Seven Mile Gulch Trail #9854 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Oct 26 2024
		ScaredyCat • Triplogs 205

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

no photosets

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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 264
Routes 2,798
Photos 14,514
Triplogs 5,895

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Prescott Lakes Tour, AZ

Hiking		Aug 24 2023
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,895

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 24 2023

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Prescott Lake Tour, AZ

Hiking		Aug 24 2023
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

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

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

We've done this one numerous times, typically in August. At the multi-use trailhead, there were a handful of motorcycles getting ready to start their day. We would be passed by 3 of them climbing the Seven Mile Gulch Trail and that would be it for the day. That climb is always a sweat fest in August. I told Joe it was so bad this time, my sweat was sweating.

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

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

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

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

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

Sep 25 2022

nonot

Guides 107
Routes 249
Photos 2,067
Triplogs 514

male

Joined Nov 18 2005
Phoenix, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Sep 25 2022
		nonot • Triplogs 514

Hiking	26.80 Miles	3,000 AEG

Hiking	26.80 Miles
	3,000 ft AEG

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8 linked trail guides

Lynx Lake Campground

Hoot Owl Trail #745

Hilltop - Obrians Trail #313

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Enjoyed an extended weekend in Prescott National Forest.

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

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

Wildflowers Observation Substantial

	Lynx Lake	76-100% full	76-100% full
	100% full and a healthy flow over the spillway

	Smith Ravine Spring	Dry	Dry
	appeared dry though there was water in about every other drainage

_____________________

http://hikearizona.com/garmin_maps.php

Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, ankle-twisting, HAZmaster crushing ROCKS!!
Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, shin-stabbing, skin-shredding plants!
Hike Arizona it is full of striking, biting, stabbing, venomous wildlife!

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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no photosets

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9 linked trail guides

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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 264
Routes 2,798
Photos 14,514
Triplogs 5,895

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Prescott Lakes Tour, AZ

Hiking		Sep 25 2021
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,895

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

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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

Sep 25 2021

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Prescott Lakes Loop, AZ

Hiking		Sep 25 2021
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

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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joebartels

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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

Jul 24 2021

ShatteredArm

Guides 12
Routes 192
Photos 863
Triplogs 356

42 male

Joined Nov 30 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Salida / Sevenmile / Ranch loop, AZ

Run/Jog		Jul 24 2021
		ShatteredArm • Triplogs 356

Run/Jog	14.81 Miles	1,732 AEG

Run/Jog	14.81 Miles	3 Hrs 4 Mns	4.83 mph
	1,732 ft AEG

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Salida Gulch Trail #95

Lynx Creek - Salida Gulch - John's Tank Loop

Johns Tank Trail #94

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Kind of a last minute plan, decided after I woke up to head to Prescott. Had the Salida Gulch area on the mind, and saw some maps suggesting Sevenmile Gulch could potentially allow for a bigger loop. Didn't really have a plan or do any research, though. Got to Ranch TH and jogged down to Lynx Ruin TH, then followed the road to Salida Gulch TH. Followed the trail up the bottom of the drainage to the spring, then found the junction for the connector down to Lynx Lake. Didn't know if this was an actual trail or just a line on a map, but since it was marked, I took it.

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

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

Weather was good, just a few sprinkles while on the ranch/circle trail, and about as temperate as one can expect this time of year.

_____________________

Aug 03 2019

Guides 264
Routes 2,798
Photos 14,514
Triplogs 5,895

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Prescott Lakes Tour, AZ

Hiking		Aug 03 2019
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,895

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 03 2019

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Lynx Lake Tour, AZ

Hiking		Aug 03 2019
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

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 25 2018

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Prescott Lakes Loop, AZ

Hiking		Aug 25 2018
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

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 2,798
Photos 14,514
Triplogs 5,895

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Prescott Lakes Tour, AZ

Hiking		Aug 25 2018
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,895

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

Apr 15 2018

ALMAL

Routes 11
Photos 2,313
Triplogs 222

59 male

Joined Oct 17 2010
GILBERT

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Apr 15 2018
		ALMAL • Triplogs 222

Hiking	7.60 Miles	1,233 AEG

Hiking	7.60 Miles
	1,233 ft AEG

no routes

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Neat trail with a thousand side trails. Saw a trickle of water and lots of bees.
After that, I grabbed a rod and reel and hiked over to Lynx from the parking lot through the pipe.
No fish, but a cool place. on the return I followed another side trail down to a flowing Lynx creek beneath the spillway.

_____________________

You aren't late if you don't show up!

Jun 11 2017

rayhuston

Guides 1
Routes 448
Photos 4,407
Triplogs 939

68 male

Joined Mar 09 2012
Gilbert, AZ

Prescott Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jun 11 2017
		rayhuston • Triplogs 939

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

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Hilltop Trail #312

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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

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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

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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

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“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson

Jun 05 2016

nikorock28

Routes 18
Photos 580
Triplogs 1,081

42 male

Joined Nov 16 2010
Kingman, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Jun 05 2016
		nikorock28 • Triplogs 1,081

Hiking	4.60 Miles	1,100 AEG

Hiking	4.60 Miles	1 Hour 32 Mns	3.37 mph
	1,100 ft AEG	10 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

I was in the area running an errand (yuck!), and opted for this. For some reason, I was thinking the trail would be nice and shaded the first half to one mile, but perhaps only maybe 5% of it was. Past the initial forest (where the 5% shade was), it was all in the sun. I was off around 1:20PM; the car said 97 degrees. It wasn't too bad with the breeze. Took it easy the first mile and the first steep climb, then pushed intermittently on the hills. Pretty nice day, albeit a little warm.

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May 29 2016

mazatzal

Routes 36
Photos 2,658
Triplogs 1,348

67 male

Joined Jul 28 2004
Scottsdale, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		May 29 2016
		mazatzal • Triplogs 1,348

Hiking	8.28 Miles	1,605 AEG

Hiking	8.28 Miles	5 Hrs	1.91 mph
	1,605 ft AEG	40 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

linked

Partners

none

no partners

Had not done this loop - Ranch is okay and the upper part is nice but Seven Mile is a torn up, steep ATV track and not particularly enjoyable. Homestead back to the trailhead was fine.

We only saw one person on Ranch, nobody on Seven Mile and a couple of mtn bikes on Homestead.

Temps were nice and there was a strong breeze so kept cool the whole time. It was a bit hazy due to the wind but we still had views of Humphries, Kendrick, Sitgreaves and Bill Williams and Hyde further to the west.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Spruce Mountain

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1 archive

Mar 20 2016

nikorock28

Routes 18
Photos 580
Triplogs 1,081

42 male

Joined Nov 16 2010
Kingman, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Mar 20 2016
		nikorock28 • Triplogs 1,081

Hiking	4.60 Miles	1,100 AEG

Hiking	4.60 Miles	1 Hour 33 Mns	3.45 mph
	1,100 ft AEG	13 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

The last time I have been here was in August 2013, and I had to be in the area, so opted to hike this. There were two vehicles at the trailhead, one woman hanging in her truck and the other two putting their mountain bikes away. This is a multi use trail. I was off about 5:20PM and did my historical hike, to Junction 62 and back. Snapped some photos on the return.

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Aug 02 2015

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,762

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Prescott lakes tour, AZ

Hiking		Aug 02 2015
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,762

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