Connector Trail #80 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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The_Eagle

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

Kendrick Peak Trail #22
The bottom third of #22 is a wide, ultra-flat pummeled scoria tread. Bruce put the fear of god about potential overgrowth on the connector trail to ponder en route. One deadfall, easy to avoid, and a few knee-high plants had me sweating buckets.

Pumpkin Trail #39
Albeit temporary, views descending this path magically reduce stress. Route finding doesn't draw Bruce hissyfits like #80 because gravity completes him. The short aspen section in the lower third has gained refreshing shade height/density.

Connector Trail #80
Scattered low vegetation will draw blood if not careful. I netted three insignificant scratches, six tops. About a quarter-mile on the west end is a cairn hunt; I checked RS 2 or 3 times for guidance. Nearby pine shade looks refreshing. Clockwise works well to continue along the increasing lure to lunch at the junction with #40.

Bull Basin Trail #40
Fantastic, like any trail that is a walk in the park and makes Bruce whine. The course is the most interesting of the triangular lasso loop. There is enough spaced shade and an easier overall grade vs Pumpkin to entice clockwise votes. Per usual, as much obsidian as I've seen anywhere.

Synopsis
Bruce sent his 4-year-old grandson off in a side-by-side with a chainsaw to bake cookies in the woods so we could hike. Deadfall and thorn encounters overall are forgettable. 18mi/5k at elevation in pleasant weather is tougher for myself than roasting 20mi/5k. Great to hike a quintessential Arizona summer hike with Bruce.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Oregon - grape Wood's Rose

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Point

Wildflowers Observation Light
Low-lying Wood's Rose galore is not blooming much. Beware the scratch factor and admire the hips.

No time to id the lupine, penstemon, yellows.

	Bull Spring	Dry	Dry
	No water or the signature cowpatty waft associated with the spring on this trip

_____________________

- joe

Aug 18 2025

The_Eagle

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Kendrick - Bull Basin - Pumpkin Loop, AZ

Hiking		Aug 18 2025
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	18.20 Miles	4,958 AEG

Hiking	18.20 Miles	9 Hrs 13 Mns		2.28 mph
	4,958 ft AEG	1 Hour 15 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

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joebartels

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

We were the third car in the lot, starting our hike at 8:30 a.m. in the low 60s. On our way up, we passed three women, and that was all the hikers we saw that day. This loop has been a go-to escape from the "valley oven" for us over the years.

Kendrick Peak Trail #22
This trail is still in good shape, gaining 2,400 feet in 4.5 miles to the cabin and another 0.5 miles and 300 feet of elevation gain to the peak. Access to the lookout tower is now locked to prevent further damage like what I saw in May.

Pumpkin Trail #39
This trail has some of my favorite views to the north. There is some additional deadfall that you have to navigate, but with a downloaded GPS track and some cairn searching, it's not that difficult to find your way.

Connector Trail #80
This isn't my favorite trail and is the warmest section of the hike. The trail is getting overgrown. Once again, with a track and cairn searching, it's no big deal. At the intersection with the Bull Basin Trail, we took a break and had some lunch before our final climb of the day. Temperatures reached 80 degrees in this section.

Bull Basin Trail #40
The lower third of this trail could use some deadfall removal. This deadfall continues into the areas with the new aspen growth. The trail clearing through here is holding up for the most part, with only scattered deadfall to bypass. The aspens are now tall enough to provide welcome shade for the climb. From the connector trail to the cabin is a 2,000-foot, 3.5-mile climb.

We took a break, gathered our ice-cold, cached drinks, and completed the final slog to the car. We had mostly shade all the way back.

Wildflowers Observation Light

_____________________

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

Jul 26 2025

DesertNymph

Routes 43
Photos 2,120
Triplogs 81

female

Joined Dec 09 2024

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Jul 26 2025
		DesertNymph • Triplogs 81

Hiking	12.34 Miles	3,246 AEG

Hiking	12.34 Miles	8 Hrs 23 Mns	1.52 mph
	3,246 ft AEG	15 Mns Break

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[ checklist ] Acmon Blue Butterfly Bumblebee Great Spangled Fritillary Butterfly

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Vashti

Headed up to Flag to escape the heat for a 2nd weekend in a row - slightly longer drive this time, with a bit of dirt involved. The roads were smooth, as if they were freshly graded. Parking for the traihead is a bit further down the road than was indicated on tracks that I had downloaded for reference - so as long as your vehicle can make it, continue onward until you see the trailhead sign, complete with map and information about the 2000 Pumpkin Fire.

After gathering our things and putting on our trail shoes, we set off on the Pumpkin Trail, which begins its climb shortly after leaving the trailhead. The trail is easy to follow, and quickly enters the burn area following a drainage to a saddle before skirting along a wide open cirque-like basin and the junction with the connector trail. Once on the connector, the trail tread disappears and reappears periodically in the vegetation, though routefinding is relatively straightforward with a downloaded track in hand. The route contours around the basin, heading for another saddle on the other side with views of Kendrick in the distance.

After hitting the second saddle, views of Kendrick become more prominant, and the trail drops into the upper reaches of bull basin before beginning a gradual climb to hit the junction with the Bull Basin trail. We found a nice shaded spot to grab a quick bite to eat before continuing on with our ascent.

The Bull Basin Trail was well established and mostly easy to follow (a few sections required searching for the tread and partially obscured cairns, especially in sections with deadfall) - for the most part, it's a nicely graded, gradual climb up to the kendrick fire cabin. The trails thus far have been predominantly unsheltered from sun or wind...the fire having taken all the tree cover. Eventually, the trail enters some sections thick with aspen with occasional pines interspersed. As the trail continued to climb, I realized that the large plume and cloud to the north was the Dragon Bravo Fire, which has been continuing to grow with high winds and plenty of dry fuel. Kendrick with its Fire Tower also continued to feature prominently in the views when not obscured by aspen trees.

After steadily climbing for a while, we arrived at the clearing with the Kendrick Cabin and stopped for a brief break before continuing on to the summit and the fire lookout. On the way up, we passed 4 folk heading back down via the Kendrick trail. Views from the top were wonderful - unfortunately the lookout has a couple broken windows that need tending to. After getting our photo fix in, we headed down via the Pumpkin trail.

Trail conditions were fairly good, with the trail descending steeply. There were some deadfalls that required negotiation - and a few spots where the trail was faint enough to require some work to stay on it. While the connector trail stayed low, the Pumpkin trail follows the ridgeline around the cirque basin to eventually descend to the trail junction where we split off for our lollipop loop.

We were lucky with some cloud cover and winds to keep us cool during the mostly exposed hike. The winds at times were quite strong, triggering the environmental noise warning on my watch on the descent when they were the strongest. Definitely glad that I reviewed previous trip reports to opt into doing the loop in a clockwise direction - dealing with the worst of the route finding earlier rather than later combined with the more gradual ascent was appreciated. Definitely a nice escape from the low valley heat!

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Kendrick Fire Lookout Kendrick Peak

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

Bull Spring

Dry

_____________________

Happier when hiking....I may not move fast (and I'm often distracted by wildflowers), but I'll get there eventually

Jul 26 2025

Vashti

Guides 17
Routes 297
Photos 1,808
Triplogs 276

female

Joined Mar 11 2002
Gilbert, AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Jul 26 2025
		Vashti • Triplogs 276

Hiking	12.03 Miles	3,248 AEG

Hiking	12.03 Miles	8 Hrs 21 Mns	1.63 mph
	3,248 ft AEG	59 Mns Break

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DesertNymph

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

These trails need a LOT of love. It's a little bit sad. The worst is the connector trail. The connector trail starts just past the signed junction of pumpkin trail and the connector. The trail vanishes almost immediately. The GPS track is invaluable. The tread comes and goes but for large swaths of trail there is nothing. There are quite a few large Cairns, but they are oftentimes obscured by tall grass and shrubs. The trail can be found but it isn't a trivial exercise. We didn't find it to be too difficult, it just results in slowness.

The Trailhead is easy to reach. It was a smooth 3 hour drive from the valley to the Trailhead. After leaving Parks, the roads are unpaved but in pristine condition, probably due to the multitude of houses and ranches along the way. The last road, FR149, is smaller 2 track, but still in decent shape. The parking lot has the standard 3 panel Trailhead sign, and there is room for a number of cars. There were no cars when we arrived.

Pumpkin trail starts from the Trailhead. It is easy to follow to the junction. The connector skirts around Bull Basin (at this point you can already see the Kendrick summit in the distance with the fire tower on top), slowly going up before making a drop into another valley and heading to the junction with the Bull Basin trail. We had a snack at the junction and continued on.

The Bull Basin trail is decent. There is some dead fall in places, but not too bad. Lots of old burned tree skeletons. As you head up in earnest, there is a thicket of young aspens. Hundreds and hundreds of them. You can see nothing but an Aspen tunnel for quite some time as you continue to switchback up the mountain. After gaining elevation, you dump out of the Aspen tunnel into a small flat meadow, but then it is back into the aspens for a short time before you are clear and the views return. A bit more uphill, and you are on the flat area on top. The trail passes right next to Bull spring, but we saw no water. The area is a lush meadow with lots of wildflowers. There is more dead fall to navigate in this area, but it's not terrible. A bit more uphill, and the cabin comes into view along with the Kendrick trail junction.

We had lunch at the cabin before climbing the last uphill section to the pumpkin trail junction and the fire tower. Up to then, we had seen no people at all, but after leaving the cabin and arriving at the fire tower, we saw 4 people. Kendrick is a very popular trail!

We enjoyed the views from the helipad and continued up to the fire lookout deck. I was pleasantly surprised that it was open. We enjoyed the wonderful views and signed the logbook. It was sad to see 2 broken windows in the fire lookout.

The wind was crazy at the lookout, and we started down the pumpkin trail. We were lucky previously being sheltered by the mountain, but no more. The wind gusted and roared the remainder of the time until we reached the car. The pumpkin trail is definitely less used, but still mostly easy to follow. I am glad we went up Bull Basin, as pumpkin switchbacks very steeply. There were some great wildflowers while coming down the steepest part of Kendrick. In general, there were quite a bit of wildflowers overall. It was delightful!

After descending Kendrick, the pumpkin trail levels out and heads through a meadow. There is dead fall but mostly there are workarounds. The trail is lost sometimes, but not for significant distances. The GPS track is also handy for this trail as well. Soon you reach the area above Bull Basin and you can see the trail all the way until it descends into the basin itself. It is easy to move quickly here, as there are no trees or dead fall. There is one switch back through another Aspen thicket, but maintenance was done to allow the trail to pass through. After that, down down down down to the junction with the connector trail. More down to the Trailhead. We arrived at the Trailhead to one other car besides our own, but still only saw the 4 people in the very short trail section between the cabin and lookout.

Overall, it was a bit of an adventure with trail finding and Aspen forests, but the weather was phenomenal (even with excessive wind in the back half). It was so nice to get out of the heat. And there were wildflowers for almost the entire loop length so that was a real treat! Hopefully some trail maintenance can be done soon!

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Yellow Columbine

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dusky Grouse

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Kendrick Fire Lookout

Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Flea bane, penstemon, Columbine, purple bells, and many others!

	Bull Spring	Dry	Dry

_____________________

2 archives

Jun 12 2025

John10s

Guides 25
Routes 376
Photos 5,897
Triplogs 346

40 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

Kendrick Loop and Newman Double, AZ

Hiking		Jun 12 2025
		John10s • Triplogs 346

Hiking	18.45 Miles	5,745 AEG

Hiking	18.45 Miles	6 Hrs 12 Mns	3.23 mph
	5,745 ft AEG	29 Mns Break

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[ checklist ] Bald Hill Tank East Newman Hill Kendrick Fire Lookout Kendrick Peak Newman Hill San Francisco Mountains - Kachina Peaks Wilderness

Newman Hill - Kaibab NF

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Day #1 of an extended weekend trip to Flagstaff...mostly because I'm already tired of the heat

. I was a little later leaving the valley in the morning than I'd planned, and Google Maps tried to route me through private property on the way to the trailhead, so straightening that out delayed things a little more, but I got on the trail ~8AM. This was my first time hiking Kendrick, and the plan was to (mostly) follow a Joe/Eagle 2023 loop combining Kendrick/Pumpkin/Bull Basin.

It's a steady but manageable climb over the first ~5 miles up to the peak, and I passed a few other hikers/runners going both directions. I made a quick stop at the cabin and was the only one around the lookout tower when I reached the peak. The wind had picked up at that point, and I could see some smoke from the controlled burns to the northeast.

From there, I continued the upper loop clockwise on Pumpkin Trail as it dropped sharply off the peak. The contrast with the more popular Kendrick Trail was immediately apparent--Pumpkin is much fainter and less maintained, crossing through an area with a lot of fire-damage and deadfall on the way down. The wind picked up again as I approached the Connector intersection and passed through an exposed, barren wasteland of charred stumps. The stretch along Connector to Bull Basin had more fire damage and portions where the trail was hard to see, but it was well cairned with some big stacks that made things simpler.

I took a short break at the Bull Basin intersection before starting the climb back up toward Kendrick. The scenery improved again as I left the more severely damaged areas, and the trail switched back up a nice aspen grove before returning to more deadfall and charred trees as I approached the cabin again. There were a few more hikers hanging out near the intersection, and I continued to see more people on the hike back down.

Around two miles from Kendrick TH, I left the trail and descended down to East Newman Hill, then dropped down and crossed FR 190 for a short but steep climb up to (west) Newman Hill. There's a summit cairn with a register and an impressively small pencil stub inside a small jar. Newman isn't a very high peak/hill, but it did provide nice views of Kendrick and the SF Peaks. I dropped down to the road again to close the figure-eight and was done ~2:30PM.

Overall, a nice start to the weekend. Parts of the loop were much more scenic than others (highly correlated with the amount of fire damage), but it was great to finally hike Kendrick, and I never smelled a hint of the smoke I saw from the peak. I saw 10-15 people over the course of the day, all on Kendrick Trail, so there was plenty of solitude on the Pumpkin/Connector/Bull Basin/Newman sections.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Horned Lizard

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Summit Register Log

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

	Bald Hill Tank	Dry	Dry
	Green foliage, but as dry as it is bald

Jul 05 2023

joebartels

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Kendrick - Pumpkin - Bull Basin Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jul 05 2023
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	18.22 Miles	4,815 AEG

Hiking	18.22 Miles	9 Hrs 32 Mns	2.16 mph
	4,815 ft AEG	1 Hour 7 Mns Break

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The_Eagle

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

The forecast was 82° base / 71° peak. We went up the mountain a couple of times. Bruce whined up a storm, then we called it a day.

Reality
Bruce offered a leisure cabinless pinyon loop with a wow factor of pocket lint or the Kendrick double sky coaster. The overwhelmingly obvious choice was great to anticipate.

You know you're outta shape or ill-prepared when under 5k AEG in predominantly under 82° kicks your butt. I made the mistake of not prehydrating or bringing enough water. The second ascent was a karma whip beating. The stage was set for a stellar cramp dance later in the evening of biblical proportions. Yet easily resolved by drinking lots of water with a hint of electrolytes.

Bruce has great trail-by-trail details in his triplog. He didn't believe me when I said Pumpkin was flagged on one of our previous hikes yet it appears he has had a moment of clarity.

The wind was relentless but it was great to get out on a respectable hike.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Bull Spring

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Lots of pentsteman, hint of primrose, impressive and unexpected Indian paintbrush at elevation, bunch of yellows,
Columbine galore, buncha Wood's Rose, Oregon Grape leaves turning on a few of a gazillion

_____________________

- joe

Jul 05 2023

The_Eagle

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Kendrick-Pumpkin-Bull, AZ

Hiking		Jul 05 2023
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	18.65 Miles	4,847 AEG

Hiking	18.65 Miles	9 Hrs 32 Mns		2.21 mph
	4,847 ft AEG	1 Hour 6 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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joebartels

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

I hadn't been at elevation, done any elevation, or hiked any double digit miles in almost a month. I was also dealing with a scorpion sting on my foot from a week ago, that has left half of my left foot numb, so I didn't know what to expect. Joe's been in a similar situation with lack of hiking dealing with some injuries.

I gave him 2 choices and he picked the longer of the 2 hikes, with 4X the elevation gain.

We've done this Kendrick loop quite a few times. The views are top notch, and it's a great workout. It can get hot, on the exposed parts of all the trails. This was less of a worry today, with the 40+mph winds.

Kendrick Peak Trail
The trail was in decent shape, with maybe 10 areas of dead fall to navigate. We passed 3 hikers on the way up, which would be the only people we saw all day. A break at the cabin, a stop at the empty fire lookout and then down the Pumpkin. Temps up top with wind were chilly.

Pumpkin Trail
This trail is a lot thinner, and the winter had not been kind with all the dead fall. Much worse than Kendrick. Even going downhill it was slow going in many areas. In one of the more exposed areas, the wind was blowing so hard, that I was blown off the trail a few times. Conversation was impossible. The flags we noticed in our 2019 hike gave us hope this would be cleared. No flags and no clearing was present.

Connector Trail
The first part, until you drop into Bull Basin is still easy to follow. The foxtails in this section became annoying. In Bull Basin, the trail disappears in spots so keep an eye out for cairns. Most are hidden in the tall grass or bushes. We saw a herd of 8 elk, led by 3 decent sized bulls in velvet. At the intersection of the Connector Trail and Bull Basin Trail, we took a break in the shade for lunch

Bull Basin Trail
3 miles and 2100' of gain to get back to the cabin from here. After all the work the ACE crews did in 2019, I had high hopes for a clear trail. Not the case. The snow load took its toll on the dead trees as well as many previously live trees. It was slow going to the cabin. The JBM was brought out of retirement and working overtime.

The downhill four miles back to the TH went smoothly.

Good to get back on the trail again with Joey.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
A wide selection of wildflowers throughout the different elevations on this hike.

	Bull Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Yum yum. I'd have to be on my death bed to even consider it. The smell of animals in the area was strong.

_____________________

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

Oct 09 2022

ktcross

Routes 6
Photos 31
Triplogs 21

26 female

Joined Jun 21 2022
Tempe, AZ

Kendrick double, AZ

Hiking		Oct 09 2022
		ktcross • Triplogs 21

Hiking	17.11 Miles	4,864 AEG

Hiking	17.11 Miles	9 Hrs 5 Mns	2.05 mph
	4,864 ft AEG	44 Mns Break

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LindaAnn

There were two great reasons to undertake the Kendrick double: 1) Push my distance to a PB and 2)be in the company of Linda and the legendary Joe.

We began at 7:20a and the first uphill had nice, gradual switchbacks all the way up to the cabin. The Pumpkin Trail was enjoyable, probably only as a decline, and pockets of fall colors opened up to us. We took lunch within the flat reprieve of the Connector Trail. Moving up Bull Basin was the most horribly pleasant hiking experience of my life. Beautiful aspen stands and wheezing the whole way through. We finished with a breezy four mile decline to the car and I was proud! Thanks to Linda and Joe for pushing me through it.

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
Aspens best on Bull Basin Trail #40

Wildflowers Observation Light

_____________________

It is how you live it.

Oct 09 2022

joebartels

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Kendrick double, AZ

Hiking		Oct 09 2022
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	17.88 Miles	4,836 AEG

Hiking	17.88 Miles	9 Hrs 8 Mns	2.15 mph
	4,836 ft AEG	49 Mns Break

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ktcross

LindaAnn

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

Linda has a high midi-chlorian count and is remarkably good at navigating potholes along FS171 before sunrise. A new restroom at the trailhead is currently in pristine condition. There were a few cars, expected more.

Kendrick Peak Trail #22
Crisp morning, with only a hint of walking into a deep freeze higher up. Rare perfect calm on the cement pad. Many clear views but clouds blocked the north rim views. Large stretches of ankle-buster rocks surfaced outta nowhere with tired legs descending later in the hike.

Pumpkin Trail #39
Nary a breeze for good stretches descending the ridge, typical minor route-finding.

The big ditch on Connector Trail #80 is getting bigger and there are three narrower ravines to jump. We lunched after hurdling ravines then proceeded with proper nourishment, a short rest, and a zest for adventure.

Zest for the final ascent was waning from two but we survived the cool breezes through the technicolor dream of shimmering aspen.

We passed three heading up Kendrick, one on the crossover, and a family of four near the top of Bull Basin Trail #40 that sprinted past us with a wide girth upon sight of us. Chatted with a small group reapproaching the cabin and a few along the final descent too.

Fauna netted one elk in the distance, a small flock of birds, several songbirds, one annoying perched crow, and a horny toad. Recorded one Pinyon Jay, which I would not know without eBird. Yet I'll likely remember a 22-second reenactment of the mate selection process, it is remarkable what happens to the seed too.

Roughly a dozen deadfall were encountered all day. All were easy to get over or walk around. Spam and dill casseroles are on the horizon to leave the same experience for those who will come after without being subjected to the evils of the knowledgable.

Katie netted her biggest hike by a whopping 60+% without one complaint, it was good to get a hint of her slice of life. Likewise, Linda's polar expedition stories were fun to hear. A refreshing October hike with great company!

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Fetid-Goosefoot

Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
Seemed substantial for the area. Reviewing photos, Massachusions and Canadians would barely sneeze light. There were a few patches of aspen with red crowns. Unless the area gets a hard freeze, colors should be worthy through next weekend.

Wildflowers Observation Light
Aside from 3.74 billion tiny white daisies on the lower north side... a light dose of Indian paintbrush, penstemon, lupine, dandelions, small daisies, and a few perfect Princely or similar purple daisies.

	Bull Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Linda estimated four cups of water that you wouldn't drink even if you're dying

_____________________

- joe

Oct 09 2022

LindaAnn

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

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Kendrick double, AZ

Hiking		Oct 09 2022
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,600

Hiking	17.11 Miles	4,864 AEG

Hiking	17.11 Miles	9 Hrs 5 Mns	2.05 mph
	4,864 ft AEG	44 Mns Break

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ktcross

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

We (Joe, Katie, and I) got started from the Kendrick trailhead around 0720. Temps were refreshing, breeze was light. Steady hike uphill while we chatted. It seemed to me that one lower portion of the trail was rockier than I remembered, but overall still in great shape.

Took a quick break at the cabin, then continued up to the summit. Took another break to enjoy the views. Crystal clear air today, no haze in any direction. There was a “you’re doing better than I expected” comment made, which was funny because I then made the assurance I would lower my performance back down to expectations on the second uphill.

After the summit, we headed down Pumpkin trail. Steep at the top, lots of grass obscuring the trail in places, but the nice views make up for it. All of the aspen are about prime right now, of which there are a lot more of them along this trail than I had realized. Saw one deer or elk off through the trees. There was one patch of deadfall lower down that hides the trail for a short stretch, it’s easy to get over/around, but you do have to search for the cairns. After that, Pumpkin opens up and is an easy walk down to the Connector trail.

East on Connector which is mostly easy walking, although a little vague in places. Quite a few flowers still blooming along the trail. Joe knew most of the varieties, or he’s an expert of making up plausible names on the fly, I sure wouldn’t know the difference. Had lunch not too far before reaching Bull Basin trail.

Headed up Bull Basin, which I really like now that most of the deadfall has been cleared. Excellent and plentiful aspen color along the trail, which was one of the highlights of the day. A summer and fall of traveling, eating, and drinking, combined with elevation caught up to me and I really felt like I was dragging on the uphill, my legs felt like lead. At least I slowed us down through the prettiest part of the trail. Saw a family of superhuman freaks run by, I was both impressed and wanted to knock one over. There’s a little bit of deadfall, mainly near the top, but easy to get over or around. We finally made it to the cabin, chatted with another trio of hikers for a few minutes, then headed down the main trail.

The final four miles were a relief and went by pretty quickly, and I think we finished up around 1630. Overall a great day and hike. Nice trails, good fall color, great views and clouds, and excellent company. The weather was about perfect for an October day—nobody froze, and nobody complained about being hot. Joe, good to see you again and catch up on things. Katie, good to hike with you again, and great job on your biggest hike to date.

Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
Aspen are mostly around prime

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

Sep 24 2022

clairebear

Photos 188
Triplogs 163

43 female

Joined Oct 26 2011
Tempe, AZ

Bull Pumpkin Loop, AZ

Hiking		Sep 24 2022
		clairebear • Triplogs 163

Hiking	11.58 Miles	3,190 AEG

Hiking	11.58 Miles
	3,190 ft AEG

no routes

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jrc28

Departed Phoenix just after 6am for a mid morning start to a perfect long mountain day. We started from Pumpkin Trailhead and did Connector Trail -> Bull Basin -> Pumpkin

Decent road conditions to trailhead. 193 just off Hwy 180 was pretty rutted with deeeep holes which otheriwse would've been a nice gravel road I spent a few miles dodging these treacherous potholes. Turning onto 171 was a relief and smooth ride to the Pumpkin Trailhead.

The connector trail is a real pumpkin. Following the contours of the mountain and traversing burned up areas and the trail is faint and difficult to follow.( What trail? lol.) We found ourselves off trail a couple times thank you Routescout for keeping us on track. Finally getting onto Bull Basin was a bit of a relief to be in forested areas again. It starts to slowly gain elevation. Beautiful stretch through perfect glowing yellow aspen forest. Then near the top a bit of fallen trees to navigate, but not bad. Finally toping out and enjoying some summit beers and snacks before descending on Pumpkin trail. Very steep descent dropping so much gain in a few short miles. Just a bit more of route finding over fallen trees, but the last couple miles were scenic and very easy to follow. Ok the whole loop was scenic and pretty, but I'm so happily back at the truck for more beers and finding a location to hunker down for the night

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Aug 06 2022

fricknaley

Guides 93
Routes 397
Photos 4,984
Triplogs 4,124

49 male

Joined Jun 20 2003
Tucson, AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Aug 06 2022
		fricknaley • Triplogs 4,124

Hiking	17.20 Miles	4,560 AEG

Hiking	17.20 Miles	8 Hrs		2.37 mph
	4,560 ft AEG	45 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

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After all these years i finally hiked the Kendrick loop and man it was worth the wait.

ideal, perfect conditions all day with big fluffy clouds and pleasant breezes made for picturesque scenery from start to finish.

i hit the trail about 9:15 after uneventful drive up from oro valley. it has been, i believe, 19 years since i stepped foot on kendrick. dear lord, don't let it be that long again. what a delightful trail all the way up. saw runners and hikers predictably. nice assortment of flowers and colors mixed in with the green.

the upper stretch of bull basin is predictable faint and you have to work around and over downed trees for maybe the first mile or so. then you get into the aspens. open views all along and i really enjoyed this trail more than expected. did not see a soul.

connector is faint but not hard to follow. i rather liked this trail, not really knowing what to expect. hugely open scenery the whole way. again, saw nobody

once hitting pumpkin, i stopped under the little cluster of remaining trees near the junction for a leisurely (for me) lunch with tremendous views. after that it was time for the smack down given by the second ascent of kendrick of the day. moved slow, but steadily and rather enjoyed the grind. i loved the pumpkin trail and all if had to offer.

checked out the summit before heading back down kendrick in absolutely wonderful later afternoon sunshine

this is one of my faves in the state for sure

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hi

Aug 07 2021

toddak

Guides 13
Routes 38
Photos 1,651
Triplogs 577

60 male

Joined Nov 15 2005
Jackson, CA

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Aug 07 2021
		toddak • Triplogs 577

Hiking	17.00 Miles	5,000 AEG

Hiking	17.00 Miles	9 Hrs	1.89 mph
	5,000 ft AEG

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Kendrick looks to be enjoying a solid monsoon, lots of new lush vegetation to help stabilize the burn zones. The CT, fully refreshed just 2 years ago, is now mostly overgrown. Bull Spring is actually a spring (but I'd still have to be parched to consider drinking it). Several dozen downed trees around the loop, most of them not hard to get around.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

	Bull Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	about 6" deep in pool, pretty clear, steady outflow

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Jun 12 2021

LindaAnn

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

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Kendrick double, AZ

Hiking		Jun 12 2021
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,600

Hiking	16.90 Miles	4,812 AEG

Hiking	16.90 Miles	9 Hrs 26 Mns	1.97 mph
	4,812 ft AEG	51 Mns Break

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[ checklist ] Bill Williams Mountain Newman Hill Sitgreaves Mountain

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

Started at 0615 to temps in the 30’s. Unfortunately, that did not last long and it warmed up quickly. Up Kendrick, taking a snack break at the cabin and another at the lookout. Down Pumpkin, which is as steep as ever, and vague in a few places, especially around the deadfall. Took the Connector over to Bull Basin and up that. Deadfall has been significantly cleared, but there is still some to deal with, maybe 12-18 trees. Nothing terrible, but just enough to be an annoyance. Definitely warm on the way up Bull Basin, but an occasional breeze helped. Easy four miles back down Kendrick to finish out the hike. Didn’t see many people, but did see one trail runner three times, which is also how many times he climbed Kendrick today. Finished just after 1530 with temps in the low 80’s. Not a single cloud in the sky all day, and smoke from the Slate Fire was never an issue.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

Wildflowers Observation Light

	Bull Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Small pool, very light flow. Enough if you were really thirsty.

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Stop crying and just go do the hike.

May 08 2021

DixieFlyer

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

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Bull Pumpkin Loop, AZ

Hiking		May 08 2021
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,374

Hiking	11.20 Miles	3,176 AEG

Hiking	11.20 Miles	5 Hrs 15 Mns	2.54 mph
	3,176 ft AEG	50 Mns Break

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[ checklist ] Abineau Peak Agassiz Peak Humphreys Peak Kendrick Fire Lookout Kendrick Peak

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I have been wanting to hike the Bull Basin-Pumpkin loop up to Kendrick Peak, and decided to finally go for it. I have hiked up to Kendrick several times, but always on the "standard" out-and-back route from the Kendrick TH.

We started from the Pumpkin TH and did the loop clockwise. FR 171 was in good shape, and a sedan could drive on it. However, I think that you would at least need an SUV to drive the last mile on the road that goes to the TH.

I enjoyed this hike much more than going out-and-back on the Kendrick Peak Trail. There were probably half a dozen downed trees going up on the Bull Basin Trail, but it wasn't too bad. There were a few stretches of snow on the Bull Basin Trail, but I never put my microspikes on. There were also a few downed trees on the descent on the Pumpkin Trail, but it wasn't too deal with them. We saw 3-4 elk on the descent, but that was it for wildlife.

There was lots of sun exposure on the hike, and I was glad that we had cloud cover for most of the hike. I don't think that I would want to do this hike on a hot, sunny day.

This hike is a keeper in my book, and I would definitely do it again.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Oregon - grape

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

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

Aug 22 2020

emilystardust

Routes 386
Photos 49
Triplogs 792

43 female

Joined Jun 23 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Aug 22 2020
		emilystardust • Triplogs 792

Hiking	10.30 Miles	2,874 AEG

Hiking	10.30 Miles
	2,874 ft AEG

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We got caught in a painful hailstorm on the way out, but the trails were clear of trees and obstacles.

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Aug 08 2020

toddak

Guides 13
Routes 38
Photos 1,651
Triplogs 577

60 male

Joined Nov 15 2005
Jackson, CA

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Aug 08 2020
		toddak • Triplogs 577

Hiking	17.00 Miles	5,000 AEG

Hiking	17.00 Miles	9 Hrs	1.89 mph
	5,000 ft AEG

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Jul 10 2020

LJW

Routes 154
Photos 1,505
Triplogs 266

31 male

Joined Jun 02 2019
Phoenix, AZ

Kendrick Peak - Hill 8289, AZ

Hiking		Jul 10 2020
		LJW • Triplogs 266

Hiking	20.10 Miles	5,366 AEG

Hiking	20.10 Miles	7 Hrs 17 Mns	3.08 mph
	5,366 ft AEG	45 Mns Break

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

Last August I gave the Kendrick Loop a go and found myself most curious about the Northern or back side of Kendrick. A hill that is seen on Connector caught my eye. Between the trail and the hill, Hill 8289, patchy ponderosa canopies and fire-cleared meadows beckon ventures out into the easy-going terrain. Thought I'd add 8289 and extend the loop through Bull Basin.

To do this loop right, best to start at Bull Basin TH. Cuts 8mi off the route and you don't have to climb Kendrick twice (+/- 2400 aeg). I wasn't sure if my car could make it, though what I walked was smooth as pavement. I started at Kendrick TH around 5:15. Road in is smooth, FR171 is rocky but good for low clearance. Wildflowers beginning to bloom on Kendrick but need some rain. Trail was smooth as any.

Summit in no time, didn't hang around. Lightning forecasts have a way of being wrong in the high mountains during the summer, although they were right this time. Down Pumpkin, which is my favorite trail on the loop. Shady and windy. Pumpkin had good wildflowers at times as well. Really puts on a show come summer rain, not there yet.

Took connector around to the pass where the trail enters Bull Basin. Went up the ridge. Doing this again I'll head back a little west into the clearing where it's prettiest and doesn't do so much upping and downing. The ridge is separated from 8289 by a drainage with a road in it. Crossed the road and worked up a few hundred feet to the summit. Lots of deer, sparse pine cover, and beautiful meadows. Top of the hill is a meadow flanked by forest on all sides but the north.

On the map there is a road to the north. Didn't go that way because I wasn't sure if the road still exists (pretty sure it does), didn't want to bite off more than I could chew, and the slopes to the south have the best views of Kendrick and Bull Basin. Back tracked to the road I crossed. When I went to follow the road through Bull Basin, turned out it's the private property of the owners of Bull Basin Ranch. Cut through the forest just north of Bull Basin Tank and caught the road to Bull Basin TH.

Lots of elk between the pines. Bull Basin Trail has been cleaned up a lot since last summer. Only about a half dozen trees down. It gets hot on that trail without the conifers of old. Pretty sun exposed until the trail enters the young aspens. Obsidian big and small everywhere you look. On top by the cabin, where the trail suffered the worst damage, it is now clear and well cairned.

Only saw four groups on the hike. Twice by the cabin and on the way down Kendrick. Temps 50s-80s. Doing this again, if sticking with the Kendrick TH, it might be fun and/or brutal to add East Newman and/or Newman Hill. They wouldn't be enough on their own driving from Phoenix and probably wouldn't be enough to keep a traveler from making it back.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Kendrick and Pumpkin. Not too long now

Bull Basin Tanks

1-25% full

4 archives

May 27 2020

Jim

Guides 73
Routes 176
Photos 10,174
Triplogs 2,324

46 male

Joined Sep 08 2006

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		May 27 2020
		Jim • Triplogs 2,324

Hiking	11.10 Miles	3,100 AEG

Hiking	11.10 Miles	5 Hrs 20 Mns		2.30 mph
	3,100 ft AEG	30 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

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On my last hike up Humphrey's Peak I looked over at Kendrick and thought, "I should hike that again". I don't need another Humphrey summit, and I haven't been here in nearly a decade. I also wanted to inspect the June 2017 burn.

It is a mixed bag. I'm not thrilled with the wilderness overall, and if the FS fenced the top to exclude elk herbivory and planted spruce and fir seedlings as has been done on High Peak in the Pinalenos, and as is done for aspen around the forest, the top might look a lot better and recover faster. The elk eat almost everything and given that these animals are not a native animal.....wilderness. A different subspecies was in the region, but so were predators like wolves, and there were no game tanks. Point? Kendrick Wilderness is nothing more than a name and lip service that makes ignorant visitors feel warm and fuzzy while doing nothing for the spirit of the meaning of the word.

The grassy and brushy slopes, some improved, mostly just a lot of open country where Meadow Larks can be heard. The upper Bull Basin is doing well. The lower slopes along the connector are totally bare.

Nice hike overall. Great weather made me feel like I was in Utah. Cool and dry.

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Fire Burn Area & Recovery

	Bull Spring	Gallon per minute	Gallon per minute
	More of a seep, but substantial.

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2 archives

Nov 16 2019

toddak

Guides 13
Routes 38
Photos 1,651
Triplogs 577

60 male

Joined Nov 15 2005
Jackson, CA

Flagstaff, AZ

Hiking		Nov 16 2019
		toddak • Triplogs 577

Hiking	18.00 Miles	5,000 AEG

Hiking	18.00 Miles	8 Hrs	2.25 mph
	5,000 ft AEG

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