Prescott bird-watching hike

WATSON WOODS RIPARIAN PRESERVE

Ducks take flight in Watson Woods

Prescott

Birds flock to pools along Granite Creek 

A sign at the trailhead proclaims that Watson Woods has been designated an “important bird habitat” by the Audubon society.  This is an understatement.  Once a 1000-acre-plus stream side bosque of cottonwood, walnut and other moisture-loving plants along lower Granite Creek, the area was nearly lost to the ravages of modern development.  However, thanks to the efforts of the City of Prescott and Prescott Creeks (local watershed stewards) the woodlands are being restored.  Today, the preserve is a 126-acre bird-and-wildlife haven.  Even though it's located just yards off busy highway 69, the lush waterway boasts a bevy of natural wonders for your viewing pleasure.  A scenic interpretive trail guides hikers among restored wetlands, canopies of gigantic centuries-old trees, ponds and marshes.  Signs both at the trailhead and along the route describe the sights and chronicle on-going restoration efforts.

In addition to a sturdy pair of shoes for the dirt walkways, bring along a pair of binoculars (birds galore) and a hearty appetite for knowledge---you won't be disappointed. Also, for those who want to extend their hike, the preserve trail connects with adjacent Watson Lake Park, Lower Granite Creek trail system and the Prescott Peavine National Recreational Trail.

LENGTH: 0.5 mile one way

RATING: easy, educational

ELEVATION: 5,100'

KID FRIENDLY?: yes

DOGS: this is a sensitive riparian habitat, dogs MUST be on leash and all droppings packed out

HOURS: 7 A.M. - 10 P.M.

FEE: $2 parking fee

FACILITIES: port-o-potties (real restrooms planned for June 2012), picnic tables, maps

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 112 miles one way

Red-winged blackbird 

GETTING THERE:

1626 Sundog Ranch Road in Prescott. From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to Cordes Junction  exit 262 for Prescott  AZ 69.  Turn west and go 32 miles on AZ 69  to Prescott.  Just outside of downtown, pass Walker Road and begin looking for Prescott Lakes Parkway---located across from the Prescott Gateway Mall where there's a huge Cadillac dealership. Turn right (north) on Prescott Lakes Pkwy and continue 1.7 miles to Sundog Ranch Road, turn right and go 0.2 mile  to Peavine Trail/Watson Woods Riparian Preserve parking area. HIKE: Follow the paved Peavine entrance trail for about 100 meters, pass the picnic ramada and turn left once you reach the cindered potion of the trail. The Preserve walk-in gate and kiosk are west of the large walnut tree.

INFO: 

City of Prescott

http://www.cityofprescott.net/services/parks/parks/index.php?id=29

Site is managed by: Prescott Creeks, 928-445-5669

http://www.prescottcreeks.org/programs/watson-woods

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A water-themed hike near Black Canyon City

HORSESHOE BEND-SKYLINE SEGMENTS of the BLACK CANYON TRAIL

View of the Agua Fria River from Horseshoe Bend trail

Horseshoe Bend crossing

Along the Skyline trail

Just behind the Rock Springs Cafe (the “world-famous pies” place on I-17 near Black Canyon City), the Agua Fria River makes a U-bend around the defensive stone of Horseshoe Bar before continuing on its southbound, trickling meander.  It's here where two easy, open-to-the-sky segments of the 79-mile-long Black Canyon Trail (BCT) combine for a satisfying trek for both novices and expert hikers alike. Running from the Carefree Highway in Phoenix to near the town of Mayer in the Prescott National Forest, the course of the BCT has been in use since ancient times transitioning from Native American footpath, livestock driveway and wagon route to its current status as a hiking destination. The process of repurposing it into a multi-use recreational trail system began in 1969 and remains a work in progress.  However, much of the trail is already hike-able with 3 major and 7 rudimentary trailheads now in place.  A good way to get to know BCT is to hike the Horseshoe Bend and Skyline segments beginning at the easy-to-access Black Canyon City Trailhead.  Roughly 0.2 mile in, the trail splits-- take the south leg (go left) and follow the dirt track on its coiled-and-folded route to the river.  Here, you'll need to cross the water, which ranges from inches deep in the dry season to a raging torrent during spring runoff.  Once over the river, the thin trail makes long, edgy hairpin bends on its way up to a scenic highpoint then dips and climbs another 1.5 miles to connect with the next segment.

Truly a world-class achievement, the route has been designated a National Recreation Trail-- an honor reserved for only the most significant paths in the United States.  The trail's proximity to the aforementioned eatery makes for a convenient stop to indulge in a post hike snack. Rock Springs Cafe serves up filling, roadside-joint fare --though the “world famous” claim is debatable.  Still, both the pies and the trail live up to the cafe's slogan: “worth the drive from anywhere”.

LENGTHS:

Horseshoe Bend Segment: 1.5 miles one-way

Skyline Segment: 3.4 miles one way

To the Skyline highpoint and back: 6.8 miles roundtrip

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION:

Horseshoe: 2,040'- 1,850'

Skyline: 1,850'-2,584'

DOGS: leashed dogs allowed

KID FRIENDLY?: yes

Overlooking Horseshoe Bend

GETTING THERE:

Black Canyon City Trailhead:

From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to exit 242 (Black Canyon City-Rock Springs).  Go west (left) and continue to the stop sign, turn north (right) onto the frontage road and continue a few hundred feet to Warner Road (the first road on the left where there's also a BCT sign). Turn onto Warner and go a short distance to the first intersection, turn right and drive roughly 0.1 mile to the parking area.

FACILITIES: none.  Room for cars and trailers.

INFO: Black Canyon Trail Coalition

http://www.bctaz.com/

ROCK SPRINGS CAFE:

http://rockspringscafe.com/

The author is not associated with the cafe and has NOT received payment, free pies, beer or any other bennies in exchange for this blog mention. 

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Lakeside hiking in Prescott

LOWER GRANITE CREEK SCENIC TRAILS

Watson Lake from Lakeshore Trail

City of Prescott Mile-High Trail System

Lakeside views, millions of ducks and route-finding through a maze of  1.4 billion-year-old granite  rock formations keep things interesting on this intertwined collection of short trails. Although there are countless ways to explore these scenic gems, here's how we hit the dirt on this past Saturday. The plan:

From the trailhead, follow Peavine Trail  north to the turnoff on the right for Lakeshore Trail—there's a big boulder with a plaque just past the 1 mile post.  From here, finding your way is easy. Trail signs with maps are placed roughly every quarter-mile and where the trail crosses slick rock; follow the painted white dots to stay on course.  The first detour comes at the Treehouse Loop---a very rocky segment that's sure to bring the kid out in you, and yup, there really is a treehouse lodged in an alligator juniper.  Next up is a little traipse to Secret Cove, which is worth the diversion if only to  creep up on the Great blue herons and egrets that love the seclusion afforded by this mini fjord.

Watson Lake

Farther along is the Over the Hill trail which crosses Boulder Creek on its way to  Watson Dam.  This winding path is almost 100% on bare rock and includes a couple of slick/steep sections. Near the end, the trail dips down to Granite Creek and swings south following the reed-lined stream to a narrow metal bridge below the dam that connects hikers to the Flume/Watson Dam Trails that lead to the Granite Dells Road trailhead.  As we didn't park a car at the at the north access, we hiked back the way we came.

LENGTH:  up to 6 miles

Lakeshore Trail: 2 miles one way, 5,160' – 5,220'

Over the Hill Trail: 0.4 mile one way, 5,076'-5,194'

Discovery Trail: 0.8 mile one way, 5,158' – 5,188'

Tree House Loop-Secret Cove: 0.1 mile each

Watson Dam-Flume Trail: 1.17 miles one way, 5,057' – 5,186'

RATING: easy-moderate (good balance and traction footwear is required!)

DOGS: This is a sensitive bird habitat--leashed dogs are allowed.

KID-FRIENDLY:  yes

Granite Creek flanks the Flume Trail

FACILITIES: port-o-potties.  New restrooms are in the works and should be installed by June 2012, picnic tables, maps

FEE:  $2 daily parking fee

HOURS: 5 a.m (7 a.m. In winter) to 10:00 p.m.

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 112 miles one way

GETTING THERE:

South Access: Peavine-WatsonWoods trailhead:

1626 Sundog Ranch Road, Prescott.

Following the white dots on Over the Hill

From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to Cordes Junction  exit 262 for Prescott  AZ 69.  Turn west and follow AZ 69 32 miles to Prescott.  Just outside of downtown, pass Walker Road and begin looking for Prescott Lakes Parkway---located across from the Prescott Gateway Mall where there's a huge Cadillac dealership. Turn right (north) on Prescott Lakes Pkwy and continue 1.7 miles to Sundog Ranch Road, turn right and go 0.2 mile  to Peavine Trail/Watson Woods Riparian Preserve parking area.

North Access:

From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to Cordes Junction  exit 262 for Prescott  AZ 69.  Turn west and follow AZ 69 32 miles to Prescott.  Connect with AZ89 and go north to Granite Dells Road, turn right (east) and continue to the parking area on the right.

Secret Cove

MAP: http://www.cityofprescott.net/_d/trails/lowergranitecreektrails_8x11.pdf

INFO & MAPS: City of Prescott

http://cityofprescott.net/services/parks/trails/

MORE PHOTOS:

Lakeshore Trail: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2360154342024.82533.1795269672&type=1&l=3256dba4fe

Over the Hill Trail: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2362858209619.82594.1795269672&type=1&l=6cf894ae47

Treehouse/Secret Cove: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2363030093916.82596.1795269672&type=1&l=a06426394a

The hike you must do...once

BLACK MOUNTAIN

Cave Creek

Ancient rock puts the black in Black Mountain

Jutting more than 1000 feet above the desert floor, the imposing ebony silhouette of Black Mountain is a difficult-to-miss gateway to the towns of Cave Creek and Carefree.  Although its pyramid-shaped profile and collapsed south face resemble an extinct volcano--that's not what it is.  The massif's  impressive slopes are made of Precambrian granite and metamorphic rocks stained with a rich black patina for which the mountain was named.  When I quizzed a local hiker about the trail, she commented, “It's not my favorite, but everyone should do it once.”  I concur.  Short, straight-up-steep and uncomfortably crowded with just so-so views, I'm glad I hiked it, but, in my opinion—it's a one hit wonder.  Maybe my impression was sullied by the overcast skies on the day of my hike and the fact that I got rained on while on the summit. Many would disagree with me, though—including the gentleman I hiked down with who swears:  “It's the best hike in Cave Creek.”  Whatever way you swing, here's a good reason to tackle Black Mountain—photo contest!

Think you've got the chops?  Then grab your camera, hit the trail and enter the annual Black Mountain Photo Contest sponsored by Desert Foothills Land Trust---the organization that oversees the conservation of this north Valley treasure. You may just see your work published in their 2013 calendar.

But even if you're not a photo maven, visit their web site (below) to see how you can help this local non-profit group with their preservation work.

You WILL be hiking among dogs on Black Mtn.

LENGTH: 2.4 miles roundtrip

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION: 2,164' – 3,398'

DOGS: leashed dogs are allowed

KID FRIENDLY: some high steps, best for older kids

the "trailhead"

GETTING THERE:

FROM NORTH & WEST PHOENIX:

Take I17 to exit 223 for Carefree Highway (SR74).  Go 10 miles east to Cave Creek Road, turn north (left) and go 3 miles to School House Road (in downtown Cave Creek). Hang a right (south) and continue to the parking area near Military and School House Roads.

FROM SCOTTSDALE:

From Loop 101, take the Scottsdale Road exit and go 12 miles north to Cave Creek Road. (Scottsdale Road will turn into Tom Darlington Drive north of Carefree Highway).  Turn left (west) on Cave Creek Road and continue 1.20 miles to School House Road, turn left (south) and drive to the parking area near the corner of Military and School House Roads.

FROM CENTRAL PHOENIX:

Go north on SR51 to Loop 101.  Take 101 west to the Cave Creek Road exit. Follow Cave Creek Road  to School House Road (in downtown Cave Creek).  Turn right (south) and continue less mile to the parking area.

  

INFO: Desert Foothills Land Trust

http://www.dflt.org/

http://www.gemland.com/blackmtn.htm

Hike with an archeologist

March is Archeology & Heritage Month in Arizona and the Kaibab National Forest is offering a series of archeologist-led Saturday afternoon hikes all month.  The featured trail will be Keyhole Sink---an easy, wooded route leading to a enclave decorated with hundreds of petroglyphs.  In addition, dozens of other events and presentations are planned--click the link below for details.  So, here's your chance to learn more about the history of one of our state's most scenic and storied forests. Participants MUST register ahead of time.

Keyhole Sink

WHEN: Saturdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31

TIME: hikes start at 2 p.m. See link below for where to meet & what to bring.

LENGTH: 1.5 miles roundtrip

RATING: easy-moderate

ELEVATION: 7,000'

INFO & REGISTRATION: Williams Ranger District, Kaibab National Forest, 928-635-5600

Petroglyph panel at Keyhole Sink

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/kaibab/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5352742

Elephant walk

BURSERA TRAIL

South Mountain Park, Phoenix

a fragrant elephant tree

View of the Sierra Estrella mountains

“It's pronounced Ber-SER-uh.”  my rather persnickety gardening expert friend chaffed when the word tumbled a clumsily from my lips---“BOO-sir-ah”.  I stand corrected and in awe of the rare plant  Bursera microphylla---better known as the Elephant Tree—that lives on the slopes of South Mountain Park.  Brush up against one of these squat, red-green-barked trees with swollen, contorted pachyderm-like trunks and a pungent aroma of camphor will waif from its tiny leaves.  Related to the plants that produce frankincense and myrrh, sap from the elephant tree also can be dried and burned as incense. But, don't rush out with a collection bucket—the trees are a protected species in Arizona.

To get an up close look at this plant that grows only in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and parts of southern California and northwestern Mexico, just follow the Bursera Trail which was just completed in 2011.  The route is simple-to-follow and connects with both the National and Bajada (Ba-HA-duh)

Trails for those who want to add mileage to their hike.  Also, because it's wide and not too steep, the route is very popular with mountain bikers.  One bit of advise—although the elevation change for the hike is only 653 feet—you’ll do it twice for an out-and-back-hike.

LENGTH: 2.9 miles one-way (6.68 miles roundtrip including access trail)

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION: 1,235' – 1,888'

DOGS: leashed dogs allowed

FACILITIES: none

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, take I-10 south/east (Tucson) to exit 161 for Pecos Road.  Drive 7.2 miles east (right) on Pecos to 17^th Avenue.  Head north (right) on 17^th Ave. and continue 0.7 mile to Chandler Blvd.  Turn left and go 0.3 mile to the end of the road. There’s only parallel parking—do not block private drives. A  generic "trail" sign marks the start point.

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

From the trailhead, begin by hiking west, making a sharp right about 0.1 mile in at a post for Pyramid Trail .  Continue 0.44 mile to the junction with Bursera Trail, veer left and follow the signs.

INFO: City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation

http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south/index.html

MAPS:

http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south/hiking/index.html

Arizona Trail hiking primer!

March, 2012 issue

Hikers, not sure where to begin your celebratory hiking of the newly-completed, state-long Arizona Trail? No problem—just pick up a copy of the March issue of PHOENIX magazine and turn to page 50 for my article on why this route is so phenomenal and where you can go to sample its greatness---before embarking on the entire 817-mile journey.

ON SALE FEBRUARY 16, 2012

Here’s where you can find PHOENIX magazine: Safeway, Fry’s Marketplace, Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sunflower Markets, Sprouts, Borders, Barnes & Noble, CVS, Walgreens, Sky Harbor Airport, Albertson’s, Fresh & Easy, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target, Whole Foods, Basha’s, A.J.’s, La Grande Orange, The Kitchen, Area hospital gift shops WEB SITE: http://www.phoenixmag.com/ ORDER BY PHONE: 480-664-3960

Wildflower hike in McDowell Mountain Park

168^th Street Spur

McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Fountain Hills

Four Peaks from 168th Spur

Bee on fairy duster

Back in the mid 1990s, this park sustained some substantial fire damage which left large swaths of land devoid of trees and shrubs.  Although the area is recovering nicely---jojoba, Palo verde trees and blooming shrubs mask the last of torched trunks---there's a “secret” place that escaped the fires where centuries-old ironwoods and massive saguaros anchor an “old growth” desert forest.  This slender, sandy path has been used for years by residents of the communities that border the park's northern perimeter. Now, the 168^th Street Spur is an official route. With more than 51 miles of  great, shared-use  trails in this park, one might wonder why bother with a little one like this.  Simple---it's the “garden valley” of the McDowells, and with peak wildflower season approaching, it's a good location to know about.  Why, this week in early February, we observed poppies, scorpion weed, fairy dusters, lupine, desert rock pea and a bevy of sprouts about to burst with color.  In addition, the abundant plant life attracts birds galore.  Hawks, ravens, cactus wrens and phainopeplas are easy to spot gorging on wild seeds.

LENGTH:  4.2 miles (as described here)

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 1,850' – 1,930'

DOGS:  leashed dogs allowed

KID FRIENDLY?:  yes

PARK HOURS:  6 a.m. - 8 p.m. (10 p.m. Friday & Saturday)

FEE: $6 daily per vehicle , $2 per person walk/bike in.  Bring exact change for the self-serve kiosks.

See web site for info on annual passes, senior discounts, etc.  Maps are available at the park entrance and nature center.

FACILITIES:  restrooms, water, camping, picnic tables, nature center, horse staging

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go east on Loop 202 to SR87 (Beeline Highway).  Go north on SR87 to Shea Blvd, turn left (west) and drive roughly 1 mile to Saguaro Blvd (traffic light).  Turn right (north) follow Saguaro to Fountain Hills Blvd., turn right and continue 4 miles to the park entrance.

TRAILHEAD AS DESCRIBED HERE: from the park entrance, follow McDowell Mountain Road past the nature center, then past Shallmo Drive. Just before the point where Pemberton Trail crosses the road, there's a dirt pullout with wood pylons on the left.  Park here.  Walk a few yards north on the road to the Pemberton Trail, turn left (west) and hike 0.4 mile to the 168^th Street Trail junction.  We hiked to the park boundary, then followed the perimeter trail to 158^th St. Spur.  Because we had stashed a dog poo bag on the way in, we back tracked to pack it out, however, you could take 158^th Spur back to Pemberton to make a loop hike of about the same length.

INFO: Maricopa County Parks, 480-471-0173

http://maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell/

http://maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell/pdf/2011%20maps/mcdowell-trail-master-plan-8x11-www-2011.pdf



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Safe hiking in bear country.

What to do if you encounter a bear while hiking.

There are no grizzly bears in Arizona.  The legend of the last beast being killed on Escudilla mountain in the early 20^th century is  recorded on a roadside plaque near the New Mexico border in northeast Arizona.  However, our state is home to a robust population of black bears mostly concentrated in the woodlands of the Mogollon Rim but are also known to roam wilderness and urban areas statewide. Unlike their infamous cousins the grizzly, black bears are  normally shy and will usually run when they detect approaching hikers. Black bear attacks in Arizona are rare. However, there have been enough disturbing  encounters (including a fatal attack in Pinetop in June 2011)  to warrant educating yourself before hiking in bear country.

January is prime birthing season for Arizona black bears and cubs begin emerging from their dens in April—right about the time hikers start heading into their territory.  And, they wake up both hungry and protective, so it's not surprising that hostile encounters usually involve food or perceived threat to cubs, so it pays to do a little homework before traipsing into bear country.

Black bear footprint: Woodchute Mtn.

Recently, Animal Planet sent me a complimentary review copy of their DVD Maneaters: Bears and I found that it gives a good overview of what to expect when bears attack and, more importantly, how to avoid dangerous encounters. One warning---this video is not for the kiddies.  Packed with actual footage and reenactments of bear attacks, the  imagery is disturbing enough to get your attention while the commentary of game and fish officials and animal behaviorists seeks to explain why the attacks happened and how they could have been prevented.  It's a good way to supplement your research.   In addition, 

Arizona Game and  Fish offers this advise if you run into a bear:

           •  Alter your route to avoid a bear in the distance.

           •  Make yourself as large and imposing as possible if the bear continues to approach. Stand upright and wave your arms, jacket or other items.

           •  Make loud noises, such as yelling, whistles, and banging pots and pans.

           •  Do not run and never play dead---fight if attacked.

            •  Give the bear a chance to leave the area.

             •  If the bear does not leave, stay calm, continue facing it, and slowly back away.

           •  If a bear is in your yard, scare it away from inside the house, keeping the door closed.

Hikers, take this seriously---with human encroachment, feeding by well-intended people and rampant wildfires that destroy their habitats,  some bears have lost their fear of people and (worse yet) have begun to associate them with food.  Pay attention and study up because should you find yourself face-to-face with Yogi, knowing how to react can save your life. 

ARIZONA GAME & FISH:

http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/urban_bear.shtml

http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/game_bear.shtml

BE BEAR AWARE:

http://www.centerforwildlifeinformation.org/BeBearAware/Hiking_and_Camping/hiking_and_camping.html

GET THE ANIMAL PLANET VIDEO:

http://store.discovery.com/detail.php?p=365775&v=animal-planet#tabs1

Family-friendly hiking in Flagstaff's Buffalo Park

BUFFALO PARK TRAILS

Flagstaff

Is it just me, or are Arizona winters becoming much shorter and warmer?  It normally takes until March before uncomfortably balmy temperatures send me fleeing to the high country in search of cooler hiking.

However, this January, we here in Phoenix were “blessed” with a few near 80-degree days, which provided the perfect excuse to make a dead-of-winter hiking trip to Flagstaff.  Besides, I was nearly out of my Late for the Train North Rim decaf coffee beans (no, this iconic Flagstaff roastery did not give me free joe for this plug, it's just good stuff), so I figured, I'd hike a trail or two located just north of their Fort Valley cafe location before replenishing my caffeine stash.  Buffalo Park used to be a private wildlife zoo and the goofy buffalo sculpture standing guard at the entrance is a remnant of its past life.  After the zoo closed, the property was incorporated into the Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS---say “foots”) as a non-motorized hike-bike-run-accessible recreation area. Its short loop trails---imaginatively named #1 and #2--- are flat, wide and  ringed with Ponderosa pines and mountain views. The park also serves as a shove off point for the Switzer Canyon, Oldham, McMillian Mesa and Arizona Trails which connect at the park perimeters. In addition--for those who want to add a dose of Flagstaff arts and sciences to the trip-- the park is very close to the Museum of Northern Arizona, Coconino Center for the Arts and the Arizona Historical Society-Pioneer Museum making it a good place to get a quick leg stretch in between cultural immersions.  Need a cup of hot java after a long day of hiking and culture?  You know where to go.

San Francisco Peaks: elevation 12,633'

LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip

RATING: super easy & barrier-free, suitable for strollers, wheelchairs and walkers

ELEVATION: 7,065 – 7,150'

KID friendly?:  yes

DOGS:  must be on leash and owners must remove all waste

GETTING THERE:

Elden Mountain: elevation 9,200'

From Phoenix, go north on I 17 to Flagstaff.  As you exit I 17 and enter town, you'll be on Milton Road.  Follow Milton north to where it makes a sharp right turn and becomes Route 66.  Continue a very short distance to the first traffic signal at Humphreys Street and make a left.  Travel north on Humphreys to Fort Valley Road (a.k.a. US 180) veer left and continue to Forest Ave.  Turn right and go to the turnoff for the park at Gemini Drive.  Turn left and follow the signs to the park entrance.

NOTE:  the park is used frequently for events (marathons, races for various cures and the like) and may be closed for part or all of some days---especially on weekends.  So, be sure to call ahead.

INFO:  City of Flagstaff

928-774-5281

http://flagstaff.az.gov/index.aspx?NID=1789

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