Old Fain Road hiking.
We thought we would give our readers a very easy walk near Prescott Valley. This is a beautiful hike on a now abandoned dirt road. There are a few slight hills. For those looking for an easy, lower elevation hike, this is a good option.
Note... Be sure to close all gates you go through.
Before the new Fain Highway was built, us long timers would take a dirt road named Fain, that connected easily to 89A, from Highway 69. Once the new Fain highway was built this dirt road shortcut was closed and gates locked. It sits on private property, the Fain Ranch so be sure to respect private ownership. It is open for those wanting to still walk the route.
This easy hike sits between the Bradshaw Mountain range and Mingus Mountain.
Directions
From Highway 69 take Fain Road north, about a mile to Sara Jane Road and turn east. Follow it downhill to the end maybe 1/2 mile and turn left on Old Fain Road. Shortly this road dips into the Agua Fria River which usually flows here year round. If the water is shallow cross the cement lined crossing and park in the make shift parking lot, next to the locked gate.
Walking is permitted at this time on Old Fain Road. Cross the fence and follow the road.
About the only people that use this old dirt road these days are archery hunters in the late summer or fall chasing antelope. The 6 1/2 mile walk is easy if you go all the way to Highway 89A. So the total trip would give you a 13 mile walk. Of course you can turn around at any point. The first small hill is 1.2 miles, so turning around here would give you almost 2 1/2 miles total.
As I write this the older bulls along this trail are being removed and younger ones introduced. So be careful of the young bulls if you come across any in the future.
This is a working cattle ranch and expect to see cattle. Prescott Valley and Bradshaw Mountains in background.
What I like about this hike.
- Antelope viewing... sometimes mule deer in the winter
- Beautiful open views
- Solitude
- 6.5 miles one way or turn around at any point
- If you want an easy walk this is it
- Views of Prescott Valley, Bradshaw and Mingus Mountains
- Not many hikers
Expect to see antelope on this hike. Antelope on upper left within this image.
Expect to see dove on this hike.
There are always lots of grass hoppers along this road.
During wet springs and summer monsoon season, flowers are abundant.
The old Department of Transportation signs still exist along this road. When you come to a sign that says " Do Not Cross When Flooded" you have reached the 5.2 miles. This is a good point to turn around.
Sunrise at the wind mill and water storage tank. Mingus Mountain in the background. 6 mile point. Yes I started hiking early and in the dark to get to this point.
Once you near the wind mill things begin to get very noisy. A gravel cement processing plant is the culprit.
All photos by Mark with Panasonic LX7
Google Map
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=209862872930327478900.0004e52c5e8284c8d7935&msa=0&ll=34.596476,-112.243195&spn=0.159111,0.338173 https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=209862872930327478900.0004e52c5e8284c8d7935&msa=0&ll=34.596476,-112.243195&spn=0.159111,0.338173
Please forgive errors in grammar or spelling as we type from our phones.
