Flume, Watson Dam Trail

Watson Lake Dam

This is one of the many, City of Prescott's Trails. They do a good job of maintaining it.

This is a go to trail for us when we have guests in from other states or Phoenix. We consider it one of the prettiest trails in Arizona. I like this trail because it is so diverse, as the photos that follow show. This trail passes through several habitats and follows pretty flowing Granite Creek. Beware... during the summer the water in Granite Creek stinks. 

• Miles... 1.7 miles round trip.
• Time... 2 to 3 hours.
• Difficulty... easy. 
• Elevation difference... 538

The goal of this hike is the area just below the dam. One can continue on and catch the Peavine trail or turn around and head back a different route indicated on the Google Track Map included.

To find the trail head, from Prescott travel north on 89 toward Chino Valley. Just past the turn off to Watson Lake (1/2 mile) turn right on East Granite Dells Road.

About 1/2 mile on the right is the trail head. 

Once on the trail it divides at about a 1/4 mile and I have always preferred to stay left and follow the creek instead of heading uphill. Both routs will take you to the dam.

Trail head

Follow the white dots.

This is a short easy hike, about 1 1/2 miles. Part of the trail traverses boulders and requires that you follow the white dots. So plan on searching for dots painted on rocks.  Sort of like following the yellow brick road. Try not to step on them so they last for others.

Fall is an excellent time to visit this trail.

Off trail creek crossing.

Trail along Granite Creek.

Bridges over small crevasses. 

Canyon walls close in and bridges assist hikers. 

Nearing the Dam, a lone hiker below.

Trail along the creek. 

Granite Creek in the summer, stinky air.

Watson Lake Dam. This is the turn around point. 

Google Map

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=209862872930327478900.0004d08a629687aa78d44

Please forgive errors in grammar or spelling as we type from our phones.

Grapevine Creek Trail # 4

Grapevine Creek

One of my favorite hikes in the Bradshaws is up Grapevine Creek Canyon. It is seldom visited but offers much to the explorer. First of course, solitude. Second it flows year around because of the strong springs that pour from rocks. They are said to be the strongest in the Bradshaws. I have never seen them dry even during the long 10 year drought, that started in the 1990's. 

• Miles... 5 miles round trip.
• Time... 3 to 6 hours.
• Difficulty... easy. 
• Elevation drop... 768 rise.

A severe drought during the late 1800's prompted Joe Mayer, who started the town of Mayer, to construct a pipeline that ran from upper Grapevine Canyon,  many miles to Mayer. Remnants of this pipeline can still be seen along the creek today. 

Grapevine Double Waterfall.

Middle stretch

From Mayer travel 4 miles and turn left on Grapevine Road (mile post 274) . Follow this road for about 2 miles, to a rough parking spot on the left. See map. At one point you pass through private property so respect it. Near the parking lot is an old mine if you want to look. Be careful. 

Don't be discouraged or think your in the wrong place here. All you will need to do is follow this jeep road and things will change in about a mile. Water appears in the creek about 1/2 mile after you reach the official trail head. 

Use the map below for more information.

The hike is about 5 easy miles, if you start at the recommended parking area. One can drive closer but you will be guaranteed to scratch your vehicle because of the Chaparral forest. 

Grapevine Canyon attracts large populations of lady bugs. 

The other thing I like about this hike is the wildlife viewing opportunities. You will have a chance to see bear, turkeys, deer and plenty of skunks for some reason. Mule deer use Grapevine during early mornings and late evenings.

There are rugged old growth forests in Grapevine Canyon.

There are some interesting trees in Grapevine Canyon. The largest Arizona Walnut grows here, and has been nominated by American Forests, National Register of Big Trees.

http://www.americanforests.org/bigtree/juglans-major/

Alders, aspen, pine, spruce, walnut, willow and oaks to name a few reside here.

Golden Columbine bloom in abundance during the summer. 

Grapevine Creek is a protected Forest Botanical Area.

No camping is aloud. 

Unique old willow tree along the trail.

Visit the link below for map at bottom of that page. 

 http://bradshawmountains.com/grapevine_creek.htm 

Return the same way to your vehicle.

Please forgive errors in grammar or spelling as we type from our phones.

Off Trail Hike "The Boulders "

To get to this "off trail hike", travel the Senator Highway south from Prescott. Just past the town of Groom Creek is your goal.

The area east of the road is the hiking area. You can park at the Groom Creek School House parking lot, or there are a few pull off areas along the road.

• Miles... 1.7 miles round trip.
• Time... 1 to 2 hours.
• Difficulty... easy. 
• Elevation diff... 366

This area is unique because of the scattered boulder fields mixed with Ponderosa pine and Gambel Oaks.

Trees adapt and eke out a living in small cracks. 

It makes this part of Arizona unique. I usually walk south about a mile or so and turn and climb uphill and then return north back to the vehicle.

Other trees grow around boulders.

     In the winter the snow atop boulders, slowly melts and creates icicles.

Here you can see how the boulders have cracked and split apart.

Lichen covered rock.

The boulders throughout this area are covered with colorful lichen. Lichen are an interesting fungus. To survive they have a symbiotic relationship with photobiont or phycobionts. They live a very long time. Perfume and medican are made from lichen. 

 I have included a Google Track as an example.  Because of a storm and overcast skies the GPS lost connection, but it will aid you in finding the area.

Google Map

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=209862872930327478900.0004d0c414951f3f4858c

All images from Panasonic point and shoot cameras.
Please forgive errors in grammar or spelling as we type from our phones.