MOUNTAIN VOLCANO via TURKEY CREEK TRAIL
Coconino
National Forest, Sedona
 |
| view from the top |
 |
| on the rim of House Mountain volcano |
Unlike
the name implies, turkeys and creeks are rare sights along this
route. Yet, for what this trail lacks in terms of running water and
wild fowl--it more than makes up for in scenery and geological
interest. The trek starts out on a wide, closed road with numerous
unmarked junctions and side paths. To stay on track, be sure to
follow the piles of rocks wrapped in wire known as “basket cairns”.
If you loose your way, just backtrack to the last cairn and spot the
next one to correct your bearings. At roughly the 1.5-mile point, the
trail passes Turkey Tank, a tiny cottonwood-ringed oasis. From here,
the route begins its gradual climb along a juniper and cypress shaded
path to the rim of House Mountain volcano. On the way up, views of
Red Rock country get progressively better with the piece de
resistance occurring on a scenic saddle where views of Sedona, Mingus
Mountain and the gaping, eroded volcanic vent collide for an
overwhelming carnival of visual delights.
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| Turkey Creek Trail |
LENGTH:
7 miles out-and-back
RATING:
moderate
ELEVATION:
4,000 – 5,100 feet
DISTANCE
FROM PHOENIX:
125 miles one-way
FEE:
a Red Rock Pass is required---$5 daily fee per vehicle.
GETTING
THERE:
From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to the Sedona exit 298—located just
north of Camp Verde. Turn left and follow AZ 179 to Verde Valley
School Road---this turnoff (part of a traffic circle) will be on the
left past milepost 306---the street sign is difficult to see when
traveling north. Go west on Verde Valley School Road 4 miles to
Forest Road 9216B where there’s a sign for Turkey Creek trailhead.
From here, the road degrades from decent dirt to a rut-and-pot-hole
riddled mess. However, just before the road turns bad, there’s a
small parking area for those driving low-slung sedans. Park here and
hike another half-mile to the signed trailhead. Those with
high-clearance vehicles may opt to drive this miserable last
half-mile to the parking circle.
INFORMATION:
Red Rock Ranger District, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/turkey-creek-tr.shtml
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