Hikers, you have to think about the heat before you hit the trail. The Phoenix area has hiker rescues almost every day during the heat. Some hikers have died from it, including at the Grand Canyon. This is an issue that we have to take seriously.
While the Prescott area doesn’t get as hot as Phoenix, and might feel cool to those coming from the Valley, it has still been consistently over 90 degrees. That means taking plenty of water and hiking early or late, preferably on trails with lots of shade.
About a month ago I hiked Skunk Canyon to Fisher Point just south of Flagstaff. We were at about 6,700 feet; by the time we finished the hike it was about 93 degrees, and we were all feeling it.
My general rule for the hottest parts of the summer is to get above 8,000 feet. The San Francisco Peaks Trail is closer to 9,000 and an easy hike, because it goes around the mountain rather than up it, and you still enjoy lots of aspens and ferns.
Hopefully it will cool quite a bit in September so we can enjoy Groom Creek Loop Trail, which rises from 6,400 to 7,693 feet. Usually that’s high enough to cool people down, but during the thick of summer it can still be hot. I hiked it in April, before the heat set in.
Groom Creek Loop Trail 307, which touches the top of Spruce Mountain, is one of the best in the Prescott National Forest and among Arizona Highways’ top 52 day hikes. The views from the top are amazing, and trees and boulders shade the trail periodically. It climbs about 1,300 feet, but most of the elevation comes so gradually that you hardly notice it.
The trail is so well manicured I felt I was sometimes walking on carpet, especially early on, paralleling Forest Road 52, where you can hear kids’ voices from nearby summer camps. Further up the sounds disappear, but this is a popular and sometimes busy trail. Mountain bikers and horseback riders also like Groom Creek Loop.
Alligator junipers, oaks and Ponderosa pines dot the trail, with more evergreens toward the top. Flowers and Mexico locust trees give the trail color.
Reaching the top not only gives a sense of accomplishment, but there are picnic tables in several places, and this is the perfect place for lunch or a snack as you take in the scenery. Hiking buddy and Cornville resident Chris Appleton and I munched out, then took in the view from the top.
The signage at the top of the trail isn’t great. There is a jeep trail off to the left that’s tempting to follow, but not part of the trail, which goes straight ahead, then veers right, but you have to be watching for the #307 trail sign. A fire tower is at the top, and if someone’s there you can visit. If not, the view from the bottom of the fire tower is magnificent.
Groom Creek Loop totals under nine miles, and those looking for more mileage can also take Isabella Trail on the way down. Arizona Highways rates Granite Creek Loop Trail as moderate. There are restrooms a both the trailhead and the top of the mountain. Dogs are allowed and must be leashed.
For more information phone the Bradshaw Ranger District at 928-443-8000.
From Prescott, take Mt Vernon Avenue (Senator Highway) south from Gurley Street, and take Forest Service Road 52. Go 6.4 miles, and the trailhead parking lot is on the left.
Stan Bindell is always looking for a good hike. If you have one, contact him at thebluesmagician@gmail. com
