Dandrea Trail #285 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Aug 02 2025
		Whiffer • Triplogs 147

Hiking	2.83 Miles	956 AEG

Hiking	2.83 Miles	2 Hrs 2 Mns	1.43 mph
	956 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

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Crunching Arizona white oak leaves underfoot for tens of yards on the east side of Mt. Davis. Numerous Colorado blue spruce on the west side. I've hiked hundreds of miles of trails around Prescott and never experienced either before. Plus, there are great views (see photos) into the Bradshaw mountains as you descend the south slope of Mt. Davis.

This route starts at the southeast end of Dandrea Trail #285 at a dirt road, goes over the shoulder of Mt. Davis at the intersection with Yankee Doodle Trail #284 and down to the Dandrea Trailhead in Potato Patch. The Dandrea Trailhead is at the end of Poachers Row, a half mile from Walker Road and 3.2 miles from the end of the paved portion of Walker Road (0.6 mile southwest of the Walker fire station). When hiking in the opposite direction, i.e., from the Dandrea Trailhead, the trail makes an unobvious left turn 0.2 mile from the southeast end. If you see an octagon sign with "STOP NO THRU TRAFFIC PRIVATE DRIVE" on a tree, turn around because you missed the turn.

As reported in my July 19, 2025 triplog, there was a hermit thrush singing near the trail the first time I hiked the west end of the Dandrea Trail. In addition to the trees mentioned above and the usual Ponderosas and junipers, there are Arizona walnuts, New Mexico locusts and Fremont cottonwoods, mostly near the east end of the trail.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
common yarrow, goldenrod, common mullein, Arizona thistle, century plant, upright blue beardtongue, aspen fleabane

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7 archives

Jul 19 2025

Whiffer

Guides 3
Routes 161
Photos 477
Triplogs 147

70 male

Joined Jan 02 2016
Prescott, AZ

Dandrea and Yankee Doodle Trails, AZ

Hiking		Jul 19 2025
		Whiffer • Triplogs 147

Hiking	4.62 Miles	1,069 AEG

Hiking	4.62 Miles	2 Hrs 31 Mns	1.93 mph
	1,069 ft AEG	7 Mns Break

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The recorded route starts at a parking area on side of Walker Road and ends at the Yankee Doodle Trailhead on Snowdrift Mine Road*. It's about 2.8 miles from the end of the paved portion of Walker Road to Poacher Row and 0.4 mile along Poacher Row to the Dandrea Trailhead. There is parking on a circular drive next to the Dandrea Trailhead and two other areas along the last mile of Walker Road before reaching Poacher Row. On this route, after about 1.5 miles on roads, I reached the Dandrea Trailhead at the southeast end of Poacher Row in the Potato Patch cabins. The recorded route includes a wrong turn that followed a trail wide enough for a 2-wide ATV. After returning to Dandrea Trail, the route continues to the junction with Yankee Doodle Trail #284 near the top of Mount Davis.

*The HikeArizona map shows the north end of Yankee Doodle Trail #284 at Dandrea Trail #285. However, when I reached the junction of Dandrea Trail and Yankee Doodle Trail, I found that Yankee Doodle Trail went in two directions. The July 19, 2025 photoset includes a photo showing Trail #284 on the left heading east and Trail #285 continuing southeast from the junction. I separately uploaded the recorded route of the section of Yankee Doodle Trail from the trailhead on Snowdrift Mine Road to the junction with Dandrea Trail.

There's about 850 feet of elevation gain from the Dandrea Trailhead to the junction with Yankee Doodle Trail. Much of Dandrea Trail is rocky (see photo) as it follows alongside and sometimes in the bed of Hassayampa River headwaters. On July 19, 2025 there was a Hermit Thrush serenading me about halfway along Dandrea Trail, a little past the "back to #285" waypoint. The July 19, 2025 photoset also includes views from Yankee Doodle Trail shortly after the junction with Dandrea Trail and century plants along Yankee Doodle Trail.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
aspen fleabane, common yarrow, goldenrod, upright blue beardtongue, Arizona thistle and century plant

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3 archives

Jul 19 2025

Whiffer

Guides 3
Routes 161
Photos 477
Triplogs 147

70 male

Joined Jan 02 2016
Prescott, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Jul 19 2025
		Whiffer • Triplogs 147

Hiking	1.18 Miles

Hiking	1.18 Miles	36 Mns	1.97 mph

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The recorded route is downhill from the junction with Yankee Doodle Trail #284 near the top of Mount Davis to the Dandrea Trailhead at the end of Poacher Row on the edge of Potato Patch off of Walker Road. It's about 2.8 miles from the end of the paved portion of Walker Road to Poacher Row and 0.4 mile along Poacher Row to the trailhead. There is parking on a circular drive next to the Dandrea Trailhead and at least three areas along the last mile of Walker Road before reaching Poacher Row. There's about 850 feet of elevation change between the trailhead and the junction with Yankee Doodle Trail #284. Much of the trail is rocky (see photo) as it follows alongside and sometimes in the bed of Hassayampa River headwaters. On July 19, 2025 there was a Hermit Thrush serenading me about halfway.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
aspen fleabane, common yarrow, goldenrod

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5 archives

Jun 08 2024

adenium

Guides 4
Routes 93
Photos 302
Triplogs 697

51 male

Joined Jul 05 2008
Gilbert, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Jun 08 2024
		adenium • Triplogs 697

Hiking	4.43 Miles	1,238 AEG

Hiking	4.43 Miles	2 Hrs 29 Mns	1.78 mph
	1,238 ft AEG

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I had this pegged as a relatively easy hike for my son, who's a city slicker from NYC and not used to climbing peaks. It was more or less what I expected, but a little rockier. We went up from Potato Patch on the west side and hooked into Yankoo Doodle. New growth is coming in after the fire. Mostly New Mexico locust by the looks of it. I would hate it were it not for its lovely flowers. This hike was all for me to say, "Why yes, I have been to the highest point in Yavapai County."

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May 30 2024

The_Eagle

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Yankee - Crooks Canyon figure 8 Loop, AZ

Hiking		May 30 2024
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	17.09 Miles	3,236 AEG

Hiking	17.09 Miles	7 Hrs 55 Mns		2.46 mph
	3,236 ft AEG	59 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

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joebartels

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Joe's week to pick and he had us going back to an old favorite area in the B-Shaws.

I parked the car in the shade at the 5 Corners intersection and we started climbing right away. Temps were in the 50's, but I still worked up a lather on the 2 mile, 1000' climb to reach the Yankee Doodle Trail by Mt Union.

I had fears of all the carnage we'd see as a result of the Crooks fire from 3 years ago. There was some evidence of the burn, south of Mount Union on the Yankee Doodle where it crosses 261, but it wasn't as bad as feared.

8 miles on the Doodle, loosing 1500', to our turn off. This unmarked, seldom used track was in better shape than most of the trails up there. The top 100' are a little steep, but after that, clear sailing. Someone (maybe the FS) has chopped down (good riddance) and created 100+ slash piles of manzanita. Looking at the Sat. view, It appears this was to create numerous firebreaks.

Crooks Canyon, aka FR82, aka Bodie Mine Rd, is a pleasant walk through tall pines and the babbling Crook Creek.

There was activity at the historic Palace Station.
https://prescottazhistory.blogspot.com/ ... ation.html

I stopped and talked to the Forest Service worker for a bit. He said they were in the process of renovating it and opening it as another one of their 20+ rental cabins around the state. He invited me in to take a look, which I happily accepted. It's set up with solar power, a refrigerator and stove currently. 2 rooms and a loft make up the inside. No set date for the opening.

Next it was a climb on mostly FR's all the way back to the five corners area.

The temps were ok when the breeze kicked up and shade was an added bonus.

Fauna on the day:
Kamikaze bunny rabbits on the drive in,
Albert's Squirrels,
Chipmunks,
one upset Arizona Black rattlesnake,
A couple of deer that stood in the shade were not really caring too much about us.
Lots of turkey tracks seen. The only turkey seen was my hiking partner.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Arizona Black Rattlesnake

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Old Dandrea Ranch Palace Station

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

	Spence Spring	Dry	Dry
	Spring box has not seen water in years, light flow in the creek below.

_____________________

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

May 30 2024

joebartels

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Yankee - Crooks Canyon Figure 8 Loop, AZ

Hiking		May 30 2024
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	16.74 Miles	3,318 AEG

Hiking	16.74 Miles	7 Hrs 55 Mns	2.49 mph
	3,318 ft AEG	1 Hour 12 Mns Break

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The_Eagle

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Drive
SR69 + Poland Jct > Poland Rd > Poland Jct Rd > FR261 > Five Corners.
Poland Jct Substation vicinity had a lead car upon arrival and was astonishingly half-paved for the short Substation section off SR69 upon return. The drive up along Big Big Creek and through Breezy Pines is an intriguing community loaded with pine trees galore. As cool as it would be to live here the 10-mile one-way drive to our hike is not desirable more than occasional.

Five Corners 6,898 ft
We started hiking the continuation of FR261 up 0.6mi

Dandrea Trail #285
Pines and views but my favorite part of this trail is the riveting ascent.

Yankee Doodle Trail #284
This was our first hike since the 2022 Crooks Fire. A small stretch of the upper portion has been rerouted 10-20 feet lower. It's possibly the nicest pine hike in the Bradshaws. Unfortunately, it's over quick. Most of the upper 2.25mi of #284 is torched. Much of the trail we hiked was cut back well, a good 8 feet swath. That said, it's primarily a motorcycle trail. Tread is not hiker-friendly with some banked luge-esque runs over a river of ankle-busters. It's better in the lower section when the grade eases. Views are top-notch throughout IMHO, but I love the Bradshaws.

After crossing the potential cache crossover and a little ascent we lucked out with a nice break spot. A Scott's Oriole was singing solo until a Spotted Towhee joined the tree choir.

Bandit Run
2.8mi down #284 we jumped off Longfellow Poet-Ridge onto one of the best use-trails memory serves. This motorcycle trail drops to Crooks Canyon. A sliver is private property and you need to duck under two limbs now instead of one as noted in 2021.

FR82
Once down in the canyon, we hopped on FR82 and walked 1.6mi up. I like the pine tree-lined canyon and easy tread. Bruce campaigned for lunch but none of the shade options looked comfy.

Palace Station / Senator Hwy
The 1874 stage station and stage stop was undergoing renovations. The social brucefly got in for a few snapshots, while I enjoyed nearby shade that morphed into our lunch break. If you are hankering to get off joyride high-use trails and hikearizona for a change, Doc Holiday stopped at the station then Tip Top en route to Tombstone.

We both remembered Senator Hwy back up to fig-8 jct as warm-n-steep. It didn't seem too bad heading up, then transitioned to a good ol' fashion whiner in the final 2 furlongs.

Gobbler's Revenge
The road walk up along mostly dry Turkey Creek drags, we enjoyed a couple of mini-breaks. It was nice to pass a few memories. Dandrea Ranch looks to have switched over from the typical high-yield winter wheat to a bumper crop of foxtails. The blackberry canes have seen better days.

Synopsis
Cell coverage along much of #285 to our turn-off is better than pockets of the fifth largest US city. Few would enjoy the hike. I like it and am grateful to get back in the area. Rekindled the desire to rehike a few oldies and check out nearby areas of interest.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Pointleaf Manzanita

Wildflowers Observation Light
Light as most would interpret on the notable varieties. Tiny white fleabane was extreme.

	Spence Spring	Dry	Dry
	Vicinity appeared dry, we did not inspect it close up.

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- joe

Oct 04 2023

TheHikingGolfer

Guides 2
Routes 2
Photos 774
Triplogs 70

66 male

Joined Dec 02 2020
Phoenix, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Oct 04 2023
		TheHikingGolfer • Triplogs 70

Hiking	5.11 Miles	1,069 AEG

Hiking	5.11 Miles	3 Hrs 27 Mns		2.07 mph
	1,069 ft AEG	59 Mns Break	5 LBS Pack

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Left home 5:45am, arrived at TH 8:30am. Not much parking in the area so I parked on the side of Poachers Row. Temp in the 50s to start so I put on my fleece. Very comfortable, I'd almost forgotten what it feels like to be somewhat cool! Saw 5 javelina (4 adult, 1 young) on the way in near Lynx Lake. Also several deer where Walker Rd. turns into dirt road. Squirrels, Steller's jays and a horned toad. I keep running into those little guys.

I wanted a hike at decent elevation (6,000+) with some gain. This was an enjoyable hike, filled the bill. Not overly difficult but a decent workout. Trail is rocky so can be tricky on the way down. Good views on top of Mt. Union. On the way back I went down #284 past the gate/junction with #285 about 3/4 mile. Came back on #285 and an easy trip down. Did not see another hiker the whole way.

Road grader on Poachers Row when I got done. Waited a few minutes for him to clear. With the 2 1/2 miles of dirt road on Walker I think I christened my new car! :-) Passed more traffic than I expected coming out, a few dump trucks included.

Wanted to get lunch at Lucky's BBQ in Prescott Valley but it's changed hands and will open again next week. I think it'll be called Nells or something similar. So I went a mile down the road and visited Mortimer Farms. I'd worked with someone in the family during my time at the State.

Gas prices ranged from $3.99 at Cordes Jct (Pilot/Love's) to $5.29 (Mayer?). Most around $4.29. I gassed up on the way back at Cordes Jct.

Saw 2 accidents on the way back. @Kingsnake would've loved it. One by Walker Rd/Lynx Lake turnoff. Traffic going into Prescott backed up to Prescott Valley. The other accident was at 17 and Deer Valley around 3:30pm.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Agave

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Horned Lizard

May 14 2023

ShatteredArm

Guides 12
Routes 192
Photos 863
Triplogs 356

42 male

Joined Nov 30 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Run/Jog		May 14 2023
		ShatteredArm • Triplogs 356

Run/Jog	14.89 Miles	3,043 AEG

Run/Jog	14.89 Miles	4 Hrs 38 Mns	3.30 mph
	3,043 ft AEG	7 Mns Break

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Headed up to Prescott with a friend, and we decided on checking out Mt Union as we were approaching town. I went up 4-5 years ago, but he had never been. Started out at the Groom Creek Loop TH, which provided both easy vehicle access and a nice long, but not too long, approach. We stopped by Cole's Cabin on the way, then up to the top of the main ridge to the Isabella Trail junction. Isabella Trail is easy to run down - smooth, not too steep. And it's nice and shady, which is a plus.

Past Potato Patch, up Dandrea Trail, forgot how rocky that stretch is. A few minor deadfall obstacles. Actually saw two groups of hikers between Potato Patch and Mt Union. Lookout was unmanned, there's a sign that says "Closed to Public", don't recall if that was there when I went up the tower.

The way back was nice enough. The climb back up Isabella isn't too bad. We were beat by the end, and the last mile it started sprinkling. Good day, highly recommend this route (might be shorter with the Spruce Mtn crosscut, not sure). Still lots of water out there.

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Jul 16 2022

AugustWest

Routes 174
Photos 471
Triplogs 184

51 male

Joined Mar 16 2019
Phoenix

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Jul 16 2022
		AugustWest • Triplogs 184

Hiking	5.67 Miles	1,465 AEG

Hiking	5.67 Miles	2 Hrs 30 Mns	2.64 mph
	1,465 ft AEG	21 Mns Break

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Fun day out in the Bradshaw's. First off, I can't understand the hemming and hawing about Dandrea. That is a pretty trail and the tread didn't seem too bad to me.

As many have said, Davis is the crown jewel here. The route finding up Davis is super easy and really enjoyable. Views from the top are like butter. Just one or two brushy spots.

Prescott NF gets my props for their little tee-pee burn piles which I found throughout this hike. IMHO no national forest in AZ is doing more to preserve the remaining forests on our public lands. The intensity of labor involved to create these burn piles is pretty incredible.

Back down on Yankee Doodle, Luna was overheating. We stopped for water and took a 15 minute break. She is 6-1/2 years old and has worried me this summer away from the perennial water hikes we have been mainly doing. I think it was about 80 degrees at the most exposed and that seems to be too much for her.

After our rest and water break we trudged over to Mt. Union and went up to but not into the fire lookout. There were a couple of Ham radio operators up there. They were the only people I saw all morning. Because of their role as telecommunicators in emergency operations, they have keys to the FR 261A gate leading to the tower.

We took a short detour to the Family Picnic Area which is now totally burned. The forest beyond and below the picnic area is partially burned, but I couldn't tell how much along the ridgeline.

Parking at the Dandrea TH was a lot easier than over the winter of 21'when I last tried this. I could turn my truck around and I think there is room for at least a total of 3 vehicles there (maybe 4).

Nice week up here. I'll be transitioning my life to Prescott over the next 6 months which is long overdue. I can't wait to explore these mountains further once it is a little cooler for Luna!

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Wildflower seed in the sand and wind
May the four winds blow you home again

Oct 23 2021

toddak

Guides 13
Routes 38
Photos 1,651
Triplogs 577

60 male

Joined Nov 15 2005
Jackson, CA

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Oct 23 2021
		toddak • Triplogs 577

Hiking	15.00 Miles	3,500 AEG

Hiking	15.00 Miles	7 Hrs	2.14 mph
	3,500 ft AEG

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Isabella Loop

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Did the @chumley 5/12/18 three-peak route, good stuff

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
mostly oaks, some aspen

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Sep 04 2021

The_Eagle

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Yankee - Crooks Cyn - Turkey Creek Fig 8 Loop, AZ

Hiking		Sep 04 2021
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	18.45 Miles	3,529 AEG

Hiking	18.45 Miles	8 Hrs 7 Mns		2.55 mph
	3,529 ft AEG	53 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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joebartels

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

It'd had been more than 10 years since we'd been on Poland Junction/S. Breezy Pines road. Up to the community of Breezy Pines, this road is in great shape. after that, it's in good shape and passable by any 2wd vehicle at least to five Corners. This is where we parked and started.

Nice temps to start, which were welcome, as we completed our steepest climb of the day to Mt Union up my favorite Dandtra Trail. It's not that there are not good views or tall pines, it's just that the ankle busting rocks get tiresome.

We bypassed visiting John in the tower, as we were on a planned longer day. That planned longer day was scrapped as the temps warmed up and the planned breezes never materialized. On Longfellow Ridge and the Yankee Doodle Trail we decided to hit a use trail I'd noticed and waypointed on a previous hike. This cut about 6 miles off our loop. It drops down the west side of the ridge to Crooks Canyon and the little used FR-82. This use trail was in better shape than most of the trails we were on this day.

The creek in Crooks Canyon was running for the majority of the length we hiked. We did pass a guy that had the generator and vacuum going, looking for gold. He never saw us.

At the historic Palace Station, we headed uphill to meet FR83. After a lunch, we headed for the shortcut planned across Turkey Creek. The short cut didn't pan out as we hit a gated/signed private property area and were forced to retreat or be prosecuted.

On the hike back to the vehicle, we passed the old Dandria Ranch area which had one of the largest blackberry patches I believe I've seen. They were still a week plus from being ripe.

The only downside on this hike, was the constant attack of gnats. I spit out a dozen, swallowed and snorted a few.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

_____________________

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

Sep 04 2021

joebartels

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Yankee - Crooks Cyn - Turkey Creek Fig 8 Loop, AZ

Hiking		Sep 04 2021
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	18.18 Miles	3,323 AEG

Hiking	18.18 Miles	8 Hrs 4 Mns	2.53 mph
	3,323 ft AEG	53 Mns Break

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The_Eagle

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The final few miles of the drive on S Breezy Pine Rd, aka FR261 to Five Corners, is loaded with pines along upper Big Bug Creek. The area has cattywampus patches of private land with a broad mix of cabin styles.

From Five Corners
We began hiking the continuation of FR261 up to where Dandrea Trail #285 crosses. Turned right/up on Dandrea. Bruce holds a stern grudge against Dandrea but handled the half-mile on it today like a veteran pro.

Yankee Doodle Trail #284
My 8th trip on a portion, the lower 1.4 miles has yet to see this cowboy. Years ago Bruce recorded a waypoint for a faint trail dropping west off Yankee Doodle Trail. We've seen the waypoint on several hikes since. It was my week to pick, so I created a Dandrea/Yankee lasso loop with what I could make out on satellite utilizing the use-trail and passing Palace Station since it's been years. He beat the feces out of my draft proposal and sent back a shockingly larger loop to finally put the doodle to rest. Woot woot. With my shorter option, an in-hike decision, and the unknown of the lower portion after the 2019 Cellar Fire, we both brought pants.

Bruce was rooting for my shorter option so we switched into pants and gave it a go. After about a quarter minute it was smooth sailing down the unknown. As reverse luck would have it, the questionable trail was nicer than the maintained Yankee Trail but I'll still give Dandrea the nod for the most excellent trail of the day. Fair is fair, I had to duck a foot under one tree and there was one bush on the use-trail.

Crooks Canyon
We hiked up Bodie Mine Rd, aka FR82, up Crooks Canyon to Palace Station. It's a pleasant stroll through tall pines to Palace Station.

Senator Highway, FR83 & FR706
Without stopping, we continued up FR83 and found a spot for lunch. Continuing we encountered a no trespassing sign on a gate. Being law-abiding citizens we turned around. After exploring options we headed back to the 9404V to 706 sign Bruce saw on the way up. The road was unpleasantly annoying with ankle buster rocks on steep slopes but it all worked out. We agreed, we got lucky switching to the shorter loop and brushed it off. The final road walk portion along Turkey Creek was nice and lush from recent rains with two large fields of small yellow Asteraceae.

Semi Grudge
The 18.61 parcel we almost encountered was legit. Here is the irritating part... The sign and gate are over 200 feet away from that parcel on the Yavapai County owned road. We could have easily bypassed the parcel in the forest but now we know for the future.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Arizona Grape Arizona Thistle

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] White-lined Sphinx Moth

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Old Dandrea Ranch

Wildflowers Observation Light
Isolated odds and ends of various stages of wildflowers. Two medium-sized fields with blanket coverage of small yellow Asteraceae.

_____________________

- joe

Jul 02 2020

LJW

Routes 154
Photos 1,505
Triplogs 266

31 male

Joined Jun 02 2019
Phoenix, AZ

Union - Moscow - Davis, AZ

Hiking		Jul 02 2020
		LJW • Triplogs 266

Hiking	18.62 Miles	4,188 AEG

Hiking	18.62 Miles	6 Hrs 21 Mns	3.18 mph
	4,188 ft AEG	30 Mns Break

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Moscow Peak Loop

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Chance of lightning, albeit slight, so I got an early start around 445am hoping to summit Union, Moscow, and Davis in a semi-convoluted out and back.

Groom Creek was dark on the way up. Shady and dark all the way to Union, and mostly even all the way to Moscow. Crosscut hard to mistake. Two wooden posts mark the trail where it skirts away from under the power lines and straight up Spruce Ridge. Steep but good shape.

Isabella light started to come out. Such a beautiful trail. All three trails smooth, little rocky on Isabella higher up where it's steepest.

Slipped through Potato Patch before the neighborhood watch was up. Damn is it cold in that pocket of the mountains. Dandrea is pretty terrible but I guess it has its charms. Real dense forest. Better in the light. Tread is about as bad as they come.

Yankee Doodle the oak trees that looked downright burned a month or so ago have leafed-out, and the difference is pretty stark. Oak tunnel in place of Southern views.

Union shmunion. It's a tower peak. Views are good for what they are, pretty big if possible to ignore all the metal on top. LO unoccupied.

Yankee to Moscow ridge. Hadn't been south of Union on Yankee, but it just gets better and better. Easy game trail to the ridge and an obvious use trail to the summit. Sees more hikers than I thought. You can drive most of the way up with sweet enough wheels. Moscow was worth the effort and the ridge walk to it is pretty rad. Beware false summit.

Clouds were coming in by the time I was on Davis. Didn't hang around. Never ended up storming, so kind of a bummer. Waves of cumulous clouds rolled in by the time I was back on 307. Only saw one person, on the Isabella trail.

4 archives

May 13 2020

LindaAnn

Guides 110
Routes 2,246
Photos 8,982
Triplogs 2,600

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Davis - Union, AZ

Hiking		May 13 2020
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,600

Hiking	6.49 Miles	1,542 AEG

Hiking	6.49 Miles	4 Hrs 31 Mns	1.70 mph
	1,542 ft AEG	42 Mns Break

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[ checklist ] Black-necked Garter Snake Greater Short-Horned Lizard

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watermelonW

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Parked at the Isabella TH because the road to the start of Dandrea was blocked by a box van delivering construction materials. Not a problem, since the kids like walking through Potato Patch. Once on the trail, we quickly started heading uphill, passing a small snake near the trailhead. Uneventful hike up, and the cool temps and strong breeze felt great.

At the saddle, we headed east on Yankee Doodle over towards Mt Davis. We took kind of a crap route at the beginning of the offtrail, but once we got past the fence, we stayed on a better route. Very breezy at the top, and the kids were actually cold. Nice views, and plenty of rocks to sit on and rest. We took a much better route back down, then headed back over to the saddle, then continued southwest towards Union.

The kids played with a horned lizard they found along the way. Breezes were mostly blocked on the way up, so it felt a little warm. We stayed on the trail that skirts the east side of Union on the way up, seeing two deer near the top. Snack break at the fire tower while we tried to avoid the hundreds of ladybugs. On the way down, we stayed on the road a little longer and took a shortcut back down to the trail.

Easy hike back down Dandrea, although a little rocky on the upper half. Nice to spend a day in cooler temps.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

May 09 2020

The_Eagle

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Davis - Moscow - 7675 - Union - Spruce Lode, AZ

Hiking		May 09 2020
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	16.35 Miles	3,989 AEG

Hiking	16.35 Miles	8 Hrs 18 Mns		2.27 mph
	3,989 ft AEG	1 Hour 6 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

Linked

9 linked trail guides

Moscow Peak Loop

Isabella Loop

Partners

partners

joebartels

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

This is a go to area for us for when the giant Orb, makes thinks toasty in the valley. We purposefully started in the middle of the hike to 1) Stay away from the more popular Groom Creek TH and 2) start in the middle, so we could leave our additional water and food in the truck.

We were the first 2 vehicles in the small lot for our 7:30 start. We made our way through Peters Potato Patch, crossed the headwaters of the Hassayampa and took a new approach to gain Mt Davis. We both agreed that this was probably the approach we'd take in the future. Mt Davis is my favorite up here. Mainly because of the solitude and views.

Next, we made a mid route change and decided to hit up Moscow Peak and Peak 7675. These were 2 worthy additions and will be added to the rotation. Some very nice views from the top. The preferred route to the top, was the way we came down. From FR261 go due South, following the ridge line to make your climb.

Next up was Union since we were in the area. The tower was manned, but I don't think it was our buddy John. We saw our first people of the day here.

Back down to the Isabella TH, we had our SD lunch.

Isabella is a well groomed trail through some tall conifers. In sections one of the prettiest in the state.
We took this to the Groom Creek Loop and headed up to Spruce Mountain. This tower was also manned but I don't believe it was Suzy. The truck had Idaho plates.

To complete our loop, we used the Spruce Mountain Crosscut. After I splashed in Wolf Creek a bit, we completed the climb to meet back up with the Isabella Trail.

Good times in the PNF

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

Hassayampa Headwaters

Light flow

_____________________

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

1 archive

May 09 2020

joebartels

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Davis - Moscow - 7675 - Union - Spruce Lode, AZ

Hiking		May 09 2020
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	15.77 Miles	3,987 AEG

Hiking	15.77 Miles	8 Hrs 18 Mns	2.17 mph
	3,987 ft AEG	1 Hour 2 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Partners

partners

The_Eagle

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

Davis
We walked Poachers Row from Isabella Trailhead nestled in the sine-wave tall-pined forest dotted with cabins. Off-trail to Davis we took one ridge north from our 2018 ascent. It seemed less painful. Overlapping on satellite we simply tiptoed the thorn-scrub laterally vs vertically so the footing was sure. Appears almost avoidable with pre-hike satellite planning.

Moscow
John at the fire tower lookout has recommended Moscow Peak many times. Past core-summer hikes were not optimal temps for off-trail exploring. On a whim, today was the day. It appears a motorcycle recently summited. There is evidence of old trail work in two short stretches. Moscow is a worthy destination compared to the joke known as Trittle. That said, French Alps peak baggers will yawn and pout in their superior mindset.

7675
If OHV ankle-buster rock-lined trails leave a bad taste in your mouth then add this overpass to your spice rack.

Spruce
After a socially distanced tailgating luncheon under Peter's neighborhood pines at Isabella TH we headed up.
ELO claims it's Groos. I'll tell you once more before I write anymore, don't bring me down... SPRUCE!

Mid to upper Isabella might be the nicest groomed forest trail near Phoenix. After Spruce we utilized a trail that cuts off the lower loop. There are twin truss log posts at the signless junction where this trail turns off Groom Creek Loop Trail #307. FS Topo shows this trail originating north off FR 9404X. I'm guessing decommissioned since PNF notoriously bows to locals. Old deadfall and light brush is not a deterrent. The old trail is loaded with oaks between the pines.

Synopsis
We'va historically saved Union to escape 110 temps in the Sonoran Skillet but it's nice in prime season too. Now that the area has been infiltrated by road haters seeking short skirts and high peaks we found some new peaks to bag.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Canadian white violet

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Moscow Peak Mount Davis

Wildflowers Observation Light
A little lupine that looks happy that it grew up in a pine forest.

_____________________

- joe

Apr 28 2020

LJW

Routes 154
Photos 1,505
Triplogs 266

31 male

Joined Jun 02 2019
Phoenix, AZ

Groom Creek - Bradshaw Four, AZ

Hiking		Apr 28 2020
		LJW • Triplogs 266

Hiking	25.00 Miles	5,050 AEG

Hiking	25.00 Miles	8 Hrs 45 Mns	3.23 mph
	5,050 ft AEG	1 Hour Break

Linked

8 linked trail guides

Mount Tritle

Mount Tritle via FR 52B

Partners

none

no partners

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

More summer mountains, another figure 8. Not a true figure 8, but pretty close. What I ended up with was a loop posted here by @The_Eagle that started at Potato Patch and hit the four highest Bradshaw peaks fused with the Groom Creek Trail Loop by the Isabella Trail. So not a figure 8, but maybe a double loop. Started at the Groom Creek Trailhead a little after 6 and headed toward Spruce Peak.

Groom Creek saw two or three dozen deer as the sun rose through the pines. Shady and cool. North side of the GCL is prettier and steeper than the south. Spruce Peak doesn't take long. Not quite fire season yet, LO was locked and unoccupied. Great views for minimal effort. Groom Creek down Spruce Ridge is a real nice walk. Great pine cover and cool. Lots of turkeys fussing down the slopes.

Isabella Trail saw my first hiker of the day. Headed down into Potato Patch. What a neat little community. Hasayampa River had a light flow, Lake was full up and spilling over the huge dam on the west side. Hasayampa Lake, like most things in this part of Bradshaws, is private property, with houses built right onto the north shore. Down the road to Senator and added some distance in my indecision about Senator Falls. Skipped it and looked it up when I got home to find it ain't much.

Went up Senator trying to find a spot to leave the road and start the off trail work to Tritle. Route took me to an overgrown section I wanted nothing to do with. Headed farther up the road, and I've never seen so many private property signs. Lots of commercial and residential property on Mount Tritle. It would seem the only legal way to the summit is via FR52b. Alas, the last switchback of Senator revealed a perfect drainage up, marked with Private property signs on either side. Thought about Amethyst Peak and all the unlawful motherlodes. Headed up the drainage. There is one house on the mountain that way, but I stayed north as possible to keep away from the property.

Tritle has great views north and maybe the best views west of the four peaks. 52b is rocky. Had my first ankle roll coming down the peak around mile 11. Splinted and decided to finish and worry about it later. More road walking and interesting properties that no one seems to live in.

Saw two bikers on Poland Road once I turned toward Mount Union. Shady under the pines. Stopped at a spot on the road to Union to look north before the peak and at the gate to Paco's House. Summit views from Union are huge. Tower unoccupied, will have to go back. Didn't take much of a break to avoid my ankle swelling and stiffening.

Over to Davis in no time. Saw my second hiker on Yankee Doodle. Davis is an easy traverse, minimal bushwhacking. Made the stop over to the bald peak to the north. Best views and best break spot of the day. Made my way back to the Dandrea trail instead of taking the ridge down in order to see more of the trail.

Wish I hadn't, Dandreas's a chore. It's an old mining two track with terrible tread. It's more or less a river of apple-sized rocks. Gave my splinted ankle its second roll of the day around mile 19. Limped my way into Potato Patch. Sat down in the shade at Isabella and considered trying to hitch-hike down to Groom Creek. Ankle felt a little better, so I just went for it.

Longest 5.5 miles I've ever walked. Isabella wasn't too bad, but the slight downhill on Groom Creek had me at my limit. Cussed and whimpered my way back to the car. Passed two hikers on Groom Creek. Wolf Creek had a good flow, figure the falls down the creek will be worthwhile for a few more days before drying up.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Granite Mountain Little Granite Mountain

2 archives

Apr 06 2020

Peter_Medal

Guides 9
Routes 128
Photos 1,379
Triplogs 87

54 male

Joined Feb 19 2013
Prescott, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Apr 06 2020
		Peter_Medal • Triplogs 87

Hiking	3.30 Miles	632 AEG

Hiking	3.30 Miles	1 Hour 4 Mns	3.09 mph
	632 ft AEG

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

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

Mixing up daily walk, jog, trail run

_____________________

"Before there was a trail..... there was no trail"

Apr 25 2019

DixieFlyer

Guides 99
Routes 1,484
Photos 16,072
Triplogs 1,374

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Bradshaw Mountains Trifecta, AZ

Hiking		Apr 25 2019
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,374

Hiking	14.70 Miles	3,287 AEG

Hiking	14.70 Miles	7 Hrs 22 Mns	2.63 mph
	3,287 ft AEG	1 Hour 47 Mns Break

Linked

6 linked trail guides

Mount Tritle via FR 52B

Mount Tritle

Partners

none

no partners

Union, Davis, and Tritle have been on my radar screen for a while, so Tracie and I decided to go out and check these 3 off of our list. I did a loop that was patterned after the Union-Davis-Tritle-Spruce Superfecta hike that Joe, Tortoise_Hiker, wallyfrack, BiFrost, and The_Eagle did on 9-15-2018. However I did not do nearly as much off-trail hiking as they did, likely costing myself a "medal".

We did the loop CCW, and went to Tritle then Union then Davis. I'd guess that 75% of the hike was on forest roads; 20% on hiking trails; and 5% off-trail. The amount of forest road hiking that we did was much more than I care for. If I did the hike again I would do it CW, and when I got up to Tritle, I'd descend off-trail on the NE side rather than looping back around on Road 52B. This would shorten the hike and cut out some of the forest road hiking.

My favorite part of the hike was the offtrail hike up to Davis. This was about an easy an offtrail hike that you can do.

We saw 2 deer and a large, plump turkey on the hike.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark

_____________________

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

1 archive

Feb 07 2019

kelly14

Routes 92
Photos 885
Triplogs 160

30 male

Joined Sep 27 2015
Phoenix

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Feb 07 2019
		kelly14 • Triplogs 160

Hiking	4.35 Miles	1,176 AEG

Hiking	4.35 Miles	2 Hrs 36 Mns	2.04 mph
	1,176 ft AEG	28 Mns Break

Linked

linked