This is a 1/2 day, very scenic driving adventure through the heart of the Bradshaw Mountains. It is the driving adventure I recommend now to our readers who are looking for a quick and easy trip with other recreational options. You can extend this trip by visiting some of the areas noted below or camp over night in the forest.
- You pass several pretty lakes and creeks surrounded by pine forests.
- Old ghost town sites and mines along the way.
- Hiking opportunities are scattered throughout the drive.
- Passenger cars are OK if your careful.
- Ten miles of this road is improved dirt.
- Don't attempt this trip after recent snow or rain.
Trip Stats
- Miles... 23
- Type of road... paved and improved dirt.
- Time needed... 2 to 8 hours, depending on stops.
- Gas stations...none
- Food... none, bring a picnic lunch
The Senator Highway has about 10 miles of improved dirt road.
Directions
Begin this driving adventure in Prescott at Mount Vernon Avenue and Gurley street. See our Google Map below. Follow Mount Vernon south through Prescott's historic home district. This road becomes the Senator Highway.
History
The Senator Highway was built in 1867 and was originally a toll road that led to Crown King and other areas. Toll fees were $1.50 per wagon or 50 cents for horse and rider. It was considered very expensive for its day but beat making your own way through the woods.
What I like about this trip.
- Beautiful scenic drive
- Beautiful forest
- Lakes, creeks
- Hiking opportunities
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Historic buildings
- Historic mines
Warnings
- Do not travel after heavy rain or snow.
- Hair-pin turns, watch for other vehicles.
- One lane at times, share the road.
- Mileages below are approximate.
- Stay out of mines.
Photographic Trip Begins
Below is a pictorial review of this trip that gives
approximate mile marker locations. Use the Google map below to further aid in driving directions.There are many other interesting stops along this trip not mentioned here.
Start at Gurley and Mount Vernon Ave in Prescott. A Senator Highway sign indicates your turn. Mile 0
Mount Vernon Historic District. First 1/2 mile.
For more information on this area click here.
Historic district in winter.
Follow the Senator Highway. At about 3.5 miles you can stop at Upper and Lower Goldwater Lakes. Fee required. Click here for more information on Goldwater Lake.
http://bradshawmountains.com/goldwater_lake.htm
Lower Goldwater Lake. Closed to the public but a hiking trail takes you near the water line. Mile 3.5
Lower Gold water Lake Trail.
Next is the town of Groom Creek. This town is named for Robert Groom who settled in this area during the late 1860's. Two stage stops were located here along the Senator Highway as well as a saloon, boarding house, four mills, several residences and a school house. The school can still be visited today and simply watch for the sign, for its location. The Senator Highway and nearby King Kelly Mine as well as others supported the town. During wet years miners noted this particular area, for its numerous wildflower blooms which still occur today. Mile 5
Groom Creek nature trail (Lions Physically Disabled Trail). Historical school house nearby. Click here for more information. Mile 6
http://bradshawmountainhikes.blogspot.com/2012/12/lyons-groom-creek-nature-trail.html
Pavement ends, mile 7.
At 7.5 miles you have a option for a side trip on Wolf Creek Road. If you want to take the side hike to Wolf Creek Waterfall, turn here and follow this dirt road to the trail head. For more information on the falls click here.
http://bradshawmountains.com/wolf_creek_waterfall.htm
Remains of the Senator Mine and now ghost town of Maxton. Mile 10. For more information on Maxton or Senator Mine click here.
http://bradshawmountains.com/senator_mine.htm
Senator Mine. Stay out of mines. Mile 10.
Senator Waterfall side hike at mile 10. Click here to learn more about this short side hike.
http://bradshawmountainhikes.blogspot.com/2013/05/senator-waterfall.html
Road narrows just after Maxton. 10 miles.
Turn left on Walker Road, near mile 10.5 It can be easy to miss this turn so watch for it.
Hassayampa Lake, mile 11. For more information on Hassayampa Lake click here.
http://bradshawmountains.com/hassayampa_lake.htm
Hassayampa Lake
Mile 11 you come to a crossing of the Hassayampa River. Here high in the mountains the river is small and really only a flowing creek. Aspens make their home along the bank.
A short distance later is the community of Potato Patch. More mines appear on right.
Later the road winds slowly down the mountain through pine forests. At about mile 13 you come to an interesting stash of mail box's.
In the historic town site of Walker paved road once again appears. Mile 13.
For more information on Walker click here.
http://www.mglodge.com/history.htm
Mail boxes at mile 13
Mile 14.
An old pink car gives this road its name. Even the ground appears pink in this area. For 73 years this 1939 sedan has sat at this location and has become quite the landmark. In 2011 it was stolen by Prescott High School students and placed it in the high school parking lot, as a prank. The pranksters were caught and the landmark car returned to its location once again. Now it is chained to the ground. You can visit and photograph this car once again. To learn more about the prank click here.
http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubsectionID=1&ArticleID=94188
At mile 15 you can take a side trip to this 1800's still standing charcoal kiln.
Click here for more information.
Next, is Lynx Lake near mile 19.
For more information on Lynx Lake click here.
Lynx Lake over look, mile 19.
Highland Nature Center, mile 20.
Continue for another 3 miles and you reach Highway 69 again. Costco is on your right. Turn right to go to Phoenix or left to return to Prescott.
Google Map
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=209862872930327478900.0004db1e1b1a2cdf14171&msa=0&ll=34.552271,-112.387433&spn=0.019864,0.048795
Please forgive errors in grammar or spelling as we type from our phones.
