Its been a while since Ive done this one. Very crowded in the beginning once on Bell Pass trail saw very few people. Forgot the last half mile was quite steep. Tempted to loop around on the Windgate but no time
Very pleasant and diverse loop. Some ice still covering the Clark Spring portion but presented no issues. No steep portions and more knee friendly than Granite Mt Trail. Aggressive bull guarding the trail on the Little Granite portion. It would not move and appeared agitated so I made my way around it.
From the Groom Creek trailhead crossed the street took Trail 283 connecting into Trail 284. The trail was a variety of road and trail. No steep grades and trail was not rocky. There was water in creek but overall the route was unremarkable besides people shooting across the trail and constant gunfire.
First time going counter clockwise. Less steep but climbing seems more prolonged. Have not hiked more than 4 milers recently. Some snow covering trail in many areas but does not increase the difficulty.
Hit the weights hard, looking for some cardio. This is a nice easy-moderate loop. Did the loop counter clockwise which seemed a little steeper this way. Not a destination hike but a nice one for anyone in decent shape
First time doing the trail. Down Viewpoint to the road then back up North Mingus. Very rocky and steep in many areas but nice fall colors. North Mingus was favorite part
Probably my favorite hike so far down Walker road. Tougher approach to the Spruce Mountain Summit(compare to Groom Creek)IMO. After the burn area your under the forest until the road travel. Only 2 people on the trail nice Saturday hike
Did Sevenmile/Ranch/ Walker Rd. Sevenmile is exposed and rocky with several steep hills.(Good workout hike). Took a right on the Ranch Trail. Clouds finally came out which made it probably nicer than it actually was. Ranch is probably a little less rocky and steep. Was going to return via Homestead but got a little lazy and took the 1 mile plus round back to the trailhead.
Took Trail 305 and hooked up with trail 301(lynx Creek ruins) for a quick out and back. Was originally going to do Mt. Union and Davis but could not find the trailhead. Fairly easy trail that is near Walker road which it crosses about 0.7mi in. Trail is in good condition and easy to follow. I parked on the first trailhead down Walker road.
Staying in the Prescott area for a while decided to tackle this one as an after weights hike. This hike as good moderate climbs nothing too bad and a couple climbs coming back. The trail is in good condition and easy to follow. It was not a cool shaded forest hike but not fully exposed either. Do to time I hiked to the road and back, not worth traveling from Phx as a destination hike but a good 2 hr workout in the forest.
First time doing the whole loop. Went clockwise. This is a nice forested hike, only complaint is there is not a lot of diversity. No major climbs. Coming down the 5.5mi plus became a bit of a drag maybe come up that way next time as Ill be staying in the area for several months.
Originally drove out to Williams to do Bill Williams. But found that trail closed due to fire danger according to the Ranger. Then changed plans for to the Elden/Sunset/Heart/Christmas tree loop. But Elden had other ideas. Was a bit too much for my hiking partner. So after a mile of walking on a flat to slightly downhill on the Sunset at about 1 mph, realized that he was completely done then returned back down the Elden.
Needed to get out of town and this one fit the bill. Started on Derrick. Mostly an easy but consistant climb. The trail was obvious but quite bland. Took a left on the Highland. Scenery became more lush, felt this was the most difficult part of the hike. But not too bad. Then back on Horton. This hiked seemed longer than 9.1mi
Got a 6:30a start. Heat started getting to my friend going up the Mormon. friend got his second wind in Hidden Valley so we completed the loop. Enjoyed the clouds and cool breeze coming back up the Mormon Loop. My knees howled coming down Mormon. Not too many bikers or other hikers for this location. Some of the trail markers have been "upgraded" Park Ranger says it will be completed in the next few months. Too many people getting lost
Took advantage of the gate being open. Did a shuttle with 1 car being at Kiwanis and the other being off the National West described trailhead. More rocky in this area of the National compared to the East and central sections. More solitude as well except for the Telegraph area(never seen so many tatted up women). Plenty of ups and downs throughout.
Surprised to see a couple cars and a police car by the trail head. Did not meet either on the route. Good hot weather hike if you have the ability to hike 2 hours in it going through some light hilly to flatter terrain. Not too buggy but no noticeable wildflowers.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
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