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Vaquero Trail - MSPN - 6 members in 23 triplogs have rated this an average 2.3 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2  Next
23 triplogs
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Jun 14 2025
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 Guides 27
 Routes 669
 Photos 12,096
 Triplogs 856

56 male
 Joined Jul 05 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Upper Ranch Trail - MSPNPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 14 2025
DarthStillerTriplogs 856
Hiking13.42 Miles 862 AEG
Hiking13.42 Miles   4 Hrs   54 Mns   2.74 mph
862 ft AEG
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
did a counter clockwise loop from the Brown's Ranch TH with a side trip over to the new interpretive trail at Brown's Ranch, which is pretty cool. I've walked through that area before, but it's nice to have the info that shows and explains what you're looking at.

From there the loop was Buckshot, High Desert, Cholla Mtn loop, Watershed, Maverick, Vaquero and Chuckwagon Trails. The early start and higher elevation up there made it a little cooler than in Phoenix, so it wasn't the scorching heat that we'll have soon enough.

Not too much traffic on the trails. Mostly bikers, one trail runner. Less traffic as the morning wore on and the temperature started to heat up. No wildlife, spotted two more saguaros that have crested arms.
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  1 archive
Jan 08 2024
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Vaquero Trail - MSPNPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 08 2024
mt98dewTriplogs 2,387
Hiking4.03 Miles 230 AEG
Hiking4.03 Miles      46 Mns   5.26 mph
230 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Morning hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Wanted to do a loop involving the Vaquero. Started from the Brown Ranch TH. Went in on Brown Ranch Trail to Vaquero to 118th st trail to Latigo. Decent loop. About a 1 mile for each trail. This was actually a little shorter than I anticipated. The drive out took longer than the hike. Still, I love these trails! Chilly out, but I was still sweating at the end. No wildlife. Encountered 1 runner.
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  1 archive
Dec 09 2022
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 Routes 144
 Photos 1,145
 Triplogs 1,238

77 male
 Joined Sep 09 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Vaquero Trail - MSPNPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 09 2022
Sun_RayTriplogs 1,238
Hiking3.36 Miles 112 AEG
Hiking3.36 Miles
112 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Joined 22 Stewards in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve for a walk about to learn how to read a trail. It was sponsored by the Construction and maintenance group. We learned about trail construction, maintenance, burms, ruts, drain diversion and runoff grades. Covered parts of Vaquero and Chuckwagon trails out of the Browns Ranch Trailhead.
_____________________
Brian
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday......there is no SOMEDAY!
  2 archives
May 21 2021
avatar

 Routes 36
 Photos 2,658
 Triplogs 1,347

67 male
 Joined Jul 28 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Latigo Trail - MSPNPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar May 21 2021
mazatzalTriplogs 1,347
Hiking9.00 Miles 900 AEG
Hiking9.00 Miles   4 Hrs      2.51 mph
900 ft AEG      25 Mns Break
 
Latigo :next: Rustler :next: Upper ranch :next: Wrangler :next: Vaquero :next: Watershed :next: Maverick :next: Cholla Mtn loop :next: Balanced Rock :next: Chuck Wagon :next: Brown Ranch Rd
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Jan 21 2020
avatar

 Routes 70
 Photos 3,081
 Triplogs 601

70 male
 Joined Feb 10 2019
 Cave Creek, AZ
SloFolks In the Mist, AZ 
SloFolks In the Mist, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 21 2020
LosDosSloFolksTriplogs 601
Hiking6.55 Miles 440 AEG
Hiking6.55 Miles   2 Hrs   45 Mns   2.62 mph
440 ft AEG      15 Mns Break6 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Woke up to a nice rain this morning and the weather prognosticators said it would end by 10am. We went to the MSPN Browns Ranch Trailhead at 11am and not long into our hike the cloud cover dropped down to about 100' AGL and a heavy mist started. It was not too bad to hike in and it gave the desert quite a beautiful look.

As soon as we got about 3 miles out the temps dropped 20 degrees and the mist turned into a wind driven light rain. I had a waterproof top on but soon we were pretty well wet and cold. We took cover under a rock ledge outcropping to eat and dry off a little. On the ground were maybe six metates ground into the bedrock. The Hohokam people apparently used this shelter 800 years ago to grind mesquite beans out of the sun.

This northern section of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is huge. We've hiked up here from two of the four trailheads on many occasions and have only scratched the surface of the plethora of trails provided. The tread has been in superb shape on every trail we've been on. The whole area is granite so the trails are nice and sticky.

As we made our way back towards our car we had to pass under the high tension power lines which parallel a dirt road near the trailhead. The 100% humidity and rain had the lines buzzing so loud it was spooky. The buzz was so loud it was echoing off of the wet ground and bushes at our feet. Cathy made the sign of the cross and we double timed it under the wires. :)
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Phainopepla
_____________________
"If you wait, all that happens is you get older"
 
Nov 09 2019
avatar

 Routes 144
 Photos 1,145
 Triplogs 1,238

77 male
 Joined Sep 09 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Latigo Trail Loop, AZ 
Latigo Trail Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 09 2019
Sun_RayTriplogs 1,238
Hiking5.03 Miles 291 AEG
Hiking5.03 Miles   1 Hour   48 Mns   2.93 mph
291 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
With Judy and Kai this morning at Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Brown’s Ranch TH. Browns Ranch Road - Vaquero - Whisky Bottle - Latigo. Saw Chris’s ride with HAZ decal and lots of Steeler stuff in the first parking stall so he must have gotten an early start. Could not have asked for better weather this morning.
_____________________
Brian
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday......there is no SOMEDAY!
  3 archives
Jan 17 2019
avatar

 Routes 36
 Photos 2,658
 Triplogs 1,347

67 male
 Joined Jul 28 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Latigo Trail - MSPNPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 17 2019
mazatzalTriplogs 1,347
Hiking9.00 Miles 840 AEG
Hiking9.00 Miles   3 Hrs   10 Mns   3.18 mph
840 ft AEG      20 Mns Break
 
Loop in MSPN:
Latigo - Hackamore - Rustler - Wrangler - Vaquero - Power - Watershed - Maverick - Cholla Mtn loop - Balanced Rock - Chuck Wagon - Browns Ranch Rd
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
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Jan 14 2018
avatar

 Routes 36
 Photos 2,658
 Triplogs 1,347

67 male
 Joined Jul 28 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
MSPN loop, AZ 
MSPN loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 14 2018
mazatzalTriplogs 1,347
Hiking9.50 Miles 1,030 AEG
Hiking9.50 Miles   4 Hrs   20 Mns   2.53 mph
1,030 ft AEG      35 Mns Break
 no routes
MSP North figure eight.

Hackamore Tr :next: Rustler Tr :next: Wrangler Tr :next: Vaquero Tr :next: Watershed Tr :next: Maverick Tr :next: Cholla Mtn Loop Tr :next: Dry Gulch Tr :next: Corral Tr :next: Brown’s Ranch Rd :next: Upper Ranch Tr

Saw a swarm of bees about 20 yards away along Corral :scared:
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Jan 29 2017
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 Routes 36
 Photos 2,658
 Triplogs 1,347

67 male
 Joined Jul 28 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
McDowell Preserve North, AZ 
McDowell Preserve North, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 29 2017
mazatzalTriplogs 1,347
Hiking11.00 Miles 1,080 AEG
Hiking11.00 Miles   4 Hrs   55 Mns   2.44 mph
1,080 ft AEG      25 Mns Break
 
We were short on time today due to other commitments so we did a loop in MSPN :lol:
Whiskey Bottle - Latino - 118th St - Vaquero - Maverick - Watershed - Cholla Mtn Loop - Chuck aagon - Powerline - Yucca - Dixeleta - Service Rd #4 - Black Hill
Saw 4 deer :)
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Mule Deer
_____________________
  2 archives
Jan 17 2017
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 Photos 5,768
 Triplogs 259

59 female
 Joined Jan 04 2012
 scottsdale, AZ
Brown's Ranch Road Trail - MSPNPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 17 2017
New2hykTriplogs 259
Hiking4.50 Miles 128 AEG
Hiking4.50 Miles
128 ft AEG20 LBS Pack
 no routes
Partners none no partners
Went on botany hike with our botanist steve jones. Lot of stewards and public were in the group. Total of 51 showed up :D . Very popular :D among stewards and nonstewards. I learned a lot. Day was a bit cloudy but very comfortable temps. Amazing hike overall :y:
I learned that APS buried lines under 118th st and revegetated with non native desert plants.
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  1 archive
Oct 19 2016
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 Routes 144
 Photos 1,145
 Triplogs 1,238

77 male
 Joined Sep 09 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Latigo Trail - MSPNPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 19 2016
Sun_RayTriplogs 1,238
Hiking5.20 Miles 210 AEG
Hiking5.20 Miles   1 Hour   50 Mns   3.00 mph
210 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 no routes
Partners none no partners
After trailhead host duties at Brown's Ranch from 7-9 AM I hiked the following: Latigo-Whiskey Bottle-Powerline-Vaquero-Brown's Ranch Road.
_____________________
Brian
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday......there is no SOMEDAY!
 
Jan 24 2016
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 Guides 11
 Routes 2
 Photos 3,776
 Triplogs 334

48 male
 Joined Jun 09 2009
 Mesa, AZ
Brown's Ranch Road Trail - MSPNPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Mtn Biking avatar Jan 24 2016
cw50mustTriplogs 334
Mtn Biking8.20 Miles 469 AEG
Mtn Biking8.20 Miles
469 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Introduced the trails at Brown's Ranch to my girlfriend. We hit up amphitheater and balanced rock on our ride.
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  1 archive
Jan 24 2016
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 Routes 36
 Photos 2,658
 Triplogs 1,347

67 male
 Joined Jul 28 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Another meander in MSPN, AZ 
Another meander in MSPN, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 24 2016
mazatzalTriplogs 1,347
Hiking9.90 Miles 656 AEG
Hiking9.90 Miles   4 Hrs   40 Mns   2.38 mph
656 ft AEG      30 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Headed back to McDowell Sonoran Preserve North :roll: Did a couple of loops. Stumbled across what I think is the Granite Azimuth Mark about 2 miles from Granite Benchmark :o

Hackamore Tr :next: Rustler Tr :next: Wrangler Tr :next: Vaquero Tr :next: Watershed Tr :next: Maverick Tr :next: Cholla Mtn Loop Tr :next: Dry Gulch Tr :next: Corral Tr :next: Brown’s Ranch Rd :next: Upper Ranch Tr :next: Cone Mtn Tr :next: Upper Ranch Tr
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Azimuth Mark
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  2 archives
Nov 21 2015
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 Guides 31
 Routes 135
 Photos 2,699
 Triplogs 615

52 female
 Joined Apr 02 2007
 Scottsdale, AZ
Brown's Ranch Road Trail - MSPNPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 21 2015
Crzy4AZTriplogs 615
Hiking6.70 Miles 200 AEG
Hiking6.70 Miles   3 Hrs   5 Mns   2.68 mph
200 ft AEG      35 Mns Break
 
This was a MSC Steward only fundraising hike for the Conservancy. Caroline and I hiked together and raised $700 from 25 donors! Advertising for the event encouraged hiking crazy hat or costume - - so of course Caroline and I both got our capes on and Wonder Woman gear. However we were the only ones in the hike or bike category that dressed up. Our capes had shredded edges by the end of the hike with all the cactus and wind combo.

Stopped for a break at Cathedral Rock and also went up to the Amphitheatre. Paul Staker led the hike - he is chair of MSC leadership team - was great to chat about goings on with him as I have missed a few CLT meetings with house move. Those CLT meetings are where you learn all the good stuff - real deal advance info from City personnel and MSC board, etc.

Proud of Caroline for raising so much money - helping me make the letter to ask for donations - talking to her friends' parents - and writing thank you notes to all our donors. Good life lessons there about volunteering and protecting land from development.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Brown's Mountain - Scottsdale MSP
_____________________
 
Mar 04 2015
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 Photos 5,768
 Triplogs 259

59 female
 Joined Jan 04 2012
 scottsdale, AZ
Maverick Trail - MSPNPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 04 2015
New2hykTriplogs 259
Hiking6.00 Miles 300 AEG
Hiking6.00 Miles
300 ft AEG10 LBS Pack
 no routes
Trying to balance gardening with hiking this month. Glad I can do some hiking today.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
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  1 archive
Feb 09 2015
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Fraesfield Mountain, AZ 
Fraesfield Mountain, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 09 2015
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking9.33 Miles 847 AEG
Hiking9.33 Miles   3 Hrs   2 Mns   3.25 mph
847 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 
1st trip
today's hike was a mash up of a few other haz member ideas
flying_fliver has a summit of fraesfield peak, which according to the northern region map, is the fifth highest:
granite mountain 3526
cholla mountain 3406
brown's mountain 3253
cone mountain 3061
fraesfield mountain 3055
i've been on top of the other four, so thought this one would be fun
have recently enjoyed triplogs from sunray, crazy4az and neilends who have or are trying to complete all the trails up here
first time hiking from fraesfield trailhead
whiskey bottle trail, off trail to the peak, back on whiskey bottle
did a loop of watershed, maverick and vaquero
powerline road to yucca, then back on whiskey bottle
did the full length of whiskey bottle, maverick and yucca
a peak and three new trails made for an interesting hike
fraesfield mountain is easy off trail, only about a quarter mile and 400 feet up
something different, although i like the trails originating from 136th better (terrain with boulders)
will most likely do a trail run on some of the others next time
nice day, pleasant hike in pretty desert :)
*posted my route in case hikebot is missing anything
_____________________
hazhole
  1 archive
Feb 07 2015
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 Photos 5,768
 Triplogs 259

59 female
 Joined Jan 04 2012
 scottsdale, AZ
Vaquero Trail - MSPNPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 07 2015
New2hykTriplogs 259
Hiking5.70 Miles 200 AEG
Hiking5.70 Miles
200 ft AEG10 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Clockwise loop using vaquero-whiskey bottle-latigo. Weather was great. Sunny and 80s. Can't believe this is February. :y:
Cardinals are singing today. Saw 2 hunting parties of Harris hawks. Overall a great hike.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Aircraft
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Moon
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
 
Jan 01 2015
avatar

 Routes 36
 Photos 2,658
 Triplogs 1,347

67 male
 Joined Jul 28 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
McDowell Sonoran Preserve North Region, AZ 
McDowell Sonoran Preserve North Region, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 01 2015
mazatzalTriplogs 1,347
Hiking11.70 Miles 1,650 AEG
Hiking11.70 Miles   5 Hrs   20 Mns   2.46 mph
1,650 ft AEG      35 Mns Break
 no routes
Wow! We headed out to MSP North to check out the white stuff :y: there was quite a bit on the flora and boulders but it was all gone by about noon. It was cold and fairly quiet perhaps the two were related? (30 at the start and 36 at the end)

Hackamore Tr :next: Rustler Tr :next: Wrangler Tr :next: Vaquero Tr :next: Watershed Tr :next: Maverick Tr :next: Cholla Mtn Loop Tr :next: Dry Gulch Tr :next: Corral Tr :next: Brown’s Ranch Rd :next: Upper Ranch Tr :next: Cone Mtn Tr :next: Upper Ranch Tr
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Barrel Cactus
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Brown's Mountain - Scottsdale MSP
_____________________
  1 archive
Nov 29 2014
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 Routes 36
 Photos 2,658
 Triplogs 1,347

67 male
 Joined Jul 28 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
McDowell Sonoran Preserve North, AZ 
McDowell Sonoran Preserve North, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 29 2014
mazatzalTriplogs 1,347
Hiking8.00 Miles 800 AEG
Hiking8.00 Miles   3 Hrs   30 Mns   2.59 mph
800 ft AEG      25 Mns Break
 no routes
Easy to make a loop at short notice out here :)

Brown's Ranch TH :next: Latigo :next: 118th :next: Vaquero :next: Brown's Ranch :next: Upper Ranch :next: Cone Mtn :next: Hackamore :next: Brown's Ranch TH
_____________________
  3 archives
Oct 10 2014
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 Guides 31
 Routes 135
 Photos 2,699
 Triplogs 615

52 female
 Joined Apr 02 2007
 Scottsdale, AZ
Maverick to Amphitheater loop MSP, AZ 
Maverick to Amphitheater loop MSP, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 10 2014
Crzy4AZTriplogs 615
Hiking4.35 Miles 235 AEG
Hiking4.35 Miles
235 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Friday off work - exploring loop options around Brown's Ranch.

Maverick to marker MV2 - cuts back to Cholla Mountain Loop trail - then up to the Amphitheater spur and back around to Brown's Ranch trailhead via Watershed and Vaquero
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Granite Mountain - MSP
_____________________
 
average hiking speed 2.63 mph
1, 2  Next

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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