Watershed Trail #299 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Powerline Road #2 Trail - MSPN

Black Hill Trail - MSPN

Balanced Rock Trail - MSPN

Granite Mountain Loop Trail - MSPN

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DarthStiller

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It’s been a while since I hiked with Chris. My hip issues have improved since the last hike I did with him and Wally back in May. This hike looked like a nice way to get in some miles in an area I have never hiked.

We started out at sunrise and got a little color show with the low clouds and haze from the Billy Fire in the east. The infrastructure at the Fraesfield TH was impressive. They have spent some money on the trailheads for sure.

Chris laid out a loop going clockwise up the Whiskey Bottle Trail, up towards “the Amphitheatre”, connecting to the Granite Mountain Loop Trail then back along the Black Hill Trail. We made a few detours and ended up with a little over 11 miles.

The Balanced Rock area was really interesting for sure.

The heat was just starting to get uncomfortable when we got back to the empty trailhead (except for the trailhead Stewart). We encountered a good number of mountain bikers at the start of the hike, but that slowly diminished as we progressed. We came across a few hiker as well.

This area was very scenic. The abundance of granite formations and little peaks was a surprise. The trails were all groomed and smooth. Those mountain bikers need that and I will take it for sure.

It was good to hike with Chris again and I really enjoyed this area.

_____________________

"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."

instagram: @andydilling

2 archives

Oct 26 2024

ScaredyCat

Guides 2
Routes 207
Photos 93
Triplogs 204

male

Joined Aug 08 2020
Phx az

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Oct 26 2024
		ScaredyCat • Triplogs 204

Hiking	14.09 Miles	3,019 AEG

Hiking	14.09 Miles	6 Hrs 49 Mns	2.18 mph
	3,019 ft AEG	21 Mns Break

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Bout 1 hour 45 min from N PHX. People at TH but virtually noone on these trails. Watershed is rocky & steep. After completing this trail, I hopped on #9854. Now I'm dropping lots of elev.

Eventually made it to the opposite side where there are multiple unmarked jcts & trails without names. After a couple false starts, figured out the correct path back.

Decided to bolt onto another unnamed trail. This way I could attempt to form a loop in-between the out-n-backs. RF is a definite factor out here. Some of these trails are faint where you just walk past them. Return a lil before dark.

Stumbled into a magnificent Halloween display and then to Wildflower.

Autumn Foliage Observation Light
No color change on larger trees. Some areas nothing at all.

Aug 24 2023

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Prescott Lake Tour, AZ

Hiking		Aug 24 2023
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	20.33 Miles	2,949 AEG

Hiking	20.33 Miles	8 Hrs 25 Mns		2.68 mph
	2,949 ft AEG	49 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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joebartels

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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.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Striped Oak Apple Gall Wasp

Lynx Lake

76-100% full

Smith Ravine Spring

Dripping

_____________________

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

Aug 24 2023

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Prescott Lakes Tour, AZ

Hiking		Aug 24 2023
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	19.71 Miles	2,941 AEG

Hiking	19.71 Miles	8 Hrs 26 Mns	2.59 mph
	2,941 ft AEG	49 Mns Break

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Ranch Trail #62 Extension PCT

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The_Eagle

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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 14 2022

ShatteredArm

Guides 12
Routes 192
Photos 863
Triplogs 356

42 male

Joined Nov 30 2015
Phoenix, AZ

North Spruce loop, AZ

Run/Jog		Aug 14 2022
		ShatteredArm • Triplogs 356

Run/Jog	18.95 Miles	2,495 AEG

Run/Jog	18.95 Miles	5 Hrs 6 Mns	3.75 mph
	2,495 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

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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.

_____________________

Oct 08 2021

toddak

Guides 13
Routes 38
Photos 1,651
Triplogs 577

60 male

Joined Nov 15 2005
Jackson, CA

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Oct 08 2021
		toddak • Triplogs 577

Hiking	23.00 Miles	3,500 AEG

Hiking	23.00 Miles	9 Hrs	2.56 mph
	3,500 ft AEG

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9 linked trail guides

Lynx Spillway Trail #445

Highlands Trail #442

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Yet another @The_Eagle / @joebartels quality mashup route they did a couple weeks ago, linking primo singletracks with tolerable two-tracks.

_____________________

Sep 25 2021

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Prescott Lakes Loop, AZ

Hiking		Sep 25 2021
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	25.24 Miles	3,475 AEG

Hiking	25.24 Miles	9 Hrs 35 Mns		2.85 mph
	3,475 ft AEG	43 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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10 linked trail guides

Lynx Spillway Trail #445

Highlands Trail #442

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joebartels

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

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

	Deer Lick Spring	Dripping	Dripping

Lynx Lake

76-100% full

	Sevenmile Tank	Dry	Dry

Upper Goldwater Lake

76-100% full

_____________________

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

Sep 25 2021

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Prescott Lakes Tour, AZ

Hiking		Sep 25 2021
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	24.15 Miles	3,564 AEG

Hiking	24.15 Miles	9 Hrs 33 Mns	2.74 mph
	3,564 ft AEG	45 Mns Break

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11 linked trail guides

Ranch-Seven Mile-Lynx Loop

Lynx Spillway Trail #445

Highlands Trail #442

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The_Eagle

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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

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Plains Beebalm Prairie Sunflower

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
hints, yeah baby!

Wildflowers Observation Light
nothing to write home about but a large enough stretch of insignificant yellows to not be forgotten

_____________________

- joe

Jul 18 2020

Nightstalker

Routes 189
Photos 7,236
Triplogs 1,740

57 male

Joined Apr 25 2011
Goodyear, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Mtn Biking		Jul 18 2020
		Nightstalker • Triplogs 1,740

Mtn Biking	16.10 Miles	1,901 AEG

Mtn Biking	16.10 Miles	4 Hrs 3 Mns		5.78 mph
	1,901 ft AEG	1 Hour 16 Mns Break	13 LBS Pack

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Twist & Shout Trail #372

Ranch Trail #62 Extension PCT

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SCA

Went up to Prescott to be the Phoenix heat. Did a great loop around Goldwater Lakes and then did a second loop up Ranch and down Watershed. Lots of hikers around the lake. Saw some other mountain bikers and a group of horseback riders.

Deer Lick Spring

Dry

Lower Goldwater Lake

76-100% full

Upper Goldwater Lake

76-100% full

_____________________

1 archive

Aug 03 2019

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Lynx Lake Tour, AZ

Hiking		Aug 03 2019
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	18.91 Miles	3,113 AEG

Hiking	18.91 Miles	7 Hrs 51 Mns		2.70 mph
	3,113 ft AEG	50 Mns Break	16 LBS Pack

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joebartels

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I've done variations of this loop 3 times previously. This is the first time going Clockwise.
Joe and I were joined by our July/August hiking friend, Hugh Midout. He stuck with us all day.

Lynx Lake was as picturesque as always, with just a few fishermen and coffee-sippin' hikers seen.

3.5 miles in, on the Homestead Trail, we had to bypass around the closed portion of the trail where they were doing some forest trimming.

At the Smith Ravine Trail, we passed through the packed TH of a dozen or so cars. I'd never seen a single car here before. Later on the climb up we passed a small group of Boy Scouts and a larger group from the Phoenix Ski Club.
I really enjoy this trail climbing through the pines.

The Watershed Trail is a multi use trail that we were the only ones using. Great views along this ridge line.

With our friend Hugh still hanging around and the rumble in the distance, we passed on the side trip to Goldwater Lake.

IMO, the Ranch Trail is the gem on this loop. It's a great trail, with a steady gentle climb and views through the pines

The Sevenmile Gulch Trail is steep and loose, but required to finish the loop.

We lucked out on the thunder, lightning and rain. There were two storms that went around us. We felt only sprinkles

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Two-tailed Swallowtail Butterfly

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Deer Lick Spring

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

Lynx Lake

76-100% full

Sevenmile Tank

1-25% full

Smith Ravine Spring

Dripping

_____________________

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

1 archive

Aug 03 2019

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Prescott Lakes Tour, AZ

Hiking		Aug 03 2019
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	18.90 Miles	2,838 AEG

Hiking	18.90 Miles	7 Hrs 50 Mns		2.73 mph
	2,838 ft AEG	55 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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The_Eagle

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Very nice Pine forested loop.

We weaved through morning hellos along the shore of Lynx Lake on the #311. My favorite AZ lake, yet understandably too manicured and civilized for haters. Homestead Trail #305 is a solid pine jaunt.

Smith Ravine Trail #297 was temporarily closed due to flying debris according to the sign 1.4 mi from it's northern terminus. We heard machinery that sounded like it was chewing up trees. Bruce quickly figured out a detour utilizing Walker Road. Cars occasionally whizzed by on the 40mph road at a nice clip creating a nice breeze.

Humidity kicked hard continuing on through Watershed Trail #299. Which prompted a unanimous 2-0 vote to skip Goldwater Lake this round and admire from above.

Lunched along Ranch Trail #62 on the return leg. Two nearby storm cells entertained but never netted more than a sprinkle and hope for cooler temps.

Sevenmile Gulch Trail #9854 is the double edged sword of this loop. Great views but steep and semi loose. We descended today. Not enjoyable, better than ascending in the humidity.

Grateful to get out of the 110+ frying pan, grateful to return. Felt damn good stepping back into the drier devil.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

	Deer Lick Spring	Dripping	Dripping

	Smith Ravine Spring	Dripping	Dripping

_____________________

- joe

Aug 25 2018

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Prescott Lakes Loop, AZ

Hiking		Aug 25 2018
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	21.39 Miles	3,509 AEG

Hiking	21.39 Miles	9 Hrs		2.54 mph
	3,509 ft AEG	34 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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joebartels

A start just after 7am, Sunny skies, temps in the upper 60's, humidity was thick.

Sevenmile Gulch Trail #9854 is multi use. When we arrived, there were a dozen motorcycles in the process of getting ready. This was the last that we'd see them, or any, all day. This trail climbs 1000 feet in a bit over 2 miles, with 2 steeper sections.

Ranch Trail #62 is a favorite of mine up here. Nice trail conditions and views.

We were on Goldwater Lake Trail #396, just long enough to checkout the lake. There were just a few kayaks on the lake.

The Watershed Trail #299 is the 2nd substantial climb on this loop. Once into the pines, it roller coasters a ridgeline until reaching Spruce Mountain Rd. The skies were rumbling just to the east. Once on on the road, the skys opened up for the next 2-1/2 hours.

We hit the Smith Ravine Trail #297 and the rain and lightning was still going strong. It was good to start loosing some elevation, but the trail was a raging creek.

On the homestretch with the Homestead Trail #305. Finally after 12 miles without a break, the rain let up enough for a quick lunch. All the normally dry washes were running strong.

We debated which side of the lake to go around on the Lynx Lake Loop #311. We made the correct choice, the spillway was running, making our access from the east side, not possible.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Trailing Four O'Clock

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Unidentified Fauna

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Lynx Lake Lynx Lake Dam

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

	Lynx Lake	76-100% full	76-100% full
	Water running over the spillway

	Sevenmile Tank	1-25% full	1-25% full
	puddles from recent heavy rains

	Smith Ravine Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	The ravine was running strong from the current rainstorm.

Upper Goldwater Lake

76-100% full

_____________________

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

Aug 25 2018

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

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Prescott Lakes Tour, AZ

Hiking		Aug 25 2018
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	21.16 Miles	3,454 AEG

Hiking	21.16 Miles	9 Hrs		2.48 mph
	3,454 ft AEG	29 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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The_Eagle

A Bruce loop I wasn't crazy about heading in due to the humidity. Several motorcycle groups at the trailhead. Friendly, never saw any on our hike. #9854 was sweet for a half mile. Juniper blah took over and AS EXPECTED it was muggy sweat city heading up to #62.

The SW portion of #62 we hiked is pretty nice. Good pines, nice views. Luckily we took a break at 5 miles. Then strolled down to Goldwater Lake for a quick peek. Back on loop we closed in on the high point in an active thunderstorm. Great to see rain for change. Unfortunately it postponed lunch until 17.7 miles and mentally checked out.

The shortest lunch in memory apparently did the trick. The rest of the hike was dog gone enjoyable I tell ya. After an 18 year hiatus I returned to #311. It's changed big time. Signage threw me off a tad. Back home I attached the FS PDF to the description. Perhaps it's changed. It is or was a loop according to the 2014 FS document. Easy to follow regardless.

After a sweat bath and a storm that lingered for never ending renditions of Crystal blue persuasion this hike ended (hallelujah) as a winner.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Western Dayflower

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Granite Mountain Upper Goldwater Lake

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
substantial areas of smaller species, moderate overall with good variety

	Deer Lick Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	100% based on trickling creek right now.

	Lynx Lake	76-100% full	76-100% full
	Overflowing, plenty even for notoriously large honkin' groups.

	Smith Ravine Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute
	Hell it is pouring rain right now, just look up and say ahhh!

	Upper Goldwater Lake	76-100% full	76-100% full
	Always a solid player, never left thirsty.

_____________________

- joe

Jun 09 2018

mt98dew

Guides 69
Routes 37
Photos 3,010
Triplogs 2,387

55 male

Joined Oct 24 2010
Phoenix,Az

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Jun 09 2018
		mt98dew • Triplogs 2,387

Hiking	6.40 Miles	1,405 AEG

Hiking	6.40 Miles	2 Hrs 23 Mns	2.69 mph
	1,405 ft AEG

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This was the first hike of my "Prescott Pairings". Got a late start, because I was coordinating with my wife. Got on the trail around 1pm. The trail was pretty much as I anticipated...rough and unappealing in parts, interspersed with some quality trail conditions. The trail starts off steeply, but within .25 miles it flattens out and has a very doable grade for the next .5 miles. It then repeats this formula several more times throughout the hike. Other factors that impacted the hike negatively was the exposure (more at the beginning) and the ruts and rocky nature of the trail. This is something that comes with hiking on an ATV trail. That being said, these conditions were not as dominant as I feared and the forested sections were really a pleasure to walk through.

Other things to note: there are 2 gated areas. One, about .6 miles in and the second about 1.7 miles in. At about .8 miles I noticed a trail/ATV path that connected to the Watershed. This was simply an "S" that switchbacked the hill a couple of times allowing for an easier climb. Also, went under some quaint looking powerlines (not sure of the mileage) with what appeared to be a definite trail that shadowed them. Came across those same powerlines (with the same "shadow trail) around 2.8 miles into the hike. After reaching the end of the Watershed, I decided I would follow the "powerline trail" back. I shaved about .3 miles off by doing this, but probably added a couple 100 ft in elevation gain because of all the ups and downs that came with this straight trail. There were several 60+ grades. The going ups weren't bad, but the going downs were a little more challenging. Also, had to deal with the barbed fence that cut across this "trail". There was no gate here. It was either over or under. Being close to 50, I took the more humbling, but sater option of under. I came across a couple of other trails that connected to this one - one of which looked very interesting, but I feel that all of them, including the one that I was on were game trails. When I got back to the TH, I briefly checked out the other side of the road, prospecting for future hikes.

_____________________

Sep 24 2017

Lost

Routes 22
Photos 416
Triplogs 67

42 male

Joined Apr 18 2009
Anthem, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Sep 24 2017
		Lost • Triplogs 67

Hiking	2.50 Miles	700 AEG

Hiking	2.50 Miles	1 Hour 30 Mns		1.67 mph
	700 ft AEG		10 LBS Pack

no routes

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_____________________

Jun 11 2017

rayhuston

Guides 1
Routes 447
Photos 4,407
Triplogs 938

68 male

Joined Mar 09 2012
Gilbert, AZ

Prescott Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jun 11 2017
		rayhuston • Triplogs 938

Hiking	14.36 Miles	2,557 AEG

Hiking	14.36 Miles	5 Hrs 53 Mns	2.74 mph
	2,557 ft AEG	38 Mns Break

Linked

Hilltop Trail #312

Partners

partners

johnlp

trekkin_gecko

I haven't been hiking much so Kelly threw out a challenge. I accepted and we invited John along. I had three hikes in mind for this weekend (so I didn't have any excuses), but two were at the Mogollon Rim. This one didn't look bad. John and Kelly liked it too.

A serene start on the west side of Lynx Lake was followed by a nice trek through the pines on Hilltop, Homestead and Smith Ravine. If we had turned around at the top of Smith Ravine, this would have been an excellent out and back hike, about 16 miles round trip. We continued on. Spruce Mountain Road was kinda cool. We saw some relics from the mining days and some homes with really nice views. The first half mile or so on Watershed was rocky and exposed, a minor disappointment after the splendid areas we had passed through previously. It didn't last long, though; we were back in the canopy of trees soon enough. That is until starting down Seven Mile Gulch trail. Rocky, exposed and steep in parts, were it not for great company, good views, reasonable temps and a nice breeze, this trail might have been awful. We probably should have done that trail in the morning.

While the hike may not have ended as well as it started, it did not disappoint. This was an absolutely gorgeous day south of Prescott and it was great to be outside enjoying it. We enjoyed some snacks and cool refreshments back at the car before heading home. Thanks Kelly and John for a great time!

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Yellow Columbine

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Sevenmile Tank Smith Ravine Spring

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Columbine at Smith Ravine Spring

	Sevenmile Tank	26-50% full	26-50% full
	Included with photos

	Smith Ravine Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Small pool of very clean water.

_____________________

1 archive

Jun 11 2017

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 673
Photos 7,281
Triplogs 4,660

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Prescott Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jun 11 2017
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,660

Hiking	14.36 Miles	2,557 AEG

Hiking	14.36 Miles	5 Hrs 53 Mns	2.74 mph
	2,557 ft AEG	38 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

Hilltop Trail #312

Partners

partners

johnlp

rayhuston

ray invited john and i to do this loop sunday
several other haz members have done it, and it's always looked interesting
got going around 8:00
went clockwise, a pleasant stroll along lynx lake first, then a short bit on hilltop
homestead rolled through ponderosa and oak forest
smith ravine went through an old burn for a mile or so, but even that offered good views and a breeze
the upper part was also through forest, and toward the top, we stopped for a coffee break
john had brought his backpacking stove and home roasted coffee and fired it up for an excellent cuppa

delicious!
topped out on spruce mountain road and followed that north for a mile or so
more enjoyable road walking than anticipated
next was watershed trail, which started out a little rocky but was partially in shaded woods
finished on seven mile gulch, which has been everyone's least favorite part
didn't care for the steep scree slides, but there were still good views
conclusion: counterclockwise - get an exposed climb on crappy footing done early
nice to hike in shady woods on new trails with the boys!

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Bigelow Peak Sevenmile Tank Smith Ravine Spring

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

_____________________

hazhole

1 archive

Jun 11 2017

johnlp

Guides 1
Routes 14
Photos 7,202
Triplogs 5,208

68 male

Joined Mar 16 2008
chandler,az

Prescott Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jun 11 2017
		johnlp • Triplogs 5,208

Hiking	14.36 Miles	2,557 AEG

Hiking	14.36 Miles	5 Hrs 53 Mns	2.74 mph
	2,557 ft AEG	38 Mns Break

no routes

no photosets

Linked

Hilltop Trail #312

Partners

partners

rayhuston

trekkin_gecko

Excellent hike with Ray and Kelly! Good times. Thanks for driving Ray.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

_____________________

“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson

Aug 02 2015

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

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Prescott lakes tour, AZ

Hiking		Aug 02 2015
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	23.42 Miles	3,846 AEG

Hiking	23.42 Miles	9 Hrs 28 Mns		2.69 mph
	3,846 ft AEG	45 Mns Break	16 LBS Pack

Linked

10 linked trail guides

Schoolhouse Gulch Trail #67

Ranch-Seven Mile-Lynx Loop

[ checklist ] Granite Mountain Groom Creek Lower Goldwater Dam Lower Goldwater Lake Lynx Lake Spruce Mountain Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Upper Goldwater Lake Upper Lake Goldwater Dam

Partners

none

no partners

A last minute plan B hike.
I decided to recycle and tweak a previous hike to his area.

Temps were pretty good as the shade and breezes were nice. A nice 67 to start, to a high in the upper 80's.

I only crossed paths with a handful of people all day on the trails.

Seven Mile Gulch Trail #9854, is exposed and the steepest climb of the day. Best to do early. It's also a mixed use trail, so you could run into motorcycles. The Watershed #299 is also mixed use.

The Ranch Trail #62 and Smith Ravine Trail #297 still are my favorites. Plenty of shade, decent trail tread and nice views.

The Goldwater #396 trail is nice also, but can get busy, but not on this day.

Homestead #305 is a roller coaster through the conifers.

There are plenty of shorter and longer loop opportunities in the area utilizing the many trails out there.

I still need to try the restaurant on the North end of Lynx Lake.
Open Thurs - Sunday for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
lynxlakerestaurantp ... html

Anybody ever try it?

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mule Deer

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

Wildflowers Observation Light

	Deer Lick Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Wet area to filter

	Lower Goldwater Lake	76-100% full	76-100% full
	Plenty to filter

	Lynx Lake	76-100% full	76-100% full
	Also water available in the campgrounds area

	Sevenmile Tank	Dry	Dry
	Damp, may be able to get something in a pinch

	Smith Ravine Spring	Dry	Dry
	Nothing at the trail crossing

	Upper Goldwater Lake	76-100% full	76-100% full
	Plenty to filter, or use the faucets

_____________________

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

Jul 12 2014

Barrett

Guides 14
Routes 9
Photos 1,378
Triplogs 287

61 male

Joined Dec 20 2002
Phoenix, AZ

Prescott Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jul 12 2014
		Barrett • Triplogs 287

Hiking	13.30 Miles	2,500 AEG

Hiking	13.30 Miles	5 Hrs 27 Mns	2.60 mph
	2,500 ft AEG	20 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

linked