username
X
password
register
for free!
help
ArticlesGuidesRoutes
 
Photosets
 
 Comments
triplogs   photosets   labels comments more
Powerline Trail #549 - 4 members in 13 triplogs have rated this an average 3.5 ( 1 to 5 best )
13 triplogs
login for filter options
Oct 15 2023
avatar

 Guides 2
 Routes 207
 Photos 93
 Triplogs 204

male
 Joined Aug 08 2020
 Phx az
Bug Hollow Trail #548Prescott, AZ
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 15 2023
ScaredyCatTriplogs 204
Hiking11.58 Miles 2,245 AEG
Hiking11.58 Miles   7 Hrs   55 Mns   1.61 mph
2,245 ft AEG      43 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Didn't realize I would end up being alone today. Therefore I decided to switch the route to one others pry wouldn't want any part of. 😄

The pull out for bug hallow is easily missed. Had to throw it in reverse on the freeway. 😋 This trail is easy. I then veered onto powerline Trail. This one receives lil use and is a bit overgrown.

Deviated from plan and figured why not try the bushwhack to n mingus as mentioned in write up. A bit better than expected but had some difficulty finding the next trail. Steeper climb was cut short at jct.

Took a diff off trail approach on way back. More direct but also higher difficulty. Dark by end of hike. Cell phone light helpful yet inadequate.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
Exceeded my expectations.
 
Apr 30 2022
avatar

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

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Mingus North - Mint Julep Loop IV, AZ 
Mingus North - Mint Julep Loop IV, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 30 2022
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking16.74 Miles 2,907 AEG
Hiking16.74 Miles   8 Hrs   15 Mns   2.30 mph
2,907 ft AEG      58 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Bruce opted for the fourth running of the North Mingus circuit loop I created in 2012. Which he fine-tuned many moons ago through a hollow with towering pines over an understory of oak bliss.

The solo choir of a spotted towhee was loud in the cool morning mountain air. The road walk portions through the pines were filled with dandelions and evidence of thrifty bears.

The hint of use-trail we bridge #549-to-#105 has a slight autumn crunch covered in pine needles sprinkled with sap.

Encountered a cordial couple walking their poodle in the final half-furlong. Rare for us not to offend someone along the hike by swearing like gangsters but these trails rate low in trendsetting circles.

Synopsis
Another solid day hike from chilly to borderline whining temps. Originally hiked from the bottom clockwise, we wised up to CCW but started higher. CCW from the bottom might be a better use of natural shade and energy. Retiring my "Salmon Speed Cross 5 2021 - Pair 2" after a lousy 400 miles tracked. Tread is gone. Snug slippers now... lol
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Cliff Fendlerbush was most prominent but purists deduct brownie points for shrubs, occasional good swaths of verbena on the north half, hints of Indian paintbrush, isolated Spreading Phlox, perhaps Packera quercetorum too
_____________________
- joe
 
Apr 30 2022
avatar

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

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Mingus North - Mint Julep Loop IV, AZ 
Mingus North - Mint Julep Loop IV, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 30 2022
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking17.44 Miles 3,216 AEG
Hiking17.44 Miles   8 Hrs   14 Mns   2.40 mph
3,216 ft AEG      58 Mns Break12 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
We've done multiple Mingus combinations/configurations throughout the years. It's an easy drive to get to and offers various elevations to take advantage of the seasonal temps. In the fall you can try to time the colors with the oaks and Maples.

We started in a small parking area directly across from where we'd finish on the J-P Wagon Road 503A at a refreshing 51 degrees. We dropped down to the Mescal Trail #547 and immediately lost another 10 degrees. Enjoying the tall pines it gently climbs until we met the Bug Hollow Trail #548. With a bit of off trail we looped in the Upper Mescal Trail #550 taking this back to Bug Hollow.

My favorite trail on the loop is always the Powerline Trail #549. You gain about 400 feet on this trail taking in vast views to the north, from Bill Williams to the west, to the peaks in Flagstaff. As @PrestonSands talked about in his 2012 triplog, we noted fresh bear activity along the majority of this track. Every time we come across "The Well" pipe [ photo ] as Joe calls is, we are always curious as to how deep it really is. This time we unscientifically timed a dropped rock until it his water at the bottom at 2.64 seconds. It's close to the 3 seconds in this mathematical explanation Professor Joe Bartels put together for us. [ youtube video ] . So we no longer have to guess. The old road turns into a single track before it finally disappears. As long as you stay to the east side of the drainage here, you will shortly run into a very nice use trail, quickly taking you down to the North Mingus #105.

The 105 takes you down to the Mescal Gulch area. This starts an off trail climb to meet up with a well used MTB trail used by evidently crazed MTB'ers. This is without a doubt the steepest, loosest portion of our loop. We have trouble staying upright hiking. Not a clue how the MTB'ers don't seriously hurt themselves.

We had lunch and lunched at Walnut Springs before finishing off the last six miles of the hike on the Jerome-Prescott Wagon Road 503A
We only saw 2 people and their dog all day long and that was in the last 100 yards of the hike.

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Mescal Spring Dripping Dripping
The ground was damp in the area

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Walnut Springs Quart per minute Quart per minute
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Mar 30 2022
avatar

 Routes 154
 Photos 1,505
 Triplogs 266

31 male
 Joined Jun 02 2019
 Phoenix, AZ
Gaddes - Burnt Loop, AZ 
Gaddes - Burnt Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 30 2022
LJWTriplogs 266
Hiking23.60 Miles 4,350 AEG
Hiking23.60 Miles   9 Hrs   44 Mns   2.87 mph
4,350 ft AEG   1 Hour   30 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Same idea as last summer with two basic goals: hike the length of Gaddes and Burnt Canyons and find a better route down from West Rim to Powerline. With the cold front coming and going the day before, it seemed like a good day for water in the creeks and clouds above and below View Point Trail. Ended up super good timing and maybe the best day I've spent on Mingus. Started at Mescal Tank with North Mingus.

North Mingus and View Point had been trimmed back since the summer, so rain and snow melt on the trailside brush was mostly a nonissue. A little muddy but nothing too bad. North Mingus a mix of forest and views. Clouds below to the north were even better once on View Point. Walked above, below, and inside them until topping out on Mingus.

Quarter inch of snow on top of Mingus Mountain that had mostly melted by sundown. Gaddes Canyon had a trickle in the snowy top of the trail and below the road on Black Canyon Trail. Once into Black and Burnt Canyons the flow picked up. Not too strong but more than a trickle. Clouds rolled overhead the whole way. Burnt canyon is mellow with a better and better forest heading up. The upper mile or two is picture perfect open ponderosa forest. The middle section had some smooth, rocky sections that are awesome with water flowing. The going is relatively easy the whole way, not much to maneuver around or bushwhack through.

Diverted from the end of Burnt Canyon up to the tank North of Kendall Peak. On the way noticed a pair of graves with a metal sign that read "Ram Dog" from which a grey collar hung. Walked the road with some corner cutting to Yaeger Cabin Trail. Passed the only person I saw all day on Yaeger Canyon and then commenced the mile or so roadwalk to Butterfly. Straight through the woods from Middle To West Rim and then over to the edge of the mountaintop.

I took a ridge NW off the very northern tip of the mountain. It was a way better track down than last time, and though a moderate bushwhack I was on Powerline in twenty minutes. On the way down enjoyed views of Humphreys and Sedona that shine in the last couple hours of the day. Straightforward trip back down. On the day saw the one person, two coyotes, a half dozen deer, and lion tracks near the upper Black Canyon TH and Mingus Lake.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Burnt Canyon Light flow Light flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Butterfly Tank 76-100% full 76-100% full

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Gaddes Canyon Light flow Light flow
Pools/trickle higher up, below the road light flow
  2 archives
Jul 26 2021
avatar

 Routes 154
 Photos 1,505
 Triplogs 266

31 male
 Joined Jun 02 2019
 Phoenix, AZ
Gaddes - Burnt Loop, AZ 
Gaddes - Burnt Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 26 2021
LJWTriplogs 266
Hiking22.29 Miles 4,090 AEG
Hiking22.29 Miles   8 Hrs   14 Mns   2.98 mph
4,090 ft AEG      45 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Attempted to loop Gaddes Canyon with the entirety of Burnt Canyon since I'd never seen either running with water. Ended up cutting it short and skipped the roughest portions of Burnt Canyon. Probably started too far away, but I hadn't stretched my legs in a while, and I was curious to try descending off the mountain from West Rim to Powerline without a trail. Started from around Mescal Tank and went clockwise at 5am.

Soaking wet on North Mingus and View Point. Little overgrown on both, got started and stayed wet through Gaddes. Only a little mud round the east side of the mountain. Sweet sunrise views over a sea of clouds settled in the Verde Valley. Clouds were sliding up Mingus behind me by the time I topped out on View Point.

The short stretch of Gaddes Canyon I did was the muddiest part of the day. Water running down the trail in parts. Got into Gaddes Canyon and onto Gaddes Two with the unfamiliar roar of water. Never paid attention to how many creek crossings there are before. There are many, and they were rather wide and difficult. Longest trip down Gaddes before and one of the most delightful.

Had planned on taking Black Canyon Trail down to Black Canyon and following Burnt Canyon back up. It was already looking pretty stormy on the Mingustop, and clouds were pushing their way up Black Canyon and over the ridge. Decided the views were better on the road despite the water in the canyon, plus I was worried how rough it would be in spots along the lower end of Burnt Canyon with the water running high. Wanted to avoid that frustration and was trying not to descend off the mountain in a late morning storm. So I cut the corner and took the road past upper Black Canyon and climbed down into Burnt Canyon from a campsite. It's definitely beautiful any time of year but with the brown stream of water flowing down in the wide draw through the open pines, and especially on a stormy day, it was real special. Easy travel from there up, successfully cut out the bushwhacking.

Roads and woods to Yaeger Cabin Trail. First time on that one and was impressed. Runs through the forest below the road. Nice connector. Best not on a weekend with Mingus' car traffic. Took that to Yaeger Canyon and up the road to Butterfly. Cut the thirty feet up from the road and followed it along the harvest boundary. Thinning going on east by the hang-gliding area. In retrospect, I think Butterfly, Middle, and West Rim are closed, as well as the hang-gliding area. Took Middle for a couple minutes then up through the woods to West Rim. West Rim is not marked for thinning. Nice to see the forest thinned, but's also nice to know at least one corner will be left alone.

Got to the edge of Mingus and it was all clouds and fog. Could not see a thing. Walked the edge until I thought I found a wide enough game trail to descend. It was steep, wet, muddy, disorienting, and totally rad. Bounced around the mountainside and was lucky not to cliff out. Trails here and there. Moderate bushwhack. Only 600 feet down, will try a ridge next time. Made it to Powerline/Bug Hollow and had an uneventful and wonderfully cloudy walk back to the car. Didn't see anyone all day besides some logging trucks. Many deer. 60s-70s. Lots and lots of mushrooms. Imagine the mountain will dry up quick.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Mostly on Gaddes Two

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Burnt Canyon Medium flow Medium flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Butterfly Tank 76-100% full 76-100% full

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Gaddes Canyon Heavy flow Heavy flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Mingus Lake 76-100% full 76-100% full
  3 archives
Sep 14 2019
avatar

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

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Mingus Inner Basin, AZ 
Mingus Inner Basin, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 14 2019
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking18.10 Miles 3,722 AEG
Hiking18.10 Miles   8 Hrs   13 Mns   2.37 mph
3,722 ft AEG      35 Mns Break14 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
A return to the Mingus area for cooler temps.
This hike features tall pines, decent trail and some off trail. A start in the 60's was perfect.

There was some smoke in the area in the AM, that dissipated in the afternoon.

Goal on this loop, was to try and find a way down from the dead end of the Powerline Trail. I'd seen on satellite, what appeared to be undocumented sections of a trail. Bingo, we found it and it was a much easier way down than the Ravine. Next time, I need to find where this goes up to? This is an old trail with great tread. I'd love to know the history of this one.

Now on the Mescal Gulch-Hull Canyon Trail, this one is fading away on the south side of the ridge. The steep north side of the ridge, has seen some recent and welcome love, all the way to Walnut Spring.

Out of the tree cover for the most part, we followed the old Jerome-Prescott Wagon Road, back to the TH.

A couple miles from the finish, some poor sole had lost a tire (not wheel) on his Silverado, and wound up 10' down/off the trail.

A good day for wildlife. 2 miles in, 3 deer with the buck still in velvet. 3 miles in, a dozen turkey lazily sauntered away from us. 12 miles in by Walnut Spring, a couple of Javelina.

The rain held off until the drive home.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light

dry Mescal Spring Dry Dry

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Walnut Springs Quart per minute Quart per minute
This is a city water source, but there are filterable pools in the area
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
  1 archive
Sep 14 2019
avatar

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

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Mingus North - Mint Julep Loop III, AZ 
Mingus North - Mint Julep Loop III, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 14 2019
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking17.70 Miles 3,283 AEG
Hiking17.70 Miles   8 Hrs   13 Mns   2.31 mph
3,283 ft AEG      33 Mns Break16 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
A good loop that few will try. Other Mingus loops rank higher. This one has plenty of character. I'd guess 40% or more is along or under tree cover. Most will leave with memories of pines. Gamble Oak has a solid presence for autumn foliage opportunity.

1 hour in we passed a rafter of turkey hens. Neither of us captured one for the annual 4-H county fair exhibit.

#550, #549 and west #503A offer pleasant hiking. Best-of destination slayers might ponder if options run low.

In addition to countless redos we have a reason to try and loop up Mingus. However, no trace on satellite. FR500E needs to be utilized in a Woodchute Loop too.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Deers Ears
_____________________
- joe
 
May 22 2015
avatar

 Routes 268
 Photos 2,969
 Triplogs 541

66 male
 Joined Aug 16 2009
 Mesa,AZ
Mingus North Loop, AZ 
Mingus North Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 22 2015
hikerdwTriplogs 541
Hiking17.09 Miles 3,099 AEG
Hiking17.09 Miles   7 Hrs   24 Mns   2.52 mph
3,099 ft AEG      37 Mns Break
 
1st trip
We pretty much followed the route posted by Joe and the Eagle, with just slight changes. This is a great loop, although we did find ourselves on the wrong side of a No Trespassing area.

We did find the HikeArizona.com logo placed along the route so if there is a prize for that let me know how I collect it :D
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  HAZ Decal
_____________________
Expect to self rescue
  1 archive
May 02 2015
avatar

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

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Mingus North - Sands Mint Julep Loop II, AZ 
Mingus North - Sands Mint Julep Loop II, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 02 2015
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking15.94 Miles 3,398 AEG
Hiking15.94 Miles   7 Hrs   20 Mns   2.52 mph
3,398 ft AEG   1 Hour    Break14 LBS Pack
 
no photosets
Returned to this classic I threw together and Bruce streamlined in 2012. Temps forecasted around 71 degrees held well. It had it's warm moments in the sun. Ultimately big fluffy clouds made the day. I love this mountain and the variety it offers.

Bruce suggested we flip the direction of travel to ccw. That decision along with a pinch of experience put this hike into the virtual breeze category.

The Powerline Trail #549 has been seriously cleared so that was a nice surprise. Our little off trail jaunt over Mescal Ridge ( no name really ) was perfected today. Last time we found partial use-trails on each side. Today we scored use-trails the entire way!

Down in Hull Canyon, near Walnut Spring, Bruce slipped and gashed his finger. Luckily he survived applying pressure and setting a makeshift bandage. Next found a nice spot to lunch near an old city of Jerome tank.

All and all a pleasant day hike. Instead of bushwhacking a few areas we danced around the mahogany demons unscathed. We left in what sounded like a motorcycle rally. Which seems typical for weekend afternoons on Mingus.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Cliff-Rose and yellow flowered bush dominated the upper end of #503A, lupine, skyrocket, thistle & paintbrush
_____________________
- joe
 
May 02 2015
avatar

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

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Mingus North - Inner Basin, AZ 
Mingus North - Inner Basin, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 02 2015
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking16.89 Miles 3,473 AEG
Hiking16.89 Miles   7 Hrs   17 Mns   2.61 mph
3,473 ft AEG      48 Mns Break16 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
A redux of a hike we did almost 3 years ago. Going CCW this time made the off trail a much easier downhill. With the added bonus of finding a use trail to replace a thick bushwhack.

Old 503a extension > Mescal > Bug Hollow > Off Trail to Upper Mescal > Powerline > Off trail to North Mingus > FR > Old MTB trail > J-P Wagon Road

May the Weather stay like this the rest of the year, for this couple welterweights. It was perfect on the day. Clouds and brief very light sprinkles kept the temps down.

Bug Hollow and Upper Mescal are the highlights on the day for the thick tree cover. (Best viewed in the Autumn). The recently cleared Powerline trail does yield some big views to the north, past Sedona and to "The Peaks", Bill Williams, Sitgreaves and Kendrick.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Teva
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Walnut Springs
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light

dry Mescal Spring Dry Dry

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Walnut Springs Gallon + per minute Gallon + per minute
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
  1 archive
Sep 08 2012
avatar

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

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Mingus North - Sands Mint Julep Loop, AZ 
Mingus North - Sands Mint Julep Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 08 2012
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking16.85 Miles 3,150 AEG
Hiking16.85 Miles   10 Hrs   8 Mns   2.22 mph
3,150 ft AEG   2 Hrs   33 Mns Break14 LBS Pack
 
I threw together a collage of Preston Sands(aka "the yeti") routes with a new feature on MapDEX called Plot Routes in View. Bruce worked it a little to eliminate a 2.5mi segment on the paved highway.

The alarm tortured the ear drums mid coma. The decision came quick... screw Piestewa, I'm sleeping. Ah back to dreamla... wait a minute, this is big hike day... let's go!

With a forecasted high of 75 and 50% rain my concern was warmth so in went the umbrella, pants and long sleeve shirt.

Jerome-Prescott Wagon Road #503A
Our journey was a descent. It was pleasant, enjoyable and very nice views along the way. The bottom end is steepish. I prefer other hikes in the area more.

Off Trail
From our low point on 89A we headed up a road then off-trailed through the undesirable for under a half mile. Luckily we merged into some sort of unknown trail.

North Mingus Trail #105
We took the 105 for about 2.1mi. I prefer the upper stretches of the 105 but it was nince to finally see this end too.

Off Trail 2
Next we followed Preston's previous 600ft off-trail route up a ravine to Powerline Trail #549. It wasn't too brushy yet once cured my curiosity.

Powerline Trail #549
This old jeep road has twenty year old pines reclaiming the road. It's a little brushy but nothing bad. The views are most enjoyable. If this was better maintained and had a non-off-trail looping option I'd give it a 4 out of 5. As is I went with a 3 and figure most causal hikers would prefer to avoid.

Bug Hollow Trail #548
We strolled in glee on a segment of Bug Hollow. The oaks give this one a nice crisp flavor most should enjoy.

Upper Mescal Trail #550
This one has a very nice segment in a ravine and a short jaunt across. It also has a drab treeless segment with highway noise.

Off Trail 3
This was a painless jaunt to hook back up with Bug Hollow. Right next to the highway it was loaded with litter.

Mescal Trail #547
We took this down to almost complete our loop. I was very impressed, it reminded me of the Pinals. We were descending with the added bonus of late afternoon shade from the mountain... so that probably played into my impression.

Off Trail 4
Just a short quarter mile on an old jeep road to complete the loop. Old 1930-1950s car in the drainage.

Synopsis
I don't even know what this word means. Randal uses it at the end of his triplogs so it's gotta be cool. Preston's Mint Julep Loop was fun to learn up on Mingus. 548 is a definite game player come Autumn. 503A is one-and-done for me. The others are toying with my emotions.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
_____________________
- joe
 
Sep 08 2012
avatar

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

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Mingus Meander, AZ 
Mingus Meander, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 08 2012
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking17.01 Miles 4,405 AEG
Hiking17.01 Miles   10 Hrs   8 Mns   2.15 mph
4,405 ft AEG   2 Hrs   13 Mns Break16 LBS Pack
 
First, Thanks to Preston for collecting all the GPS Data in this area.
Second, Thanks to Joe for taking the time to paste together all of Preston's tracks into a loop in the area.
My only contribution was coming up with a route that took us off of the planned 2.25 mile road walk on the busy, twisty turny 89a that the original route had us doing.
I found a way, but it appears there is a better choice (Better = Trail vs. no Trail)

We started by caching at the 7 mile mark, avoiding carrying some weight up the steepest portion of the hike.

We parked off 89a and made the clockwise Loop of #503A > Off trail > FR338 > #105 > Off trail > #548 > # 550 > Off Trail > #548 > #547 > Off trail.

While not overly spectacular, each of these sections offered unique views, From the almsost Irish like countryside on the North Side of the #503A, to the Pinal feel of #547 and #548.

My favorite was #548 - Bug Hollow, for the views.

Saw a lot of Pronghorn on the Drive in, and out on this day.
Saw one doe that did not care if we were around on the Mescal Trail and
LOOK OUT DENNY, There's a new Butterfly Whisperer in town.
HERE ==> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i3tdR24 ... ature=plcp
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Spring Box
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Mescal Spring  Walnut Springs
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Mescal Spring Dripping Dripping
Spring Box was Dry.
Spring area was Damp

dry Red Seep Spring Dry Dry
Not Found or was Dry

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Walnut Springs Quart per minute Quart per minute
At least a Qt / Minute.
Clear running water
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Jul 08 2012
avatar

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

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Powerline Trail #549Prescott, AZ
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 08 2012
PrestonSandsTriplogs 2,097
Hiking6.20 Miles 1,507 AEG
Hiking6.20 Miles
1,507 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
The Powerline Trail looked like it could be a good one. On a Sunday afternoon I went to find out...

After checking out a cave I had seen recently (which dead ended after 10 feet) and a quick trip to Jerome, I headed for Mescal Gulch. Parking on FR 338, I hiked up the lower end of the Bug Hollow Trail, doing trail maintenance along the way.

Turning onto the Powerline Trail I entered an area that obviously doesn't see much human traffic. It soon became apparent that I was in an area of high bear activity. About every 50 feet for the entire length of the trail I would see something: flipped over rocks, freshly dug holes, poop, etc.

Arriving beneath some giant Douglas firs, I spooked something; an unseen beast slowly smashed through the brush away from the trail. A little further down the trail I stopped to admire a nice backpacking spot. Not more than a hundred feet away, I heard a log being torn apart, followed by loud slurping or licking. With my video recorder in one hand and bear pepper spray in the other, I peered into the ravine below. The sounds stopped and the thick vegetation hid what I'm positive was a bear.

I continued on through more beautiful forest, stopping occasionally to enjoy views of the Verde country from rare open spots. The last half mile of the trail, where it turned south, was even more primitive. "Nobody comes this far" I guessed. The Powerline Trail made its final descent into a densely forested canyon bottom, where I weighed my return options. With darkness almost upon me, I decided not to go back through the Bear Country Jamboree. I turned downhill to follow the canyon bottom down to its crossing of the North Mingus Trail. A half mile and only twenty minutes later I was on the North Mingus Trail. I followed its winding, rocky route back to my truck in the dark, where I changed into a dry shirt before making the drive home.

Powerline is definitely a worthwhile trail, in a pretty and wild area.
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
average hiking speed 2.4 mph

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.

helpcommentissue

end of page marker