Directions: Take 89A between Prescott and Jerome to the top of the
mountain. You will see signs directing you to the trail on one side of the
highway and a recreation area on the other.
Follow signs to parking lot. You can either park anke the 1/2 mile to the
trailhead, or possibly drive to the trail head. Gate is not locked and we saw
other vehicles at trailhead. 4x4 recommended - muddy.
Trail Information: Trail is narrow but well defined. Fairly flat
with ups and downs. Final mile is very flat through a large oak and pine
prairie. It is 2.75 miles to top of mountain viewpoint - very pretty (just after
prairie). We received advice in Jerome at the local hiking shop not to hike the
3.5 miles down the mountain as the trip back up is "brutal". Something
about a massive drop in elevation.... trail also thins a bit after the view.
Miscellaneous Information: Enjoyed the trail. Weather was wonderful in
early August. Clouds came in at 1 pm to cool things down a bit. Hiking shop
recommended we be off the mountain by 4pm because of lightning at this time of
year. They were right on the nose. If you plan on staying overnight - stay in
Prescott. Jerome is literally a ghost-town after sunset!
Josh Parry