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Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking
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If a short, quick climb to some great views appeals to you, this is your hike. This hike is located near Prescott, AZ. To the Trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take I-17 to the junction of HWY-69. Turn left onto HWY-69 towards Prescott. At the intersection between HWY-89 and HWY-69 towards the town of Prescott, turn left (HWY-69) and head towards the town of Prescott on Gurley Street. Not long after this turn-off, you will turn left (South) on Mount Vernon Street. From this point, it is 6.7 miles on a paved road (Known as the Senator Highway and FR-52)to the end of the pavement. From the end of the pavement, go another 0.3 miles and turned right at FR79, which is signed as Whispering Pines Camp. After 1.8 miles you will pass the turn for FR79B (stay left) and cross the Hassayampa River (really more of a creek). After 0.4 miles, turn right at a clear fork (but unsigned). In 0.2 miles, turn right at the sign for the Kendall Camp Trail 65. This last sign has seen some abuse from firearm enthusiasts so it may not be readable when you take this hike. Go another 0.7 miles on this increasingly rocky road (high clearance recommended) until you see a wood fence on your right. The parking area is just ahead where the road forks. You could continue on (right) to the actual trailhead (about 0.2 miles away), but unless you're on a ATV I wouldn't bother. Be Aware of: You may share the first 0.2 miles with ATVs until you reach the trailhead. 30 yr old Recommendation: It's a good climb, but short. The views are well worth the effort. This is an easy day hike. Elevation change: about 900 ft gain.
Distance: 3.2 miles to the top and back Time: It took us just under 2.0 hours. Time of year: Summer. Solitude: Excellent. We had this trail all to ourselves. Map: Click here for a map of the hike Navigating to the trailhead is the trickiest part of this hike. Hopefully the directions above guided you sufficiently to where you are standing next to the orchard that marks the remains of Kendall Camp. Follow the signs that mark Trail 65. The first part of this hike is along the quickly narrowing dirt road to the section of trail closed to motor vehicles. It's only about 10 minutes walking away (marked as V1 on the map). Trail 65 has a few junctions, but each is marked with trail markers so it is easy to follow. The narrow road becomes a trail and starts the 900 ft climb to the top of Maverick Mountain. The trail is shaded with pine and Oak trees, which makes the walk quite pleasant. After about 1.3 miles of hiking you reach a ridgeline and a dirt road that has been closed to vehicle traffic. Turn left here (WP1 on the map) and follow the trail to the highest point on Maverick Mountain. Your climb is rewarded with views of Mount Tritle, Prescott, and the surrounding Bradshaw mountain range. After enjoying the views for a bit, turn around here and return the way you came.
[The trail to Maverick Mountain]
[View of Mount Tritle]
[More views from the top]
This hike was taken at the end of August 2008
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