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Homestead Trail #305 - 16 members in 46 triplogs have rated this an average 3.1 ( 1 to 5 best )
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46 triplogs
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Jul 19 2025
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 Guides 3
 Routes 632
 Photos 8,235
 Triplogs 604

54 male
 Joined Apr 13 2011
 Gilbert, AZ
Lynx Lake Area Explore, AZ 
Lynx Lake Area Explore, AZ
 
Run/Jog avatar Jul 19 2025
ddgrunningTriplogs 604
Run/Jog8.85 Miles 852 AEG
Run/Jog8.85 Miles   2 Hrs   15 Mns   4.35 mph
852 ft AEG      13 Mns Break
 
1st trip
A little early morning trail run to explore the Lynx Lake area, while camping there for a family reunion. The lake is more of a pond right now. Apparently, a mechanical failure with an outlet valve caused the lake to drain, and then they had to drain it more in order to fix the problem. We will need some good winter snow and solid monsoon rain seasons to get it back to its former glory.

We still kayaked/paddleboarded and "swam" but the existing shoreline is pretty muddy. Not nearly as scenic as when it is full.
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Jul 19 2025
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 Guides 3
 Routes 632
 Photos 8,235
 Triplogs 604

54 male
 Joined Apr 13 2011
 Gilbert, AZ
Homestead-Highlands Combo, AZ 
Homestead-Highlands Combo, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 19 2025
ddgrunningTriplogs 604
Hiking2.55 Miles 252 AEG
Hiking2.55 Miles   1 Hour   23 Mns   1.94 mph
252 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
After exploring the area on an early morning trail run, I convinced several in our family reunion group who were camping in the area of Lynx Lake to hike from our campsite over to the Nature Preserve. It was an easy and fun hike with a good destination. Those who were not interested in hiking drove to the Preserve and shuttled us all back, which was a good thing because the skies opened up for an unexpected 1-hour downpour that soaked the area.
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  1 archive
Apr 12 2025
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 Guides 3
 Routes 161
 Photos 477
 Triplogs 147

70 male
 Joined Jan 02 2016
 Prescott, AZ
Homestead Trail #305Prescott, AZ
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 12 2025
WhifferTriplogs 147
Hiking8.06 Miles 1,006 AEG
Hiking8.06 Miles   3 Hrs   33 Mns   2.28 mph
1,006 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
This route covers the south end of Homestead Trail #305, starting near an entrance to Lynx Lake campground and returning thereto. The turn around was across Walker Road at the beginning of Smith Ravine Trail #297. There was road noise from Walker Road for the first (and last) 3/4 mile and a little less descending to the turn around point. The route goes past several campgrounds, at least two of which have outhouses within view of the trail. The voices and barking dogs of campers were less of an irritation than the vehicle sounds.
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  1 archive
Sep 30 2023
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 Guides 12
 Routes 192
 Photos 863
 Triplogs 356

42 male
 Joined Nov 30 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Saddles 50, AZ 
Saddles 50, AZ
 
Run/Jog avatar Sep 30 2023
ShatteredArmTriplogs 356
Run/Jog48.00 Miles 6,644 AEG
Run/Jog48.00 Miles   14 Hrs   24 Mns   3.50 mph
6,644 ft AEG      42 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Was signed up for the 100. But due to an injury that prevented me from doing much on Labor Day weekend, I figured I'm probably in no condition to attempt that, so the primary goal was 50.

Started out early in Downtown Prescott, and basically followed 89 2.5 miles to the trail. Pleasant temps in the morning, nothing remarkable as I made my way up to Groom Creek trail 10 miles in. By then it was light out, and it was nice and cool for the climb up Spruce and down Smith Ravine.

On Homestead, it started warming up, and I realized I had basically no energy. I'll chalk that up to a quick turnaround from flying back across the country on Thursday evening... Didn't want to be struggling just 20 miles in, but you can't have it all. At least the breeze tempered the sun a little.

Ranch trail was where the misery really started. I expected the climb, having been on that trail a couple times, but I absolutely hated Badger Mountain Trail. Long, windy, exposed, with the type of switchbacks that were probably designed to ensure mountain bikers don't have to put in any effort at all. 11 miles to do what's probably a 3-4 mile drive... Hopefully I never have to see Badger Mountain Trail ever again.

Things improved a little on Sundog Trail, which I actually liked better than BM. Then Peavine, which is just...flat. By the time I got to the dells, it was 5pm, and I figured the sun would be down before I got to 50. The north side of Watson Lake was actually a lot of fun, and I liked trying to move through there as fast as possible. Probably the only part of the day that was legitimately enjoyable.

One of my friends was waiting for me at the Watson Boat Ramp with a beer, which was a nice surprise.

By the time I got to Willow, it was getting dark, and I had to use a light most of the way through there. There were also thunderstorms moving in, which was fun (they didn't get to Willow, but I heard it got a little crazy closer to Granite Mountain). I really don't recommend going through the dells in the dark, it definitely upped the difficulty a level or two.

After that section, I decided to make it official and not go for what would've probably been a last place finish. I'm starting to come around to one of my friends' views that 50 miles is a superior distance to 100.
_____________________
 
Aug 24 2023
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Prescott Lakes Tour, AZ 
Prescott Lakes Tour, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 24 2023
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking19.71 Miles 2,941 AEG
Hiking19.71 Miles   8 Hrs   26 Mns   2.59 mph
2,941 ft AEG      49 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I hooked up with the fine line between hobbyist and mental illness for one of my favorite Preskit loops.

Seven Mile Gulch Trail #9854
This is a fabulously steep motorcycle trail that oughta scare away rose garden thieves.

The tread seemed less rutted with fewer ankle-buster rocks. I suggested a tractor with a grading blade had passed over since our last visit. Bruce kicked me in the groin and called me a few names, so I picked up the pace and made his sweat sweat. The breezeless humid atmosphere had sweat trickling off my elbows.

We hiked up 2.3mi to #62. The balance 0.8mi of this trail gains a lousy 142ft to #299. We get to the same spot in 5.3mi looping down through la la land.

Ranch Trail #62
The original 2.75mi NE segment is primarily chaparral. Our loop includes the view-rific western 4.2mi created around 2013 for the PCT(Circle Trail). There are a few stellar views out of the mountains looking through therapeutic pines.

Upon reaching the Senator Hwy, we mutually agreed to omit the 2-mi out-n-back to Goldwater Lake. Bruce is pushing 70 so I pretended to be tired.

Watershed Trail #299
This is the second of the two big ascents on our loop. It has more ankle-buster rocks and a few ruts. While it wasn't as bad in that regard as I recall, it still packs a good punch of undesirable. After ascending 1.75mi/600ft you think it's over. The balance 1.75-mi is a mental and physical rollercoaster.

That said, there are good stretches through the pines, and the payoff is #297. We utilize Spruce Mountain Road through a mtn community of cabins, passing an ore cart from Midnight Test Mine en route to #297.

Smith Ravine Trail #297
This trail has changing views through steep grades. Springs are passed along the way through a large stretch of pines. There is little not to like considering we descend it and reap the rewards.

Homestead Trail #305
Like the AZT, this trail zigzags all over the place in support of gentle backpacking. It's a nice trail with pines galore, just drags on with anticipation of the grand finale.

Lynx Recreation Trail #311 - Lake Loop
It's paved, stay away. I love it.

Synopsis
This loop will offer little joy for those seeking moderate. Albeit a breezeless sweat-fest on this day, it's a great loop with varied terrain and views for the untimid. Need more twenty-mile hikes, this one always delivers. Bruce has been babysitting a 2-year-old so I did my best to keep him sharp as a tack.
_____________________
- joe
 
Aug 24 2023
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Prescott Lake Tour, AZ 
Prescott Lake Tour, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 24 2023
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking20.33 Miles 2,949 AEG
Hiking20.33 Miles   8 Hrs   25 Mns   2.68 mph
2,949 ft AEG      49 Mns Break14 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
We've done this one numerous times, typically in August. At the multi-use trailhead, there were a handful of motorcycles getting ready to start their day. We would be passed by 3 of them climbing the Seven Mile Gulch Trail and that would be it for the day. That climb is always a sweat fest in August. I told Joe it was so bad this time, my sweat was sweating.

On the Ranch Trail, things are much nicer. It trends downhill and is much more picturesque among the tall pines. At the bottom, we made the decision to forgo the extra 2 miles round trip to visit Goldwater Lake and headed up the Watershed Trail. The dark clouds were building, but we only briefly got sprinkled on.

The highlight of this loop for me is the Smith Ravine Trail. Tall pines with a view.

The Homestead Trail roller-coasters over to the Lynx Lake, where we picked up the Lynx Recreation Trail (paved), and where we saw our only "Hikers" on the day.

Temps were in the 70s to low 80s all day, with a lot of cloud cover. It would have been nice to have a bit more of a breeze. The JBM pegged a few times but mainly held at 7.0 for most of the day.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Lynx Lake 76-100% full 76-100% full

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Smith Ravine Spring Dripping Dripping
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Sep 25 2022
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 Guides 107
 Routes 249
 Photos 2,067
 Triplogs 514

male
 Joined Nov 18 2005
 Phoenix, AZ
Smith Ravine Trail #297Prescott, AZ
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 25 2022
nonotTriplogs 514
Hiking26.80 Miles 3,000 AEG
Hiking26.80 Miles
3,000 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Enjoyed an extended weekend in Prescott National Forest.

All the trails were in good condition. I spent time fixing drainage issues on Smith Ravine Trail. Highlight of the trip was eating lunch on Spruce Mountain while deer were grazing 50 feet away.

Lots of friendly people out and about on the Lynx Lake Loop. The southern portion of the Homestead trail would make for a good backpacking trip right about now. Found a new trail to add to HAZ during my wanderings.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Lynx Lake 76-100% full 76-100% full
100% full and a healthy flow over the spillway

dry Smith Ravine Spring Dry Dry
appeared dry though there was water in about every other drainage
_____________________
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!
 
Aug 14 2022
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 Guides 12
 Routes 192
 Photos 863
 Triplogs 356

42 male
 Joined Nov 30 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
North Spruce loop, AZ 
North Spruce loop, AZ
 
Run/Jog avatar Aug 14 2022
ShatteredArmTriplogs 356
Run/Jog18.95 Miles 2,495 AEG
Run/Jog18.95 Miles   5 Hrs   6 Mns   3.75 mph
2,495 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
One of those "just have to get the miles" days. Thought of a decent loop option in Prescott, and got started at around 7:30am. Had to poop pretty bad, but the portajohn was occupied by someone who sounded like he was having quite the struggle, and it didn't sound like it was close to being resolved, so I decided to hold it in. I feel like the person struggling to hold it in has a more urgent need of a toilet than the person who can't figure out how to force it out, but I don't make the rules.

Took quite awhile before things loosened up enough to make running feel safe. The climb up Ranch Trail is very, very gradual. Nothing steep until I left the PCT and got onto the moto trail that heads towards Spruce Mtn.

Was hoping my early start would avoid any motorcycle traffic, and it did. Only saw a single pair of hikers on that stretch. When I hit the FR, storms were starting to roll in and there was thunder, which was a little surprising considering it was only 10am at this point. So I made quick work of getting to Smith Ravine and getting off the mountain. Thunder was getting closer and more frequent, so I decided to take a side trail that drops down to a road at the bottom of the ravine. Turns out this was private property, but it was only posted on the opposite edge of the property. Maybe I'm lucky I didn't get shot.

Homestead trail was nice enough, or it would be if I weren't hurting at this point. It was a slow slog back to the car that never seemed to end. A little rain here and there, and the thunder didn't stop, but I avoided serious weather until the drive back down the hill.
_____________________
 
Aug 13 2022
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 Guides 2
 Routes 207
 Photos 93
 Triplogs 204

male
 Joined Aug 08 2020
 Phx az
Homestead Trail #305Prescott, AZ
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 13 2022
ScaredyCatTriplogs 204
Hiking14.99 Miles 1,998 AEG
Hiking14.99 Miles   6 Hrs   33 Mns   2.48 mph
1,998 ft AEG      31 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Many road crossings + several campsites. Veered from trail to check out lynx lake. Too close to humans so no wildlife sightings. Overall fairly easy but we were both fatigued toward the end.
 
Apr 16 2022
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 Guides 3
 Routes 161
 Photos 477
 Triplogs 147

70 male
 Joined Jan 02 2016
 Prescott, AZ
Homestead Trail #305 South End, AZ 
Homestead Trail #305 South End, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 16 2022
WhifferTriplogs 147
Hiking10.72 Miles 1,230 AEG
Hiking10.72 Miles   3 Hrs   37 Mns   3.30 mph
1,230 ft AEG      22 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
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Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Homestead Trail #305 is 7 miles according to the guide and hiking from one end to the other and back (14 miles) is more than I usually hike on Saturday morning. In mid-March 2022 parking at the trailhead in the guide at the north end of trail, was closed. I had hiked the north end to Hilltop Campground before the trailhead was closed, so l drove to the Smith Ravine trailhead, across Walker Road from the south end of Homestead Trail and hiked north to the Lynx Creek Ruin Trailhead.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Very few, mostly near start/end
_____________________
 
Oct 18 2021
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 Guides 13
 Routes 38
 Photos 1,651
 Triplogs 577

60 male
 Joined Nov 15 2005
 Jackson, CA
Smith Ravine Trail #297Prescott, AZ
Prescott, AZ
Mtn Biking avatar Oct 18 2021
toddakTriplogs 577
Mtn Biking
Mtn Biking
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners partners
t282828
Quality mtn bike ride (downhill direction of course)
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  1 archive
Oct 08 2021
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 Guides 13
 Routes 38
 Photos 1,651
 Triplogs 577

60 male
 Joined Nov 15 2005
 Jackson, CA
Seven Mile Gulch Trail #9854Prescott, AZ
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 08 2021
toddakTriplogs 577
Hiking23.00 Miles 3,500 AEG
Hiking23.00 Miles   9 Hrs      2.56 mph
3,500 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Yet another @The_Eagle / @joebartels quality mashup route they did a couple weeks ago, linking primo singletracks with tolerable two-tracks.
_____________________
 
Sep 25 2021
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Prescott Lakes Tour, AZ 
Prescott Lakes Tour, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 25 2021
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking24.15 Miles 3,564 AEG
Hiking24.15 Miles   9 Hrs   33 Mns   2.74 mph
3,564 ft AEG      45 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Seven Mile Gulch Trail #9854
Starting temps put the last 6 months to shame. About 3 minutes up we passed new signage for Hoot Owl #745. Minutes later, babbling up a storm we missed a turn. Bruce wanted to check it out and who am I to argue when he wants to add mileage to the 21.4-mile plan. 1.4 miles later we were sensibly back to the missed turn. We've hiked a variation of this loop several times. Albeit humid we both agreed it was nice not to be baking for once. Crane flies swarmed us for the ascent. Per usual, the dizzy drunken flies just bump without harm.

Ranch Trail #62
2.25-mi up #9854 we turned onto #62 for its upper 4-mile stretch. Lots of tall pines in the first 2-miles heading west. This wraps around the northern end of the Bradshaw range with views over Prescott and ends dropping down to the Watershed TH along the Senator Highway.

Goldwater Lakes Trail #396
After crossing the Hwy it was 1.25 miles down to the lake. You can reach the lake 0.3 miles quicker but we opted for a shorter return after following the southern shore Banning Creek Trail. With summer out of the books and overcast, it wasn't very busy. Looks like they've been busy adding benches galore.

Watershed Trail #299
Back up to the Watershed TH, we took #299 up to the ridge in search of a lunch spot. Nearly a month ago, Bruce clued me in on the Klymit V-Seat inflatable seat cushion deal. They are super butt comfy! A storm drifted in, so we ate quickly and boogied onward. We got lucky, the storm didn't linger.

Spruce Mountain Road
This bridges the loop through an occupied belt of cabins with no trespassing signage galore and a few lonely fenced-in dogs seeking attention/blood. The Midnight Mine ore cart is the anticipated highlight.

Smith Ravine Trail #297
The death star busted through like a champ on our descent. We enjoyed a break that lasted longer than lunch heading down. Naturally, Bruce one-upped me with a larger seat cushion. An inflatable recliner by Christmas wouldn't surprise me.

Homestead Trail #305
This parallels Walker Rd to Lynx Lake. We shared the trail with a chic out walking her dogs.

Lynx Recreation Trail #311 - Lake Loop
Many HAZr's would probably avoid this, but I'm a big fan of this trail. It's always busy. Like the other little Prescott lakes, it's almost always a family atmosphere. With 24-mi within reach, Bruce found a way to make it happen.

Synopsis
When Bruce first put this loop out years ago I cringed my nose. It's turned into one of my favorites. Well over a third, possibly half is through or along tall pines. The icing on the cake today was my first 24 miler since @LindaAnn & @Tortoise_Hiker's 30-miler on Baldy! 5k / 24mi used to be my acceptance to worthy... lol
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
hints, yeah baby!
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
nothing to write home about but a large enough stretch of insignificant yellows to not be forgotten
_____________________
- joe
 
Sep 25 2021
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Prescott Lakes Loop, AZ 
Prescott Lakes Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 25 2021
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking25.24 Miles 3,475 AEG
Hiking25.24 Miles   9 Hrs   35 Mns   2.85 mph
3,475 ft AEG      43 Mns Break14 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
We've done variations of this loop multiple times and it'll be done again.

Seven Mile Gulch Trail is my least favorite. When it's warm or sunny, it's a sweat feast. On this day it was in the 50's and cloudy, but still sweaty. We took a wrong turn and thought it might work out until we decided to back track. This is a multi-use trail that we've never seen anyone on.

Ranch Trail is a jem. Pleasant grades, good views and smooth trails. You will almost always run into hikers or MTB'rs.

We expected to see people on the Goldwater Lakes Trail. Families enjoying the day, hikers, bikers and kayakers. The sprinkles stared for the day.

Watershed Trail is another multi-use trail. We saw noone on the entire length of this trail. The upper east TH has been rerouted since last year. We had a quick 11 minute lunch in high winds, rain and what felt like 45 degree temps, each huddled under our umbrellas. We had to get moving to get some warmth back.

We took our road walk up Spruch Mountain Rd to get on the Smith Ravine Trail. This is another favorite. Tall pines, shade and nice trail tread. The sun finally made an appearance so we finished our lunch break here.

Homestead Trail is a pleasant gentle roller coaster making your way over to Lynx Lake.

The expected dog walkers were abundant on the Lxnx Recreation Trail. Good views of the now calm lake.

We hit part of the Salida Gulch Long Loop and the Highlands Trail to finish things off. Other than the lunchtime squall, perfect weather.

No @Hansenaz was spotted in the Lynx Lake/Creek area
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Lynx Lake
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Deer Lick Spring Dripping Dripping
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Lynx Lake 76-100% full 76-100% full

dry Sevenmile Tank Dry Dry
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Upper Goldwater Lake 76-100% full 76-100% full
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Jul 24 2021
avatar

 Guides 12
 Routes 192
 Photos 863
 Triplogs 356

42 male
 Joined Nov 30 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Salida / Sevenmile / Ranch loop, AZ 
Salida / Sevenmile / Ranch loop, AZ
 
Run/Jog avatar Jul 24 2021
ShatteredArmTriplogs 356
Run/Jog14.81 Miles 1,732 AEG
Run/Jog14.81 Miles   3 Hrs   4 Mns   4.83 mph
1,732 ft AEG
 
no photosets
1st trip
Kind of a last minute plan, decided after I woke up to head to Prescott. Had the Salida Gulch area on the mind, and saw some maps suggesting Sevenmile Gulch could potentially allow for a bigger loop. Didn't really have a plan or do any research, though. Got to Ranch TH and jogged down to Lynx Ruin TH, then followed the road to Salida Gulch TH. Followed the trail up the bottom of the drainage to the spring, then found the junction for the connector down to Lynx Lake. Didn't know if this was an actual trail or just a line on a map, but since it was marked, I took it.

Got to the lake, now headed back toward the car, and decided I have enough energy for a diversion, so I headed through the culvert under Walker Rd to Sevenmile TH, and headed up. Didn't know this trail system allows motor vehicles, but only saw two motorcycles on trail so NBD. Lots of motorcycle trails heading off every which way, so didn't know if I was on the right trail, but figured eventually I'd hit the circle trail if I kept heading west. After a steep climb out of the gulch, hit a T junction, and headed north. After about a half mile I came upon the Ranch Trail connector.

Ranch Trail was a lot longer than I would've liked, but at this point I at least knew that this would bring me back to the TH, so that was nice.

Weather was good, just a few sprinkles while on the ranch/circle trail, and about as temperate as one can expect this time of year.
_____________________
 
Jan 15 2021
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 Guides 2
 Routes 2
 Photos 774
 Triplogs 70

66 male
 Joined Dec 02 2020
 Phoenix, AZ
Red Mountain Trail #43 - Prescott NFPrescott, AZ
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 15 2021
TheHikingGolferTriplogs 70
Hiking6.52 Miles 1,149 AEG
Hiking6.52 Miles   3 Hrs   30 Mns   1.86 mph
1,149 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Left home 6:00am, at Green Gulch TH 7:40am. No problems finding the trailhead, it's pretty straightforward. Coming from Phx, turn left at the stoplight on Kachina Place off AZ 69. Follow to the T intersection, turn left and then a quick right. Go 3 miles to the trailhead.

Cool to start (40 degrees) with a light breeze. I'd prepared for cooler temps by taking a knit hat, thermal bottoms, vest sweater, fleece and windbreaker. Started with all except the thermals. Very nice sunrise, as many are. From the TH take Charcoal Gulch trail #9419. It's a bit rocky, but that's just the beginning. At about 0.9 miles you'll see a signpost for Trail #43 on the right. It's on top of a berm between #9419 and #43. Follow the road for #43 for a short distance and you'll see another signpost. From here you begin to get into a more wooded area in the gulch. Shortly after a mile you'll see a wire fence on the left, which you follow and gradually begin to climb. You'll go through a gate at about 1.3 miles. Once you start climbing at about 1.5 miles, the rocks get looser. This continues until you reach another gate at 2.2 miles. The views toward Prescott Valley are wonderful. I went another .3 miles to Trail Tank, where there was a little bit of snow left in the tank. Returned carefully downhill along the same route. Never saw anyone until I was almost back to the car, where I ran into 6 people.

Seeing it was near lunch, I stopped at Lucky's BBQ at Kachina Place and AZ 69. Got their pulled pork sandwich with a side of potato salad along with spicy BBQ sauce.

I wanted to explore a little of the Lynx Lake area. Didn't see much of interest around North/South shores, so headed back and found the Homestead Trail #305. Parked just off the main road and started along the trail. It winds for .7 miles through pine and other trees. A gentle walk. Saw another small patch of snow on a north-facing slope. Also ran into a man and his puppy. Loved the smell of the pine trees!
 
Oct 14 2020
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 Guides 1
 Routes 447
 Photos 4,407
 Triplogs 938

68 male
 Joined Mar 09 2012
 Gilbert, AZ
Homestead Trail #305, AZ 
Homestead Trail #305, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 14 2020
rayhustonTriplogs 938
Hiking2.93 Miles 428 AEG
Hiking2.93 Miles   1 Hour   12 Mns   2.66 mph
428 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
A friend and I were visiting a mutual friend in Prescott and decided to take in some pines while we were up there. We hiked out from the south end of the Homestead trail for about a mile and a half before turning around.
Very enjoyable segment. Good trail, gorgeous morning.
We saw several mountain bikers on the trail but no hikers.
_____________________
 
Sep 21 2020
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 Routes 8
 Photos 2,243
 Triplogs 204

38 male
 Joined Mar 07 2009
 Colorado Springs
Lynx Lake Loop, AZ 
Lynx Lake Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 21 2020
ultrazonaTriplogs 204
Hiking5.30 Miles 566 AEG
Hiking5.30 Miles   1 Hour   46 Mns   3.00 mph
566 ft AEG
 
no photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Nice easy lasso. Could start from multiple locations.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
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May 16 2020
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Homestead Trail #305Prescott, AZ
Prescott, AZ
Hiking avatar May 16 2020
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking15.19 Miles 1,611 AEG
Hiking15.19 Miles   6 Hrs   8 Mns   2.66 mph
1,611 ft AEG      26 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Partners partners
joebartels
The_Eagle
Social distance hiking with these two is kind of like the old days. Drive yourself, stay at least 6 feet away from us, try to keep up! Whining was allowed :y: . :lol: I told Joe I was up for a 10 miler. Joe said 15 it is. :) Really it was good to see these two and get a hike in with them. It's been awhile. The trail was in great shape and made for a pleasant stroll. A little sore today as it's been awhile since I've done a 15miler. Well worth it to chit chat with these two. Catching up and Reminiscing of past hikes never gets old for me. Great, hike, weather and company! Thanks Gents, see ya in 5 months! :y:
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
May 16 2020
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Homestead - Lynx - Sevenmile, AZ 
Homestead - Lynx - Sevenmile, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 16 2020
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking16.23 Miles 1,645 AEG
Hiking16.23 Miles   6 Hrs   33 Mns   2.67 mph
1,645 ft AEG      28 Mns Break14 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
We got the turtle out of his shell to join us on this one.

First time hiking from the Ranch TH. This is used as a launch point for both hikers, runners, bikers and horseback riders. The Homestead #305 meanders through pines and oaks while crossing a few trickling creeks. We passed just a few bikers and hikers on this stretch.

The south end of Lynx Lake was bustling. We weaved our way though, at safe distances.

The eastern portion of the Lynx Loop #311 is my favorite side. It's a dirt track, with fewer people and great views of the lake.

At the Northshore parking, I split from the group to get in some new trails.

I started on Trail #445, which is neither on HAZ or the Prescott NF website. This drops into the riparian lake runoff into Sevenmile gulch. This is a lush pretty area with few people seen. This ultimately runs into the Highland Trail #442 and the the Gold Pan Trail #444. I went back upstream to explore a bit. This is an area I'd like to check out a bit more

The Lynx Ruin Trail #301 is a simple hike to get to the Ruin area. Don't do this hike for the ruin, it's not impressive in any way. Do this hike for the view from the platform vantage point of the area
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Dragonfly
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Lynx Lake 76-100% full 76-100% full
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
  3 archives
average hiking speed 2.54 mph
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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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