December 2016 Mangum Dental Hike-of-the-Month
Hyde Mountain Trail #6 Fire Lookout Tower
Distance: 4.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1500 feet ( The elevation of Hyde Mountain is 7,272 feet and the highest point in the Santa Maria range)
Difficulty: Moderate to High
Parking: No fee
Directions: From Outer Loop Road and Williamson Valley Road, head North on Williamson Valley Road for 13 miles. Turn left on Camp Wood Road, continue for 15.4 miles to FR95, turn right. Continue for 0.2 miles to FR95C, turn left and continue 2 miles to trailhead.
This hike combines a full day adventure to parts less travelled and a breathtaking 360-degree view of our beautiful surroundings including Sedona, Humphreys peak and Granite Mt. However, it is not for the faint of heart, less experienced, or pavement only drivers! It has a consistent vertical grade, many loose rocks along the trail and is best accessed with a crossover, SUV or pickup truck. Nonetheless, for those up to the challenge the rewards are abundant: a beautiful drive, incredible views and a huge sense of accomplishment!
The start of this hike is at the end of FR9825C. The trailhead is well marked, but may take a moment to find it at the beginning. Once on the trail, it is well worn and is shared by off-road motorcycles so watch the ruts. The trail is an uphill climb and maintains a steady upward grade throughout the duration of the hike. Keep an eye out for interesting geology and past efforts to supply the lookout tower. At about the 1-mile mark you will come to a livestock gate followed by a trail crossroads. After passing through the gate we encountered a number of cattle during the rest of the hike. The next half-mile is under tree canopy and crosses a seasonal creek that may pose a hazard during heavy inclement weather. As we emerged from the tress, the views continued to astound and spurred us to the top. Communication antennas came into our view and eventually the lookout tower. After the upper saddle sign, the trail is not as well-defined and wide, but still distinguishable. Once at the top, the rewards were both an emotional sense of triumph as well as a circumferential view that was stunning and magnificent.
Mangum Dental has been serving the Prescott-area dental needs since 1978. We strive to provide exceptional patient care while rendering outstanding compassionate service. Joanna Knowles, a hygienist at Mangum Dental, submitted this hike.
