Hike of the Month

Sundog Trail

Distance: 4.84 miles

Difficulty: Moderate, good trail

Elevation: 5174′ to 5688′ (Total Elevation Gain 1146′)

Parking: Shared Parking with Peavine Trailhead, $2 fee with restrooms or park on Sundog Ranch Road for no fee.

Directions:  The trailhead is across from the humane society near the corner of Sundog Ranch Road and Prescott Lakes Parkway.  From downtown Prescott, travel East on Gurley Street for 1.2 miles and merge onto Highway 89 and travel an additional 2.4 miles to the intersection of Prescott Lakes Parkway.  Turn right on the Parkway and then left on Sundog Ranch Road.  There are a few no fee parking spots at the side of the road when the trail crosses Sundog Ranch Road to the south.  To find the free parking travel south on Sundog Ranch Road from Prescott Lakes Parkway and look for the trail on the left after the sewage treatment plant.

The Sundog Trail is part of Prescott’s 54-mile Circle Trail.  It connects the Peavine Trail to the North with the Badger Mountain Trail to the South. (See Mangum Dental’s Hike-of-the-Month August 2017 and February 2017 respectively).  The Sundog Trail can be traveled from either direction, however this article will detail the north to south route.

Begin at the Peavine Trail Parking lot and take the trail that traverses under Prescott Lakes Parkway, north along the Watson Woods Riparian Preserve. After a short distance, the trail crosses Sundog Ranch Road while ascending to the top of the old Prescott Landfill.  The trail then descends to a point very near the Juvenile Justice Center before climbing to another hill peaking at the 3-mile mark.  The trail winds, decreasing in elevation until the final climb.  The elevation at the top of the hill is 5,688 feet and overlooks Lowe’s Home Improvement Store.  The trail ends as it goes under Highway 69.  The well-marked trail possesses beautiful views of both Granite Mountain as well as Thumb Butte.  There is significant exposure and little shade.  Keep a lookout for deer that often roam this area close to town.

Mangum Dental has been serving the Prescott-area dental needs since 1978.  We strive to provide exceptional patient care while rendering outstanding compassionate service.

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.

Granite Mountain Hotshot Memorial Hike

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Cathedral Rock Hike, Sedona Arizona

Distance: 1.5 mile round trip from Back O’ Beyond Road Trail Head.  The hike is 3.9 mile round-trip from the Baldwin Trail Head.

Difficulty: Moderate with a few areas of difficulty

Elevation Gain: 600 feet

Parking: $5 one-day pass, $20 Sedona annual pass.  Bring a credit card in case the pay station is down and cannot accept cash.

Directions: From the intersection of Hwy 89 and 179, drive south on Highway 179 for 3.4 miles and turn right at the roundabout onto Back O’ Beyond Road.  Travel an additional 0.6miles and the parking area is on your left.  Parking is limited and the hike is about 1.5 miles from here.

Cathedral Rock is a famous Arizona Landmark and one of Sedona’s most photographed places.  We feature it as a Mangum Dental Hike, but it may be better classified as a climb.  The trail is short and steep so wear shoes with good tread.  It is a heavy-traffic area suitable for year-round hiking.  Prepare for full-sun exposure as the only shade can be found between the spires.  The trail is marked well with rock cairns wrapped in wire.  There are some areas where the rock has been cut away for footholds to aid in climbing up the steep rock.  Expect to do some bouldering at times, however there are people of all ages on this hike.  The reward is the view at the top.

The alternate 3.9 mile hike starts a few more miles out Highway 179 turning right onto Verde Valley School Road.  The drive is paved for most of the way, turning to dirt for a short distance.  A passenger car is able to make it fine to this parking area.  The trailhead here is the Baldwin Trail and the hike follows Oak Creek for part of the way.  Follow the Baldwin Trail for about ½ mile to the intersection with the Templeton Trail.  The Baldwin Trail turns to the right but continue straight on the Templeton Trail as it circles to the other side of Cathedral Rock.  The trails are well marked and connects with the #170 trail from the Back O’ Beyond parking area.  This is where the ascent up to the saddle becomes steep.  The views are gorgeous and difficult to capture in a photograph.  Another classic view of Cathedral Rock is captured on the Scenic Red Rock Loop Drive.

Mangum Dental has been serving the Prescott-area dental needs since 1978. We strive to provide exceptional patient care while rendering outstanding compassionate service.  Get the Mangum Dental app for free and have the hike of the month on the go.  Find us online at www.MangumDental.com.

Glassford Hill Summit Trail

Distance: 4.2 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 940 ft. (5183 – 6123 ft.)

Difficulty: Moderate

Parking: Free

Directions:  From downtown Prescott travel east on Gurley St. onto Highway 69.  Travel toward Prescott Valley on Hwy 69 for about 7.8 miles.  After entering Prescott Valley, turn left onto Prescott East Highway.  In less than a mile there is a Summit Trail sign directing a left turn onto E. Sunset Lane.  Follow the signs and take a right turn on N. Castle Dr.  There is a large dirt parking lot.  Parking here is free with restrooms at the trailhead.

The Glassford Hill Summit Trail officially opened in May 2016. From Highway 69 the hill seems ordinary and unassuming.  However, the view from the top is worth the nearly 1000 ft. in elevation gain.  The trail begins through the grasslands at the base of the hill with a gradual incline.  Just beyond the water storage tank the incline steepens, the trail follows the southern ridge line, and the last mile includes eight switchbacks. Along the way there are sweeping views of Prescott Valley and multiple picnic tables. The view from the top provides magnificent 360-degree panorama.

The trail is primitive, wide, with little shade.  The hike is suitable for a leisurely stroll or a brisk workout.  The trail features educational signs, which highlight the areas interesting history, vegetation, and archeological evidences.   Colonel William Glassford’s heliograph station located on top of ‘Bald Mountain’ served as part of a sophisticated messaging system linking military communication throughout much of Arizona and New Mexico. The trail’s close proximity to town and excellent access makes this a popular hiking destination.

Mangum Dental has been serving the Prescott-area dental needs since 1978. We strive to provide exceptional patient care while rendering outstanding compassionate service.  Get the Mangum Dental app for free and have the hike of the month on the go.  Find us online at www.MangumDental.com.

Prescott’s Willow Trail #347 Loop with #345 and #308

Distance: 3.5 miles loop

Difficulty: Moderate, There is not much elevation gain although the trail is rocky and uneven at times.

Parking: Free, from the Williamson Valley Trailhead

Directions:

From the concern of Williamson Valley and Iron Springs road, drive north on Williamson Valley Road for 6.5 miles. The trailhead is on the left, which is across from Granite Oaks Drive.  The dirt parking area requires no fee.  There is a restroom at the trailhead.

This hike is a loop trail and can be hiked clock-wise or counter clockwise.  Our description is clock-wise and starts on the Willow Trail #347. Begin by walking south toward the Granite Basin Wilderness Area. Hike for 1.25 miles to a junction with the Mint Creek Trail #345. Head west on this well marked which later will turn towards the north.  About ½ a mile past the junction, look for an unmarked spur trail on the left to some petroglyphs.  They are worth the short deviation and are on the south side of a few large boulders. Back on the main trail, proceed approximately .75 miles to the well-marked junction of the Tin Trough trail #308 which circles back to the East.  Hike along this trail for the last mile back to the trailhead.

This area is rich in wildlife, including deer, javelin, and many types of birds.  It can also be a muddy trail in time of recent precipitation. In the fall, yellow wildflowers dominate the landscape with a touch of white, purple and orange flowers.  The view of Granite Mountain’s East side is spectacular and rises high about the pasture like area encompassing the hike.  These trails are open year round to hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers.

Mangum Dental has been serving the Prescott-area dental needs since 1978. We strive to provide exceptional patient care while rendering outstanding compassionate service.  Get the Mangum Dental app for fee and have the hike of the month on the go.  Find us online at www.MangumDental.com.

P Mountain on the Badger Trail 

Distance: 4.5 miles one way

Elevation Gain: 450 ft.

Difficulty: Moderate

Parking: Free

Directions: From the Courthouse in downtown Prescott travel about 1 mile East on Gurley.  Turn right onto Robinson Drive.  Go 2 blocks and turn left onto Hillcrest, which turns into Butterfield.  It’s about ½ mile to the intersection where you turn right onto Wells Fargo.  In about .2 mile you will then have to watch for trail marker at the last mailbox before the street veers left.  There is a sign on the right on Wells Fargo that will guide you between two houses, through a closed gate, and on to the parking area.

The P-Mountain Trail, or Badger trail, connects the Turley and Sundog Trails and is a part of the 50+ Circle Trail System.  Begin this hike with a brief walk on the Turley trail #126.  Follow the Turley trail for less than ¼ mile.  Turn left at the trail marker for the Badger trail.  Follow the switchbacks to the top of the ridge passing the P Mountain dirt road to the overlook and bench (1 ½ mile mark).  Stop to observe the beautiful views of Thumb Butte, Granite Mountain, the Granite Dells, as well as Watson and Willow Lakes.  This hike is all about stunning and expansive views.  Continue on down the switchbacks through the dense chaparral descending to and crossing under Highway 69.  Just beyond here the trail intersects with the Sundog trail.  There is an access road just beyond the intersection.  This is the last stretch completed of the 54 mile Circle trail around Prescott.

Mangum Dental has been serving the Prescott-area dental needs since 1978. We strive to provide exceptional patient care while rendering outstanding compassionate service.  Get the Mangum Dental app for fee and have the hike of the month on the go.  Find us online at www.MangumDental.com.

Boynton Canyon Hike #47 – Sedona, Arizona

Distance: 5-6 miles (Boynton Canyon hike is 2.5 miles one way and there is a option for an additional 0.5 mile hike to Boynton Vista)

Difficulty: easy to moderate due to rocky areas

Elevation gain:  450 ft.

Parking: Red Rock Pass ($5-daily, $15-weekly, $20 annual) or American the Beautiful (National Parks Pass – $80 annually)

Boynton Canyon is a beautiful box canyon with red walls and cliffs leading to a lush canyon floor with green trees and a dry creek bed crossing.  For the first mile, the hike parallels The Enchantment Resort. The trail becomes more remote the further from the trailhead.   The canyon narrows toward the end of the trail with a rocky, vertical climb to the top.  The last .4 miles is moderate to difficult.  The Boynton Vista trail is an optional trail to a vortex .3 mile in from the trail head. There were a number of people meditating to a flute player sitting atop the vortex as the area is known for its spiritual energy and vortex powers.

Directions: From the Y intersection (circle) of AZ 89A and AZ 179 in Sedona, go west (left) on 89A for 3.1 miles to Dry Creek Road (stoplight). Turn north (right), proceed 2.9 miles to the T intersection at Boynton Pass Road. Turn left and proceed 1.5 miles to another T intersection.  Turn right, there will be a paved parking lot on the right before you reach the Enchantment Resort.  There is available parking in a lot or along the road.  There are facilities at the trailhead and a parking permit kiosk to purchase a Red Rock Pass or Interagency Pass needed to park in the lot or along the road.

Mangum Dental has been serving the Prescott-area dental needs since 1978. We strive to provide exceptional patient care while rendering outstanding compassionate service. Get the Mangum Dental app for fee and have the hike of the month on the go. Gayle Kerben, a hygienist at Mangum Dental, submitted this hike.  Find us online at www.MangumDental.com.

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.

Jan Alfano/Embry-Riddle Trails

Distance: 2.35 miles one-way

Difficulty: easy

Elevation: 5162’ (low) to 5276’ (high)

Driving Directions: From Mangum Dental, 1767 Willow Creek Road, travel north on Willow Creek Road for 3.0 miles.  At Commerce Drive turn left for 0.9 miles. Park close the Commerce Drive near the intersection of Commerce Drive and the road to Kuebler Field.

Parking: Free at Pioneer Park

Jan Alfano/Embry-Riddle trails were completed in January 2015 as part of the Prescott Circle Trail System.  These trails connect the Willow Lake Trail to the network of trails at Pioneer Park. Two tunnels flank these trails. On the west there is a tunnel under Commerce Drive and on the East a tunnel below Willow Creek Road.  The trail begins at the intersection of Commerce Drive and the road to Kuebler Field.  The trial winds up a gentle hill and curves around the north side of the city’s maintenance yard.  From this vantage point, there is a view of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with the Granite Dells in the backdrop.  The trail then enters the Embry Riddle Campus, skirts the east end of the Pioneer Park ball fields, before it twists and turns along the south end of the campus.  The trail is well marked and well maintained.  With little elevation gain, this is an easy hike or mountain bike ride.

Mangum Dental has been serving the Prescott-area dental needs since 1978.  We strive to provide exceptional patient care while rendering outstanding compassionate service.  Get the free Mangum Dental App and get you hike of the month on the go.  Brett Mangum, a dentist at Mangum Dental, submitted this hike.