July 2017 Mangum Dental Hike-of-the-Month
Salida Gulch Trail #95
Distance: 4.5-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 5,353′ to 5,780′
Parking: No fee, no water, no restroom, plenty of parking
Directions: This hike is a short 15 minutes from downtown Prescott. Depart downtown towards Prescott Valley. Travel east on Hwy 69 and turn right at Walker Road (Costco). Travel 1.2 miles and turn left at the sign for Lynx Creek Ruins on Forest Road 9401. Travel 0.8 miles past the day use area, staying right, down the hill and continue to the end of the road. There is a large dirt parking lot. The road is paved and then turns to dirt, but it is suitable for all types of vehicles.
The trailhead here is for trail #9263, the Salida Connection Trail. Take this trail across Lynx Creek past the service gate about 100 feet. At the junction of trail #95, Salida Gulch Trail, the loop hike can be commenced to the right or the left. We recommend you take the left and hike in a clockwise direction.
Follow the gulch for 0.9 miles and look for the large panel of north facing petroglyphs. There are a few other less obvious petroglyphs in this area as well. At the 1.3-mile mark, stay on the most worn trail and do not take the old trail that goes Northeast up the steep hill. The trail will then rise out of the gulch and over the ridge moving away from the creek. From here you can see views of Granite Mountain and Yavapai Hills. As the trail progresses, panoramic views of the Bradshaws Mountains are to the West. The trail drops back into Salida Gulch as the trail nears the parking area. Although this trail is close to town, it gives a sense of solitude and seclusion.
An additional two miles can be added to this hike by taking a 2-mile spur at the 2.3 mile-mark. Trail #94 is an out-and-back to Lynx Lake.
Mangum Dental has been serving the Prescott-area dental needs since 1978. We strive to provide exceptional patient care while rendering outstanding compassionate service. Like our Facebook page and get monthly hikes directly to your feed.
