP

Lost Dog Wash to Taliesin Overlook

Paradise Trail - MSP

Quartz Trail - MSP

Old Jeep Trail - MSP

Ringtail Trail - MSP

Sunrise Trail - MSP

Andrews - Kinsey Trail MSP

Andrews - Kinsey Trail FHP

Western Loop Trail - FHP

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I decided to take advantage of a nice hiking day and do this long loop again.

Weather was near perfect for me: cool and cloudy.

There weren't very many people out on the trails today. I did not see anyone out in the Fountain Hills Preserve.

Trails are much nicer in the Fountain Hills Preserve than in the Scottsdale Preserve.

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Jan 19 2024

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 19 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	11.42 Miles	1,682 AEG

Hiking	11.42 Miles	4 Hrs 42 Mns	2.77 mph
	1,682 ft AEG	35 Mns Break

Linked

6 linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

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

I decided to stay close to home and do this lasso loop hike today.

I did the loop clockwise, and also took a side trip up to Bell Pass to add in a little extra distance and elevation gain.

It was a nice day out there with some clouds doing a nice job of filtering the sun.

I saw a nice 6 point buck on the way back, around the Dixie Mine.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mule Deer

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

Jan 11 2024

Lower Sonoran Trail - FHP

Guides 99
Routes 1,516
Photos 16,173
Triplogs 1,406

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Bell Pass from Adero Canyon, AZ

Hiking		Jan 11 2024
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,406

Hiking	14.08 Miles	2,572 AEG

Hiking	14.08 Miles	6 Hrs 3 Mns	2.63 mph
	2,572 ft AEG	42 Mns Break

no photosets

Linked

7 linked trail guides

Promenade Trail - FHP

Sonoran Trail - MMRP