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Butte Creek Trail #321 - Prescott NF - 8 members in 16 triplogs have rated this an average 3.9 ( 1 to 5 best )
16 triplogs
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Sep 14 2024
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 Guides 3
 Routes 161
 Photos 477
 Triplogs 147

70 male
 Joined Jan 02 2016
 Prescott, AZ
Past Thumb Butte, AZ 
Past Thumb Butte, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 14 2024
WhifferTriplogs 147
Hiking7.37 Miles 1,131 AEG
Hiking7.37 Miles   3 Hrs   17 Mns   2.30 mph
1,131 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Starting from parking lot for Thumb Butte, take Thumb Butte Bypass #326 to Butte Connection Trail #323 to Butte Creek Trail #321 to the National Forest boundary and beyond on the City of Prescott's Butte Creek Trail which is 1.25 miles from Butte Connection Trail #323, not 1/4 miles, as indicated on the sign. On this hike I turned around before reaching the end of the City of Prescott's Butte Creek Trail, due to the increasingly steep decline of Butte Creek Trails on the way eastward and a decision to not hike back up all of the City of Prescott's Butte Creek Trail.
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Aug 24 2024
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 Guides 2
 Routes 207
 Photos 93
 Triplogs 204

male
 Joined Aug 08 2020
 Phx az
Sierra Prieta Trail #366Prescott, AZ
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 24 2024
ScaredyCatTriplogs 204
Hiking14.71 Miles 1,967 AEG
Hiking14.71 Miles   5 Hrs   14 Mns   3.05 mph
1,967 ft AEG      25 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
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
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 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 
Thumb Butte - Mt Francis Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 17 2024
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking18.73 Miles 2,535 AEG
Hiking18.73 Miles   7 Hrs   14 Mns   2.95 mph
2,535 ft AEG      53 Mns Break12 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
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.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Aspen Creek - Yavapai Light flow Light flow

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Garden Grove Creek Pools to trickle Pools to trickle
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
May 17 2024
avatar

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

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Thumb Butte - Mt Francis Loop, AZ 
Thumb Butte - Mt Francis Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 17 2024
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking19.10 Miles 2,609 AEG
Hiking19.10 Miles   7 Hrs   15 Mns   3.00 mph
2,609 ft AEG      53 Mns Break
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.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Aspen Creek Light flow Light flow

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Garden Grove Creek Pools to trickle Pools to trickle
_____________________
- joe
 
Jul 23 2022
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 Guides 3
 Routes 161
 Photos 477
 Triplogs 147

70 male
 Joined Jan 02 2016
 Prescott, AZ
Thumb Butte Loop of 7 miles, AZ 
Thumb Butte Loop of 7 miles, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 23 2022
WhifferTriplogs 147
Hiking7.10 Miles 985 AEG
Hiking7.10 Miles   2 Hrs   39 Mns   2.78 mph
985 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
A loop trail forming an elongated figure eight to the south of Thumb Butte that is shorter and easier than the Thumb Butte South Area Loop. Start from the Thumb Butte Recreation Area parking lot on Thumb Butte Trail #33 and take the first right onto Thumb Connect Trail #314. Turn left (south) onto Thumb Butte Bypass Trail #326 for a short distance before turning left onto Butte Connection Trail #323 which intersects Butte Creek Trail #321 after less than a half mile. Take Trail #321 south until it ends at Potts Creek Trail #327. Take a right turn to the west and before reaching the campsite near Thumb Butte Road, make an acute right turn onto Thumb Butte Bypass Trail #326 which has a trail marker facing the campsite and is not easily seen on this route. Return to the parking lot on Thumb Butte Bypass Trail #326. Only at shortly after the start and before the end are there views of Thumb Butte. Along much of Thumb Butte Bypass Trail #326 there are views of Granite Mountain (see photo).
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Common mullein are most prolific (see photo). On Trail #326, about halfway between Trails #322 and #323 was a handsome beargrass (see photo). Near start/end are very isolated common yarrow, purple prairie verbena, toadflax penstemon, Canada goldenrod and an unidentified plant with delicate orange flowers (see photo).
_____________________
  4 archives
May 28 2022
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Thumb Butte & Groom Creek Loops, AZ 
Thumb Butte & Groom Creek Loops, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 28 2022
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking16.81 Miles 2,717 AEG
Hiking16.81 Miles   6 Hrs   50 Mns   2.77 mph
2,717 ft AEG      46 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
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.
_____________________
- joe
 
May 28 2022
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 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 
Thumb Butte Groom Creek Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 28 2022
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking17.69 Miles 2,737 AEG
Hiking17.69 Miles   6 Hrs   50 Mns   2.89 mph
2,737 ft AEG      43 Mns Break12 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
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 🦅
 
Oct 30 2021
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 Guides 13
 Routes 38
 Photos 1,651
 Triplogs 577

60 male
 Joined Nov 15 2005
 Jackson, CA
Thumb Butte Trail #33Prescott, AZ
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 30 2021
toddakTriplogs 577
Hiking18.50 Miles 3,500 AEG
Hiking18.50 Miles   8 Hrs      2.31 mph
3,500 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
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
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 Routes 268
 Photos 2,969
 Triplogs 541

66 male
 Joined Aug 16 2009
 Mesa,AZ
Thumb Miller Loop, AZ 
Thumb Miller Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 04 2021
hikerdwTriplogs 541
Hiking11.91 Miles 1,887 AEG
Hiking11.91 Miles   4 Hrs   19 Mns   2.99 mph
1,887 ft AEG      20 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
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.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Butte Creek Light flow Light flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Miller Creek Light flow Light flow
_____________________
Expect to self rescue
 
Sep 03 2021
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 Guides 107
 Routes 249
 Photos 2,067
 Triplogs 514

male
 Joined Nov 18 2005
 Phoenix, AZ
Potts Creek Trail #327Prescott, AZ
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 03 2021
nonotTriplogs 514
Hiking11.00 Miles 1,830 AEG
Hiking11.00 Miles
1,830 ft AEG
 
Pretty nice weather for the day. As I was sitting and eating my lunch a nice sized deer came out of hiding. Need to add some trails to HAZ.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Butte Creek Medium flow Medium flow
Flowing nicely

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max 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!
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  1 archive
Mar 12 2021
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 Routes 174
 Photos 471
 Triplogs 184

51 male
 Joined Mar 16 2019
 Phoenix
Thumb Butte Loop, AZ 
Thumb Butte Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 12 2021
AugustWestTriplogs 184
Hiking7.07 Miles 1,147 AEG
Hiking7.07 Miles   2 Hrs   37 Mns   3.26 mph
1,147 ft AEG      27 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
My day started on Walker Rd. thinking I was going to go up Mt. Union today. Ha! I made it to the trailhead, but realized after post holing for a quarter mile in foot deep snow that without boots, gaiters, snow bibs, snowshoes or skis/skins it was going to be rough. Another day....

This was Plan B and it was snowy on and off, but the skies were amazing, vacilliting between sun and dark snow squalls.

Anyplace that paves a trail as steep as the trail going up Thumb Butte must be busy. I did see two hikers within a few hundred feet of the trailhead, but that was it for people all day. At the saddle I saw 3 Peregrine Falcons circling above the butte and the summit area was closed for nesting.

For the next mile the views of Granite Mountain were pretty amazing. Off towards the Sierra Prieta mountains to the west there were micro systems of heavy snow, puffy clouds and spots of sunshine. Mother nature was putting on one hell of a show today!!

The next few miles were on a system of logging roads that occasionally veered off onto trails that were immediately adjacent to the road. The entire forest had been selectively logged not too long ago, but it didn't deter from the beauty of the forest or diminish the quality of the surroundings.

I think the trail highpoint of the day was the Butte Creek Trail and the Butte Connector Trail. Both were single track and more wild than some of the road sections.

Admittedly, everything is prettier in the freshly fallen snow and it did come down hard at points during the day. Even still moving through these forest trails was not a burden like the freezing my damn feet on Dandera earlier in the day.
_____________________
Wildflower seed in the sand and wind
May the four winds blow you home again
 
Nov 02 2020
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 Guides 2
 Routes 31
 Photos 902
 Triplogs 50

male
 Joined Sep 19 2020
 Phoenix
Thumb Butte to Sierra Prieta Loop, AZ 
Thumb Butte to Sierra Prieta Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 02 2020
ScottHikaTriplogs 50
Hiking13.30 Miles 2,269 AEG
Hiking13.30 Miles
2,269 ft AEG      15 Mns Break12 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
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.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sierra Prieta  Thumb Butte Park
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Moon  Sunset
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
Gambel Oak turning to yellow
  14 archives
Sep 22 2020
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 Routes 8
 Photos 2,243
 Triplogs 204

38 male
 Joined Mar 07 2009
 Colorado Springs
Thumb Butte- Potts Creek to West Spruce Mounta, AZ 
Thumb Butte- Potts Creek to West Spruce Mounta, AZ
 
Run/Jog avatar Sep 22 2020
ultrazonaTriplogs 204
Run/Jog18.90 Miles 2,807 AEG
Run/Jog18.90 Miles   3 Hrs   27 Mns   5.59 mph
2,807 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Great running route. Lots of great views and empty trails.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
_____________________
 
Apr 20 2019
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 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 
Thumb Butte - Potts Creek to West Spruce, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 20 2019
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking17.03 Miles 3,220 AEG
Hiking17.03 Miles   7 Hrs   53 Mns   2.61 mph
3,220 ft AEG   1 Hour   22 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
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
 
Apr 20 2019
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 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 
Thumb Butte - Potts Creek to West Spruce, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 20 2019
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking17.47 Miles 3,498 AEG
Hiking17.47 Miles   7 Hrs   54 Mns   2.56 mph
3,498 ft AEG   1 Hour   5 Mns Break14 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
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
May 23 2014
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 Guides 116
 Routes 337
 Photos 11,399
 Triplogs 894

63 male
 Joined Dec 20 2010
 Sunnyslope, PHX
Thumb Butte Trail #33Prescott, AZ
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar May 23 2014
kingsnakeTriplogs 894
Hiking9.20 Miles 1,570 AEG
Hiking9.20 Miles   3 Hrs   26 Mns   2.68 mph
1,570 ft AEG
 
1st trip
There's like five Thumb Butte hike descriptions on Haz, most of which describe various connector trails. Despite that, there are even more trails -- numbered and otherwise -- out there than are listed here. I am not entirely sure what numbers we were on. Even after I post my route, it won't reveal numbers as MyTopo is mostly dashed line free.

Anyway, prescottstyle and I started off from somewhere west of the Prescott Shopping Center on Gurley St. We took a trail past several holes of the abadoned Troon golf course. And prescottstyle -- who knows an amazing amount of Prescott gossip -- filled me on who owned it, how they went broke, etc. He also knows plane models, minerals, trees, animals. Blows my mind! :)

So, we wandered up to Thumb Butte itself, but the summit is closed until July 15 due to peregrine falcon nesting. (Which, if I was Hindu, would be what I would choose to reincarenate as.) No big deal, great views of the Prescott area were had, including several peaks I plan on hiking this summer: Tritle, Maverick, Union, Davis, etc. We may even do Little and big Granite, as the anniversary of that fire is only about three weeks away. Lots of beetle damage could be seen west of town.

Prescottsyle had some beer which he shared, and at 6.0% I could actually feel the effect for about 10 minutes. :?

First four miles flew by, which is rare, and we eventually ended up finishing exactly at noon. AEG was barely noticeable.

Lots of cars heading north on 17, and *lots* of cops along 69 and 17 as well. Just on the south bound lanes, I saw five DPS between Cordes Junction and Deer Valley Rd. Guess they are getting an early start on this weekend's quota of drunks ...

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Video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/1OLO6DjSCy ... autoplay=1
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  American Robin
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average hiking speed 2.71 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.

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