Miller Creek Trail #367 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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This hike covers five miles of the Prescott Circle Trail south of Thumb Butte Road. It starts where there is parking for 3-4 vehicles on the south side of Thumb Butte Road about 0.6 mile past the Thumb Butte Recreation Area parking lot. Miller Creek Trail #367 parallels Thumb Butte Road next to the parking area. Take Miller Creek Trail west, it ends as Javelina Trail #332 (part of the Prescott Circle Trail) meets Thumb Butte Road from the north and the Prescott Circle Trail continues south on Garden Grove Trail #392. Garden Grove Trail gradually climbs toward the ridge southwest of Thumb Butte. As it nears the ridge, Garden Grove Trail does a few switchbacks. Along this final stretch of Garden Grove Trail, there are views of Granite Mountain (see photos).

At the top of the ridge, Garden Grove Trail Garden Grove Trail ends as Thumb Butte Bypass Trail #326 runs along the ridge. The Prescott Circle Trail continues across Thumb Butte Bypass Trail #326 on the Circle Connection Trail #322 which connects Garden Grove Trail and Potts Creek Trail #327. Head east on Potts Creek Trail which turns south. Along this stretch, there are views of Thumb Butte behind you that you will see on the return trip (see photos). After Potts Creek Trail descends the ridge, for about a mile, off and on, it follows a Forest Service road. Eventually, Potts Creek Trail leaves the road for the last time, crosses a gully and then ends at the north end of Cold Springs Trail #393. The south end of Cold Springs Trail is at the Aspen Creek Trailhead. The Prescott Circle Trail continues on Aspen Creek Trail #38, but this hike ends before Cold Springs Trail reaches the Aspen Creek Trailhead, so that with the return trip the hike covers ten miles.

You can turn back at any point to vary the length of the hike, or make the hike a loop by taking one of the trails that crosses this route. For example, a common loop is to turn onto Butte Creek Trail #321, shortly after getting on Potts Creek Trail, then take Butte Connection Trail #323 to Thumb Butte Bypass Trail #326 and head towards Thumb Butte. The east end of Miller Creek Trail #367 is at Thumb Butte Bypass Trail, so you can return to where you parked on Thumb Butte Road. If no room is available where this hike starts, you might find room in the Thumb Butte Recreation Area parking lot and Thumb Butte Bypass Trail to reach the east end of Miller Creek Trail.

_____________________

2 archives

Aug 24 2024

ScaredyCat

Guides 2
Routes 207
Photos 93
Triplogs 204

male

Joined Aug 08 2020
Phx az

Prescott, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Aug 24 2024
		ScaredyCat • Triplogs 204

Hiking	14.71 Miles	1,967 AEG

Hiking	14.71 Miles	5 Hrs 14 Mns	3.05 mph
	1,967 ft AEG	25 Mns Break

no photosets

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Old Forest Road #9707T

Old Forest Road #9401J

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Remote area off dirt roads. Start from view point and evade crowds at Aspen Creek TH. Formed a double loop plus a side route to forest boundary.

Traversed many trails. Was with elite company so had to step up my game. Guess I can hike fast if need be. Who would've thunk it?

Negative- not much in the way of pics.

Managed to meet at a reasonable time, road trip, knock out serious mileage and return to carpool at 5pm.

Keep in mind much of the AEG is toward the end.

May 17 2024

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Thumb Butte - Mt Francis Loop, AZ

Hiking		May 17 2024
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	19.10 Miles	2,609 AEG

Hiking	19.10 Miles	7 Hrs 15 Mns	3.00 mph
	2,609 ft AEG	53 Mns Break

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14 linked trail guides

Moby Trail #737

Williams Peak Trail #738

Garden Party #324

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The_Eagle

Thumb Butte Trail #33
A grippy 0.7mi / 620-foot ascent is always a refreshing start.

Thumb Connect Trail #314
The joy ride transitions to a pine forest trot. The name is longer than the trail.

Thumb Butte Bypass Trail #326
A few paces through the pines nets another easy unique.

Butte Connection Trail #323
This gentle half-mile descent is loaded with pine trees. 4 uniques in 2.4mi puts a smile on any trail lover.

Butte Creek Trail #321 - Prescott NF
This one is always a pleasure and feels isolated. The trail travels along the east bank.

Potts Creek Trail #327
The pines keep coming. None of these trails are worthy of the drive by themselves but I've always enjoyed this one more than the name suggests.

Cold Springs Trail #393
A steady subtle ascent continues with distant urban views.

Aspen Creek Trail #48
Albeit short-lived the nicest creekside stroll of the day.

Moby Trail #737
Unknowingly hiked over 0.75mi, we enjoyed it so much we missed a turn.

West Spruce Trail #264
After a long forest road walk, this weaves along the Sierra Prietta ridge. Peekaboo views of Granite Mountain.

Williams Peak Trail #738
Impromptu addition was a better-than-expected treat.

Garden Party #324
The White Rock Trailhead is large. The west end slithers around some boulders, then evens out alongside a ravine.

Miller Creek Trail #367
Signage warned of being squashed by mountain bikes. The creek was clear but as shallow as I recall.

Thumb Butte South Area Loop
This would be a nice package-deal variation for rehabbing seniors.

Synopsis
Various loops here have always been enjoyed more than anticipated. Pleasant lowkey miles.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Alligator Juniper

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

Aspen Creek

Light flow

Pools to trickle

_____________________

- joe

May 17 2024

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Thumb Butte - Mt Francis Loop, AZ

Hiking		May 17 2024
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	18.73 Miles	2,535 AEG

Hiking	18.73 Miles	7 Hrs 14 Mns		2.95 mph
	2,535 ft AEG	53 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

Linked

15 linked trail guides

Garden Party #324

Prescott Circle Trail - Trail #393

Williams Peak Trail #738

Moby Trail #737

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joebartels

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Headed north to higher ground to put some distance between us and the heat from the fire orb.

I tweaked a route we did 6 years ago to get rid of a less than memorable off trail section and add some options.

You start this loop with an immediate 600+ foot climb to get to the Thumb Butte Saddle. After that there are tons of choices up here on nicely groomed trails. MTB's seem to be the largest user of these trails, but we did not see a single one on the day. In fact, we only crossed paths with a few hikers.

I can't begin to remember all the names of the trails we were on, but here are some of my takeaways.

Smooth trails, gentle grades, pine trees for shade, four flowing (lightly) Creeks, nice breezes, big views to the Prescott Valley and the Copper Basin from the Sierra Prieta Lookout.

Other takeaways included some of the things heard on the day:
"Is this hike all uphill"
"Is this hike all downhill"
"It's too hot"
"It's too cold"
"The wind's not blowing"
"The wind's blowing too much"
"My ear's bleeding"
"My feet hurt"
"Can you go pick up the car"

At one point he announced that he was too tired to whine anymore, but that never proved to be true.

This is/was a very pleasant loop (with earplugs). There's nothing that jumps out as being extraordinary, but one I'll do again.

Driving home, southbound on I-17, we were quite happy to not be going northbound. A jack-knifed travel trailer and a bad rear ender, had things a mess around the Sunset Point rest area. We waived to @FOTG as we passed and continued home.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Aspen Creek - Yavapai Granite Mountain Sierra Prieta Thumb Butte

Wildflowers Observation Light

Aspen Creek - Yavapai

Light flow

Pools to trickle

_____________________

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

Oct 07 2023

mikemcg

Guides 2
Routes 127
Photos 1,478
Triplogs 129

male

Joined May 07 2019
Tempe, AZ

Thumb Butte Loop, AZ

Hiking		Oct 07 2023
		mikemcg • Triplogs 129

Hiking	5.21 Miles	1,046 AEG

Hiking	5.21 Miles	2 Hrs 15 Mns	2.42 mph
	1,046 ft AEG	6 Mns Break

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Went to Prescott to get away from the heat and check for fall colors. The Thumb Butte Trail begins as a moderately steep asphalt trail, with 40-50° inclines and 700 feet AEG over the first 0.8 miles. The trail passes within 100 meters of the Thumb Butte summit, then turns into a dirt trail the remainder of the way. Took the little side trail and scrambled up toward the top. The views from there are impressive.

We then went back to the main trail, trekked along a saddle, passed a nice overlook, then traveled along a series of other trails to make a 5-mile loop. There was a gradual descent over the next 4 miles. There were scattered fall colors in the back half, especially along the creeks, although the creeks were dry. It was a beautiful day, sunny and 85°. The views were pleasant throughout the journey. There were numerous people in the first mile, but maybe 3 people and 4 mountain bikers total over the next 4 miles. Finished at 1pm and spent the afternoon in Prescott.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Thumb Butte

Autumn Foliage Observation Light
Scattered fall colors, golds and oranges, especially along the creeks.

Dry

3 archives

May 28 2022

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Thumb Butte Groom Creek Loop, AZ

Hiking		May 28 2022
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	17.69 Miles	2,737 AEG

Hiking	17.69 Miles	6 Hrs 50 Mns		2.89 mph
	2,737 ft AEG	43 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

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10 linked trail guides

Groom Creek Loop Trail #307

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joebartels

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We'd done both of these before, but It'd been awhile.

Started at the Thumb Butte TH and made the steep 600'/.8mile climb. Not a favorite, but it's over quickly.
The rest of the hike rollercoasters until you drop back to the start. All trails up here are in great shape and run in and out of the manicured forest. A smattering of MTB'ers, runners and hikers.

The birds were chirpin' and we (As Joe said) ran into a small pack of deer. Luckily they did not attack.

Next up was the popular Groom Creek Loop. Going CW, we stopped at the Groom Creek bouldering area for some lunch. We passed or were passed by a few runners and hikers. Breezes kept the temps delightful.

The southside of the loop had had plenty of thinning activity post Crooks fire. That portion of the trail has just reopened. Going through the area that was thinned, the trail is like talcum power and quite dusty. It'll take some rain to get this to lay down.

Good times in Prescott.

_____________________

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

May 28 2022

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Thumb Butte & Groom Creek Loops, AZ

Hiking		May 28 2022
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	16.81 Miles	2,717 AEG

Hiking	16.81 Miles	6 Hrs 50 Mns	2.77 mph
	2,717 ft AEG	46 Mns Break

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9 linked trail guides

Groom Creek Loop Trail #307

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The_Eagle

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Encountered a few hikers on the 600 ft climb up Thumb Butte Trail #33. The steep asphalt tread isn't in any storybooks. After cresting it is about a ~200 ft drop to Thumb Connect Trail #314. Which featured nice assets, clicking cicadas, acorn woodpeckers, song sparrows, and other chirping birds.

After a short leg on Thumb Butte Bypass Trail #326, we took Butte Creek Trail #321 to Potts Creek Trail #327 which is always unexpectedly delightful. Hiking along Garden Grove Trail #392, Bruce said he heard the prettiest song of the day listening to a Black-headed Grosbeak.

A hint of trickle flow at the Miller Creek crossing. Then back to the TH on Miller Creek Trail #367, which parallels the Senator Highway. Miller Creek was 99.412% dry.

Hike 2: Groom Creek Loop Trail #307
After a strenuous quarter mile, we decided to have lunch at what seemed like the edge of the most popular bouldering area. Within minutes 4-6 emerged out of the gauntlet of boulders carrying crash pads. They probably smelled old people invading their domain and emitted a chemical warning signal like ants.

Heading up Groom Creek we got passed by three runners coming down quick. Two of them looked like they were in a rock band. Spotted a group of horses approaching behind us but must have turned around soon after. Heard a spotted towhee chipping in the trees.

Passing the old horse rails further up, Bruce smelled creosote. These logs seem a good 40+ years old. Sniff test: definitely a strong creosote scent! I remember Laurie often mentioning Greasewood Flats before they closed in 2015 and looking up greasewood figuring the name was from local creosote since it is aka greasewood. Not positive about it being a wood preservative on these old telephone poles after google returned wood tar and coal tar. Coal tar is or was common in preserving railroad ties. These poles were basically whitewashed, perhaps with age but a photo on the creosote tab at https://woodpoles.org/Why-Wood-Poles/Preservatives has 'em black tarred.

Possibly heard a Green-tailed towhee after a short break at the picnic tables up top. The trail has moved a little after the recent thinning on the upper stretch. The tread through this stretch is comfy-soft but a dust storm with each step.

RS Save/Share > Linked > Auto Link > Numbered/No Overlap

Sings on well-routed network trail systems. Took 19 seconds on the displayed timer. Typically much less, lots of potential trails in the two areas we hiked for the auto linker to evaluate.

Synopsis
Perfect weather day with strong cool breezes in the upper 70s. Better than average pine canopy on the Groom loop making Thumb the preferred earlier hike. Neither of these seem exciting in planning but both areas were the ticket today. Took 19 photos, it's nice not needing to sort through a hundred for a change.

Dry

_____________________

- joe

Oct 30 2021

toddak

Guides 13
Routes 38
Photos 1,651
Triplogs 577

60 male

Joined Nov 15 2005
Jackson, CA

Prescott, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Oct 30 2021
		toddak • Triplogs 577

Hiking	18.50 Miles	3,500 AEG

Hiking	18.50 Miles	8 Hrs	2.31 mph
	3,500 ft AEG

no routes

no photosets

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7 linked trail guides

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The Prescott area can be a confusing hodge-podge of trails and roads but HAZ makes it easy to follow routes covering the best trails, like this one from @The_Eagle on 4/20/19. I spent every October weekend in the area and every hike was a winner. Thanks HAZ!

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Sep 04 2021

hikerdw

Routes 268
Photos 2,969
Triplogs 541

66 male

Joined Aug 16 2009
Mesa,AZ

Thumb Miller Loop, AZ

Hiking		Sep 04 2021
		hikerdw • Triplogs 541

Hiking	11.91 Miles	1,887 AEG

Hiking	11.91 Miles	4 Hrs 19 Mns	2.99 mph
	1,887 ft AEG	20 Mns Break

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We did a shorter version of this loop in the opposite direction a few years back and really enjoyed it so added a couple new trails to extend it and hiked it in a clockwise direction this time. This is a solid loop.

Thumb Butte Trail #33
And away we go. Nothing like a steep wake up climb to get the blood flow. Blacktop pavement helps get good traction and the switchbacks help keep you going at a nice pace. First time on this trail and better than expected.

Butte Creek Trail #321
This is a great trail. Nicely treed, flowing water in the creek, very nice grade, away from the main trailheads that it seems to not get much use, A+ in my book.

Sierra Prieta Trail #366
Also a first for us. Some climbs but not to bad. Most of the time you are hiking along a ridge. As we were climbing up towards the road a caravan of mountain bikers came at us. Thought for sure there was going to be a collision but I jumped one way and the lead bikers veered off the other direction so the crash was avoided. Let them pass then continued to onward to meet up with Thumb Butte Road. Trail gets high marks.

West Spruce Trail #264
I like this trail a lot. In this direction the grade is generally down so easy hiking and very nice views since your up high. The section we hiked was shorter than I remembered so it ended to soon.

Miller Creek Trail #367
Memory recall is either slipping or this trail has been found by the mountain bike community since our last visit. I had memories of this trail being more remote and less used, i.e. trail was thin and slightly overgrown. Not the case. Trail is very well defined with bike tracks and nothing remote about it. There was a slight flow in the creek so that was nice. Still, a great trail. Saw a small gopher snake crossing the trail so we helped move it along so it wouldn't get run over.

Overall a great loop option for the area. Weather was great on this day and although it was a holiday weekend the trails we hiked offered a lot of solitude.

Butte Creek

Light flow

Miller Creek

Light flow

_____________________

Expect to self rescue

Sep 04 2021

nonot

Guides 107
Routes 249
Photos 2,067
Triplogs 514

male

Joined Nov 18 2005
Phoenix, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Sep 04 2021
		nonot • Triplogs 514

Hiking	11.70 Miles	1,400 AEG

Hiking	11.70 Miles
	1,400 ft AEG

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12 linked trail guides

Watertower Trail #315

Watertower Loop

Honey Bucket Trail #333

Piglet Trail 328

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The morning was great but as the day went on it got quite hot. Luckily a nice breeze started up and that helped.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

	Butte Creek	Medium flow	Medium flow
	Flowing nicely

	Garden Grove Creek	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	There was a trickle in some lower areas of the drainage. Higher up it was dry though the ground was damp in places.

	Miller Creek	Medium flow	Medium flow
	Flowing nicely

_____________________

http://hikearizona.com/garmin_maps.php

Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, ankle-twisting, HAZmaster crushing ROCKS!!
Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, shin-stabbing, skin-shredding plants!
Hike Arizona it is full of striking, biting, stabbing, venomous wildlife!

2 archives

Nov 02 2020

ScottHika

Guides 2
Routes 31
Photos 902
Triplogs 50

male

Joined Sep 19 2020
Phoenix

Thumb Butte to Sierra Prieta Loop, AZ

Hiking		Nov 02 2020
		ScottHika • Triplogs 50

Hiking	13.30 Miles	2,269 AEG

Hiking	13.30 Miles
	2,269 ft AEG	15 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

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7 linked trail guides

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I have not been to Prescott in November in a while. I first started coming here in the 1980s and have many fond memories. I usually leave before dawn, and hit the trail early. Today I, decided to do something different and take an afternoon/evening hike.

It was a great afternoon under the pines. My original goal was to catch the Sierra Prieta “Sunset Overlook” at sunset. I slept in after HW festivities and hit the road from Phoenix around noon. There was very little midday traffic at the Thumb Butte Rec. lot, which was a plus. The fee is $5 a day unless you have a pass. Thumb Butte is a quick shot in the arm of elevation right out of the gate. There is a nice memorial to the Granite Mountain heroes right at the Butte saddle. I heard birds, saw very little wildlife overall, a few insects, a few more spiders and a mule deer that quickly disappeared. The forest is still recovering after recent fire. There were a few fall colors, mainly oaks turning to yellow. The forest has a maze of cross trails so best to plan a route.

After taking a few connector roads, I soon realized I’d get to the overlook before actual sunset. Sierra Prieta has great views. At the overlook, there was a fair size crowd of young partiers, loud music and off road vehicles. The wonderful sound of motorized vehicles revving their engines and laughter permeated the air. It looked like a lot of fun, but the old guy with four wheel drive feet had other plans. I decided to bag nearby peak 7035. That was a great choice and sitting at the very top, I had a snack and recharged for the trip back. In retrospect, it would have been a lot easier to hit Peak 7035 on the way up. I headed off trail to scramble back to Thumb Butte Rd. I rethought my wisdom while clinging to roots as I descended the steep bank by the road. Please do not follow my route here!

The rest of the way back was cake - all downhill. Once off the thumb trail I only encountered two senior backpackers that wished to be alone, and a friendly biker that slowed to chat for a while. I captured some awesome pictures and of course finished up in the dark. Miller Creek was dry without water and the forest in the dark reminded me of something from long ago.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Alligator Juniper Gambel Oak Ponderosa Pine

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Sierra Prieta Thumb Butte Park

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Moon Sunset

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
Gambel Oak turning to yellow

14 archives

Apr 20 2019

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Thumb Butte - Potts Creek to West Spruce, AZ

Hiking		Apr 20 2019
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	17.47 Miles	3,498 AEG

Hiking	17.47 Miles	7 Hrs 54 Mns		2.56 mph
	3,498 ft AEG	1 Hour 5 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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Prescott Circle Trail - Trail #393

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joebartels

Smokin' good day up in the pines on Saturday 4/20.

Warmer temps in the valley had us jonesn' cooler temps and some new trails.

Up the paved Thumb Butte trail to begin, we passed Mary Jane to begin the day. She was one of the few hikers we saw all day. 6 miles to the Sierra Prieta Overlook, we passed over the Potts Creek Trail on the way.

We'd done a small portion of the West Spruce trail before, I wanted to see more, hit West Spruce Mountain. West Spruce is a worthy option if in the area.

We looped back on some well used "Use" trails used by MTB's.

Butte Creek and Miller Creek had plenty of water running

Interestingly, we finished at 4:20 MDT

_____________________

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

1 archive

Apr 20 2019

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Thumb Butte - Potts Creek to West Spruce, AZ

Hiking		Apr 20 2019
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	17.03 Miles	3,220 AEG

Hiking	17.03 Miles	7 Hrs 53 Mns	2.61 mph
	3,220 ft AEG	1 Hour 22 Mns Break

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8 linked trail guides

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The_Eagle

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Bruce put together this loop with a couple options. Only 3 hikers heading up Thumb Butte. Which seemed extremely light for 7:30 am on a very nice April Saturday morning.

Butte Creek was running light. Which apparently starts down in the neighborhood. Potts Creek Trail #327 zigs around following Butte Creek for a good stretch but no named place on topo that I could figure out for the name Potts. Fabulous hike through the pines.

Then on an FS road before what the FS declares as Sierra Prieta Trail #366. Not sure but looks like the intriguing detailed guide Preston wrote from a book reference is outdated or the book never had a firm grip on it.

The short FS designated #366 is pretty sweet. We took a break at my request. Lots of mtn bikers out riding this segment. Nearly all acknowledged us and kept us informed of pack traffic. No race #s so maybe practicing for the end of month Whiskey 50 Mountain Bike Race?

Sierra Prieta Overlook wasn't a refueling/aid station either. Graffiti central is covered up. After a short peek of the views we continued on FS373 just under a half mile.

Turned onto West Spruce Trail #264. Hiked the subtle rollercoaster with another granted break request. Then over to the base of West Spruce Mountain for lunch. The energy infused eagle darted up to the peak while I enjoyed a nice break. Several friendly ATV riders went through the gate below my perch.

Just 2 hikers on #264 heading back. Passing a large ant hill I almost gave the colony some of my water. As we all know ants don't have lungs. They may have wicked some up but figured I best not interfere. Lessons learned from a failed ant farm in '79... enough said.

The hike down Miller Creek proper was cool. A trail. Semi primitive to the surrounding network of Thumb Butte area trails. Passing numbered dispersed camping sites The_Angel_Eagle lent his phone to a camper that couldn't get a T-Mobile signal.

Finished out along old familiar favs to wrap up the outstanding mid sixties gift of temps throughout the hike.

_____________________

- joe

May 06 2017

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Mt Francis - Williams Peak - Thumb Butte Loop, AZ

Hiking		May 06 2017
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	19.08 Miles	3,249 AEG

Hiking	19.08 Miles	8 Hrs 4 Mns		2.69 mph
	3,249 ft AEG	58 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

no routes

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The_Eagle

Aspen Creek #48 2nd Fav!
The hike started out with a babbling creek and towering happy pines. A mile out-n-back on this would suit 94%. We only hiked 1.5 miles of the 6 mi before heading off trail. It appears pines are with you for the top 3 miles of this gem.

Mt Francis Area
My legs are still screamin' tender from Gun Creek mafia style beatings so I wasn't thrilled about any offtrail. I put my health aside and tried to lighten up. We both got lucky, it was pretty easy to the towers around 7,100 ft. Great views. Didn't hit the official peak a smidgen higher.

West Spruce #264, Williams Peak
Roughly a 2.4 mi walk to West Spruce. Passed a couple dozen Whiskey Row Marathon runners. Most were crawling with running arm gestures. All were friendly and returned hellos!

We only hiked a little of West Spruce before following a fading road to Williams Peak just over 7,000 ft. Bruce had a final offtrail piece that didn't look good so he changed the loop a bit to accomodate my well being. If I've said it once I've said it a million times, nice guy!

Thumb Butte bypass #326
We followed FR373 about 2.4 mi then 0.25 mi on FR51 to the end of Thumb Butte bypass #326 nary a crowd has seen. Most loops in the South Butte Area would include this trail in part or whole. If you do not require bells-n-whistles like peaks, creeks nor a destination this is mighty fine tall pine hiking.

Garden Grove #392 1st Fav!
We hiked this top to bottom. Views of Granite Mountain are majestic. Meadowish in the middle with I'm guessing a seasonal creek that is a tributary to Miller Creek. Sold!

Interestingly I hiked this downhill seven years ago with @JimmyLyding and sorta met an idol
The day before I hiked with johnr1 to Miller Peak
The previous day was my first outta town hike with The_Eagle
Days earlier I hiked with Groth, SuperstitionGuy and the world famous AndreyP

Miller Creek #367
According to FS stelprd3811790.pdf we did not hike this trail. It's up for debate. Bruce included it. He claimed a peak last week we didn't summit either. I'm only correct 4% of the of the time and might have a 10% shot at this one so pardon the gloat.

Thumb Butte Trail #33 3rd Fav!
Wow my first hike on this iconic crowd pleaser. It has a 1960's National Park quality feel.

Potts Creek #327 & Cold Springs #393
Great perkless tall pine stolling.

Synopsis
It was nice to hike the mythical lure of dancing pines on a cool spring day most seek.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Alligator Juniper Emory Oak

Wildflowers Observation Light

	Aspen Creek - Yavapai	Light flow	Light flow
	babbling magic

	Garden Grove Creek	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	fierce trickle

_____________________

- joe

May 06 2017

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Mt Francis - Williams Peak - Thumb Butte Loop, AZ

Hiking		May 06 2017
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	19.08 Miles	3,249 AEG

Hiking	19.08 Miles	8 Hrs 4 Mns		2.69 mph
	3,249 ft AEG	59 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

Linked

12 linked trail guides

Prescott Circle Trail - Trail #393

Partners

partners

joebartels

After last weeks hike/injures, Joe asked me to put together Something "On Trail" and "No Water".

I drew up the Scottsdale Green Belt, he complained "Too Much Water".
So back to the drawing board.

I picked an area in Prescott, West and South of Thumb Butte and put together some choices.

There are tons of trails up here, most in the pines, most on friendly grades and well marked trails. Real Trails.

After making our way through the detours associated with the now in progress Whiskey Row Marathon, we started at the Aspen Creek Trailhead.

Aspen Creek #48
What a gem in the pines. We were only on it for 1.6 miles before starting our only off trail section. I want to hit the rest of this trail sometime.

Climb to Mt. Francis Area
.4 mile and 300' AEG off trail to get to an old Forrest Road climbing to the towers around the Mt Francis area. At 7100+ there are great 360 views.

Sierra Prieta Overlook, West Spruce #264, Williams Peak
FR373 took us over to the overlook. We passed scattered runners from the marathon. Great views of Copper Basin and Skull Valley. [ youtube video ]
Next an easy out and back up Williams Peak to take in the views.

Thumb Butte
Thumb Butte bypass #326, Garden Grove #392, Miller Creek #367 are all nice hiking trails taking us to the Thumb Butte area. Thumb Butte #33 climbs steeply to the saddle to the West of the Butte.

The remaining trails wind in and out of pines, juniper, oaks and creeks on gentle grades, back to where we parked.
Potts Creek #327 and Cold Springs #393 were the highlight of the remaining trails we traveled.

This hike, was almost the identical mileage to what we did last week, but took about half the time... and that was with 2 long breaks. This is the hike that was needed this week.

I was able to hike all new trails for me and only made Joe suffer on one short off trail section. Minimal whining too!

There are plenty of looping opportunities out here.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] K228DF-FM 93.5MHz Williams Peak

Wildflowers Observation Light

_____________________

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

Aug 16 2014

MEWhiteman

Guides 47
Routes 96
Photos 850
Triplogs 385

81 male

Joined Dec 24 2005
Phoenix, AZ

Thumb Butte Trails North, AZ

Hiking		Aug 16 2014
		MEWhiteman • Triplogs 385

Hiking	5.25 Miles	688 AEG

Hiking	5.25 Miles	1 Hour 58 Mns	2.67 mph
	688 ft AEG

Linked

linked

Watertower Trail #315

Partners

none

no partners

Sam and I did a loop on 315, 317, 318, 367 & 326 with a .5 mile in and out on 316 to make it a 5 mile day. 315 seemed to be reconfigured to avoid some eroded areas but generally follows the old trail. Quite a few people out on the trails but the parking lot was only half full.

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Oct 20 2012

BOHOHiker

Photos 68
Triplogs 70

female

Joined Oct 27 2011
Prescott, AZ

Thumb Butte #316 317 318 322 367 326, AZ

Hiking		Oct 20 2012
		BOHOHiker • Triplogs 70

Hiking	5.75 Miles

Hiking	5.75 Miles	2 Hrs	3.14 mph
		10 Mns Break

no routes

no photosets

Linked

Partners

none

no partners

_____________________

Sep 24 2012

BOHOHiker

Photos 68
Triplogs 70

female

Joined Oct 27 2011
Prescott, AZ

Thumb Butte #316 317 318 322 367 326, AZ

Hiking		Sep 24 2012
		BOHOHiker • Triplogs 70

Hiking	5.75 Miles

Hiking	5.75 Miles	2 Hrs	3.14 mph
		10 Mns Break

no routes

no photosets

Linked

Partners

none

no partners

YEA!!! Fall is finally here again! :FG:

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Oct 30 2011

BOHOHiker

Photos 68
Triplogs 70

female

Joined Oct 27 2011
Prescott, AZ

Thumb Butte #316 317 318 322 367 326, AZ

Hiking		Oct 30 2011
		BOHOHiker • Triplogs 70

Hiking	5.75 Miles

Hiking	5.75 Miles	2 Hrs	3.14 mph
		10 Mns Break

no routes

no photosets

Linked

Partners

none

no partners

TRAILS: Looped & Connected - #316,317,318,322,367,326
This was a good solid hike. Went yesterday, which was a Sunday. Arrived at about 11:30AM, and the main Thumb Butte Rec. Area parking lot was full. The day fee is $5, with the exception of Wednesdays... Which = FREE DAY in all the Prescott Nat. Forest Parks... BUT, on this Sunday I have the "Prescott Take a Hike" Thumb Butte Pass... YEA!!! Which in turn = NO FEE FOR ME! :GB:
Anyway... Fantastic day for a little hiking excursion!!
Lucy and I headed off onto 316 and made our way back to 317 looping back to our "Starting point." At this point, we continued up 318 - Which at first is a gradual incline with lots' of loose rocks... When reaching even ground, there are a number of burn out spots... This has got a very secluded feel to it, and there isn't a lot of pines or trees... Sunny. (Saw a tarantula crossing the path:-) Not anyone around, even on a Sunday! We ended off this trail by hopping onto 332S. Which is just a skip to 367. (Cross Thumb Butte Rd. here) This trail pretty much follows the road all the way to an exit/beginning point. I kept going here and shortly reached the 326 connector. This led us all the way back to the main parking lot.
Sat down for a few, drank some more H2O, gave Lucy a jerky treat, then we finished up by hitting #33....
A good day of hiking fun :y:

And for a Sunday... The trails I took were EMPTY!! In total on 316 and 317 I saw two people, 318 NADA, 322,367 NADA, 326 One couple.

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Jun 23 2010

MEWhiteman

Guides 47
Routes 96
Photos 850
Triplogs 385

81 male

Joined Dec 24 2005
Phoenix, AZ

Thumb Butte Trails North, AZ

Hiking		Jun 23 2010
		MEWhiteman • Triplogs 385

Hiking	9.60 Miles	1,125 AEG

Hiking	9.60 Miles	4 Hrs 25 Mns	2.17 mph
	1,125 ft AEG

Linked

7 linked trail guides

Watertower Trail #315

Javelina Trail #332