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Vibrant Fall Colors Along Forest Trail 396

Noel Z. Jones — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:11:00 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, Posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: 10/30/2010; Late afternoon south of Prescott on Trails 396, 60 and West School House Gulch Rd.

I have to admit that seeing fall colors in the southwest is a real pleasure. I was transplanted hear from another place also known as God's country, West Virginia. The following shots are from a "late in the day" trip on the western end of Forest Trail 396. You can pick up the 396 at a parking lot near the entrance to the White Spar Forest Campground, where School House Gulch Rd ties into to White Spar Rd (Hwy 89 south out of Prescott).

Wicket never misses a chance to do a little wading in this pool along the 396. It lies several hundred yards west of Lower Goldwater Lake and is truly a sweet spot along this trail. The 396 is part of the Prescott Circle Trail system so you can hike 'til you're toes are numb if you decide to.

Here's Wicket heading up the 396 in point position. This stretch basically runs south out of the drainage where the pool is. We like working our way up the trail some and then bushwhacking over to a game trail that eventually swings us back around to Forest Trail 60 and ties into School House Gulch Rd. The 60 is where we'll begin our trip back to School House Gulch and the parking lot at White Spar Rd.

One last shot of fall from trail 60 for this walk into the wild. It's a special place with a good many trail pooch teams, hikers, mountain bikers, joggers, a few equestrian enthusiasts and the occasional mule deer; oh yes, there are several areas where off road vehicles can come whizzing around the corner, so be careful when you're trekking along School House Gulch Rd. Other possible encounters of wildlife include Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Black Bear, Javelina, Coyote, an assortment of birds, friendly and not so friendly snakes. Just try to be aware of your surroundings and you should be fine.

I thought it might be of interest to some visitors to see a couple of shots taken along the 396 only eleven days later; 11/10/2010. Fall has become a faded memory of those who once sought to embrace it's full glory.

Well Trail Pooch Teams, thanks again. Wicket and I hope you've been out there living it. Until next time, "Happy Trails" and always remember to "Live Free, Live Wild".

Wicket and Noel

Email: Noel@Trailpooch.com
or
noel@realtywebnet.com
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Inspiration Point, Little Granite Mtn Trail, Prescott AZ

Noel Z. Jones — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:57:00 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, Posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: 10/06/2010 and 01/15/2011; Little Granite Mtn trail (Iron Springs Road)

Here's a quick look at the first part of the Little Granite Mtn trail. It's an up hill walk for about a mile and half, but worth every deep breath of fresh air and every drop of perspiration getting to the summit. The views are incredible. The first three shots are from the October 2010 walk and the last two are from a jaunt up the hill January 2011. Wicket and I have hiked this area in the summer, but you're going to want to make it early in the day as it does tend to heat up out there during those months.

The dead and down Juniper tree, barely visible in this photo and lying to the left of the trail in front of the monolith, used to stand to the right of that rock and cast shade on this rather level spot in the trail. It was blown over in the high winds of late 2009, exposing this great view of Thumb Butte and the Bradshaws east and south of the Prescott basin.

Wicket at point waiting for the slow guy on the up hill trek!

We're turning the corner on the downhill stretch to the parking lot at Iron Springs Rd, after a nice work out on the trail over to what I call inspiration point; an overlook on the trail about 1.75 miles out where the views to the west and northwest will inspire the dickens out of you.

Wicket accommodating me and the camera at inspiration point on our January 15th visit; under one of a couple nice alligator juniper trees at the point where hikers can soak up the views and relax.

Wicket leading us up and over the summit on our way back to the parking lot at Iron Springs Rd. We were lucky to spot some day old Mountain Lion Tracks on this walk to the point and had a nice conversation with another hiker who was heading further into the Granite Mountain Wilderness area. Over all, these two trips into the local back country were very rewarding.

Well Trail Pooch Teams, thanks for checking us out again. Wicket and I hope you've been out there living it. Until next time, "Happy Trails" and always remember to "Live Free, Live Wild".

Wicket and Noel

Email: Noel@Trailpooch.com
or
noel@realtywebnet.com
www.realtywebnet.com

Late Summer Early Fall 2010

Noel Z. Jones — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:47:00 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, Posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike date 09/18/2009; White Spar Road area south of Prescott and east of the first entrance to Ponderosa Park.

Hello Trailpooch visitors. Here are three shots from a short walk into the woods south of Prescott. This trail is an easy access area off White Spar Road. You can pick it up just south of School House Gulch Rd and Trail 396.

Notice the first signs of fall draped in red across the rock.

Wicket in the thicket cruising along the trail through late summer flowers still in bloom. This is a nice narrow canyon with ample vegetation. In my opinion, the trail that runs through here ranks moderate to easy for for the first mile then it begins to test your stamina a bit more.

This day, Wicket and I decided to cut back over the hill to White Spar Road on an old and barely visible jeep road from many years back. It runs west out of the canyon we were in. Up the hill, about an 1/8 of a mile, this obscure path ties into a fairly well traveled off road vehicle road. We travel over this road for about a 1/4 of a mile south until we reach another barely visible jeep road that drops down to White Spar Road and the Ponderosa Park entrance to the west. Over all I'd guess the round trip distance to be about 2.5 miles from where we park and pick up the trail on White Spar Rd. This in the area where Wicket gave chase to bobcat kittens in 2009. He was about one and half years of age at the time. While it has been uncommon for us to see Bobcats in this area, it is quite common to see Mule Deer. Heck, one time Wicket even mixed it up with a mother Turkey a mile further up the trail. He's a sweet pooch and everybody's friend. He just doesn't know that some people and some animals out there don't care for trail pooches. He gets reminded of this on occasion.

Well Trail Pooch Teams, thanks for checking us out again. Wicket and I hope you've been out there living it. Until next time, "Happy Trails" and always remember to "Live Free, Live Wild".

Wicket and Noel

Email: Noel@Trailpooch.com
or
noel@realtywebnet.com
www.realtywebnet.com

School House Gulch Rd to GoldWater Lake

Noel Z. Jones — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 01:15:00 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, Posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: 08/12/2010

Here's another look at the area around Goldwater Lake. Wicket and I decided to approach the lake from Prescott Pines Road where School House Gulch Rd intersects it. You can follow School House Rd up to three different trails that will lead you into Goldwater Lake. Lately Wicket and I have been choosing the middle access point and then bushwhacking across an old road that is now nothing more than a game trail.

There are few things that equal the pleasure derived from seeing your pooch getting into it 100% when out in the wild. Wicket is full speed ahead in this shot along School House Gulch Rd. This is an easy walk all the way. It takes us about an hour to enjoy our hiking in this area.

This monument is where Wicket and I will take a right turn and head into the Goldwater lake area. Easy walking and the wild flowers right now are fabulous! I counted over twenty different varieties on this one leg of the walk.

Here's Wicket enjoying it to the max!

Did I say, Photo Opt.! I tell you there are just those special moments out in the wild that you come across that will define a memory for us.....

Well Trail Pooch Teams, thanks for checking us out yet again. Wicket and I hope you've been out there living it. Until next time, "Happy Trails" and always remember to "Live Free, Live Wild".

Wicket and Noel

Email: Noel@Trailpooch.com
or
noel@realtywebnet.com

Affiliated website: www.RealtyWebNet.Com />

Trail 9854; Lynx Lake Area

Noel Z. Jones — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 23:19:00 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, posting from God's Country, Prescott Arizona)

Hike Date: 08/11/2010

Hi fellow Trail Pooch Teams,

Here are a few shots taken during a pleasant stroll on Trail 9854 out Lynx Lake way.

Wicket meeting a couple of beautiful Trail Pooches on our walk into the Free and the Wild. I refer to this trail as the Quarry Loop. If you want to, you can hike into next month from this trail head, but Wicket and I prefer to keep this one set aside for one of the 45 minute walks we like to take.

There's Wicket standing broadside to the trail. We had just past one of the Yavapai Schist quarry sites on this loop. Yavapai Schist, in case you didn't know it, is the oldest geological rock in this part of the southwest. In this photo you can see the old road littered with small pieces of it.

Here's a couple of hard working carpenter ants I photographed along the west side of the quarry loop trail.

Maybe we'll see you and your pooch out on the trail sometime. Until then "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free and Live Wild".

Wicket and Noel

noel@traipooch.com
or
noel@realtywebnet.com

www.RealtyWebNet.Com

Trail 308, Williamson Valley, Prescott, AZ

Noel Z. Jones — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:31:00 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, Posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: 08/10/10, Trail 308 into Mint Wash.

Wicket and I decided we needed to mix it up a bit so we headed out Williamson Valley way to Trail 308. The parking lot is just south of the Yavapai County Fire Department; I'd say about 6 miles out, plus or minus a few feet, from Iron Springs Road. From the parking lot you'll be able to access Trail 308 and 347. The area serves the equestrian community, mountain bikers, hikers with and without a trail pooch and joggers. Parking is free and you can jump on either of these trails and work your way into the north side of the Granite Mountain Wilderness area. While Trail 347 is more of a straight shot into the Granite Basin area, trail 308 hooks up with trail 345 which basically parallels the 347 in the mint wash drainage. If you're in the mood for a nice long moderately strenuous hike, you can head out west across Mint Wash on the 345 and work your way over to the northwest side of Granite Mountain and the Tonto Road area.

Wicket hiking in the point position as we begin our short journey over to Mint Wash. I was hoping to see some water running in the wash when we arrived, but alas, all we found was a couple of puddles for Wicket to wade in. There's a spot out there when the water is running that I like to pull my hiking boots and socks off and let the cascading water massage and cool my feet. I was a bit disappointed to see that this spot was dry. Oh well, I guess the area hasn't received as much rain as I thought it had. This is a trail system that should be worked early in the day during this time of the year, just to avoid the warmer temperatures. We of course didn't make it out there on this trip until about 7:30; it wasn't Wicket's fault, he's always coaxing me out of bed at day break.

When it rains in the area, this trail not only stays rocky, but it gets muddy too. When we arrived here, the trail was completely dry, but I could tell that not too many days before it was a muddy mess. This photo is looking west toward the northern end of Granite Mountain on our decent into Mint Wash over Trail 345. Had we taken a left about 200 feet back we would have been heading along the 345 toward Granite Mt and tying into the 347 about 1.25 miles south.

It was heating up fairly fast by the time Wicket and I arrived at the foot soaking spot that is dry, except for those couple of puddles left over from the last rain. We opted for a quick turnaround and jumped back on the 345 and hoofed it on up the hill to the 308 and back to the parking lot. This is a nice area to hike in if you're looking for easy topography, lots of granite boulders and nice scenery.

Thanks again for visiting our Blog. "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild". See you out there on a trail some time,

Wicket and Noel.

email: noel@trailpooch.com.....

Affiliated Website:
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Goldwater Lake; East end of Trail 396, Prescott, AZ

Noel Z. Jones — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 03:37:00 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, posting from mile high Prescott, Arizona)

Hike date: 08/09/10; Trail 396, Senator Hwy to Goldwater Lake.

Wicket and I love this short walk into the civilized, manicured, regulated part of the back country known as Goldwater Lake. Heck, if it weren't for all the regulatory signs, clearing of the forest and under brush, you might think you were in God's country.

Check out these photos. I've said it before and I'll reiterate, you can hike the same trail every day of your life and see something new and different every time you do.

Wow! Check out all of the blue in this shot! Clear down to the gray of the Blue Heron. What a photo opt.

What's the point of this shot? If you look closely, you'll notice the Blue Heron in flight, just off the water and to left of the Ponderosa Pine.

Here's a posie that caught my eye on our stroll around the lake. I love the color yellow... It lives, it's vibrant and shouts out to all! and that's what draws me to it. Yellow; bold, lively, happy, cheery...

And what post on this blog would be complete without the shot of the biggest lawbreaker of them all? I submit one more photo as evidence that Wicket does not read regulatory signs!

Thanks again for checking us out on the our blog. Until next time, "Happy Trails" and remember to always, "Live Free, Live Wild"
Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel.
email: noel@trailpooch.com... enjoy!

affilated website: www.RealtyWebNet.com

Wolf Creek, Hassayampa River, Prescott, AZ

Noel Z. Jones — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 02:28:00 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, Posting from Mile High Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: Sunday, 08/08/10; Trail 384, Prescott Basin.

Well it has been a very long time since I had visited the Wolf Creek Falls area and what is now Trail 384. It is a place that I hold dear, as I have many memories of that entire area from my teens and twenties. Of course when I was out exploring during those years, I did it mostly in a 1964 Jeep CJ that my father let me barrow. Thanks Dad for making my memories of the Bradshaw Mountains and the Prescott Basin possible. Those were days when this area was remote and four wheeling was OK. In fact, sleeping bags, ice chest and a good jeep, was all a group of teenaged Prescott boys required for the weekend. Little did we understand that we were living a freedom that would soon be but a memory of the way it used to be.

Just a few hundred feet from here, this creek water will cascade over polished granite into the Hassayampa River, over the Wolf Creek Falls. Wicket and I made the walk that I used to drive in the 64 Jeep. I recommend this walk to those who love to see running water in Arizona. It's not easy to find. I don't recall ever seeing it completely dry in this area, but I am sure there have been times that it has been.

Wicket is on his way down the old jeep trail to the pool of water I used to cool off in, in my youth. He's looking back at me as if to say, "Hey man, you going to put it in gear and follow me down to the water?"

Hey, is that Wicket in the Thicket, or just another ghost of a memory from a previous era? You can tell he's in frolic mode on this trip. His floppy teddy bear ears are standing straight up! That means he's on the run and really gettin' into it!

Check it out. Is this just not a great shot of an Arizona mountain stream? Crystal clear water, granite boulders and green everywhere.

View From near the Trail Head of 384. This part of the 384 is about half way between Ponderosa Park and Senator Hwy. If you're ever out that way, you should check out the place. It is a very special area and it's only a 25 minute drive or so from downtown Prescott. Enjoy! Don't forget to take that pooch with you. There's lots of free range out here, if you don't get caught!

Thank you for visiting our blog and until next time, from Wicket and Noel, "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild"

noel@trailpooch.com shoot us an email, or feel free to post a comment on the blog.

Affiliated website:
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See you on the trail sometime!
Wicket in the thicket.
Shadow camera man

A collage for July 31 through Aug 6, 2010

Noel Z. Jones — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:04:00 GMT

(Trail Team, Wicket and Noel, Posting from Prescott, Arizona; post date 8/7/2010)

I thought I would set up a collage of this last week's hikes since time seemed to get away from me.

Here's Wicket and two new trail pooch pups he met along School House Gulch Road Friday, 8/6/10. Apparently these two pups have just recently moved into the Prescott Area and were having a great time out there hiking with their human. We were on our way to Trail 396 and the water hole just west of Lower Goldwater Lake, via School House Gulch Rd and Trail 61.

Wicket on an old trail that cuts off trail 61 and ties into the 396 about a quarter of a mile east.

On trail 396, a few hundred feet north of our destination.
Next Photo is from a short hike, 8/5/10, in the Thumb Butte area west of Prescott.

Here's a short trail off the Thumb Butte Loop Road. This trail runs out of a "dispersed camp sight" west of the road and will tie into the road which leads into Deering Park area. Notice the devastation caused by drought and bark beetles.

08/04/10: Looking at Bean Mt. from another hill top to the northeast.

This shot was taken from near the top of a hill that has recently burned. Wicket and I hiked in from Prescott Pines Road that ties in with Senator Hwy, just past where trail 396 begins. It's an easy drive and a good dirt road to the east end of the School House Gulch Rd. School House Gulch is gated at both ends now, so Wicket and I hoofed it over to an unmarked trail that will take you back into the woods and up some pretty steep topography where this shot was taken.

Here's Wicket cresting the hill, just after the steepest part of the trail. It's a good trail, but it's a "huffer and a puffer" for this hiker. By the time I caught up with the pooch I was thinking about life support!.. Just over the top, you'll be able to see the Groom Creek area, Ponderosa Park, and fabulous views to the east, south, west and to the north you'll have a great view of Prescott.

Taken at Goldwater Lake, 8/3/10.

The Goldwater Lake trails are among my favorite when I am in the mood for a shorter hike with fabulous photo opts.
Here's one of a moth I was lucky enough to notice while heading along the 396 from Senator Hwy.

Not all photographers are nimble enough to capture a close up of a moth of this caliber, let alone, the shadow of the dude taking the picture!... You never know what surprises you'll encounter along any trail, at any time, no matter how often you hike it.

How about this Blue Heron and the mirror finish to the lake...

07/31/2010; In the following photos, Wicket and I are checking the trails north of Willow Lake. Here are a few shots of our adventure.

I thought this map was really a great help while back in the rocks.

A rather ingenious idea some creative soul came up with; white paint dots to lead hikers along an otherwise difficult trail to follow. It's so easy to figure out, even I could have done it by myself without the help of Wicket showing me first! That pooch is a real smarty!

Your trail pooch is going discover a lot of sniffing spots along this trail system.

Be prepared for some great photo opportunities.

Thanks again for checking us out. From Wicket and Noel, "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild".

email: noel@trailpooch.com

affiliated website:

www.RealtyWebNet.Com

Pioneer Park; Legacy Trail

Noel Z. Jones — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 19:37:00 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: 7/30/2010; Friday.

If you're into some long range views and a relatively less traveled trail in the Brownlow Trail/Pioneer Park area of Prescott, I recommend the trails which lie north of the main corridor trails. The Legacy Trail is a nice trail which loops around from Keebler Field and back again. To access the trail, Wicket and I typically will park at the west end of Keebler Field and hike up the power line road, pick up the Brownlow Trail and head a few hundred feet to the west where we'll cross under Pioneer Parkway through tunnel number two, one of three tunnels that allow access to the northern trails in the area. Then it's only a short distance to the Legacy Trail which is marked by signage.

Wicket and I met four hikers and three pooches right where the Legacy Trail begins. Wicket had a great time meeting these three pups and saying hi to their four humans. I jawboned for a good while and found out that we know a few of the same people in the area. In this photo are: Wicket on the far left, Sammy the Springer Spaniel, Daisy the Miniature Australian Shepard and Wally the Jack Russell Terrier. They were all nicely behaved and friendly as were their humans! It was a fun encounter.

Wild Flowers are doing well in the area this year, thanks to all the rain.

Granite Mountain to the west of this Alligator Juniper where some thoughtful soul has placed one of two park benches which are nicely situated along the Legacy Trail.

View from one of the ridge tops along the Legacy Trail looking east at Glasford Hill, shrouded in a white vail of fog.  There are some great view sites along this trail.

Thanks for visiting our blog.  "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild"

Wicket and Noel

noel@trailpooch.com

noel@realtywebent.com

Senator Highway to Goldwater Lake

Noel Z. Jones — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 19:27:30 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, Posting from Prescott, AZ)

Hike Date: July 29, 2010; Trail 396 from Senator Hwy to Goldwater Lake.

I just wanted to get a post in here one more time about this great trail. Trail 396 from Senator Hwy to Goldwater Lake always makes for a great short 45 minute walk in and out. Here are a few shots we took on this trip last Thursday.

This is the time of the year to see fungi at it's finest!

Nothing quite like littering the natural beauty around the Prescott area with regulatory Do's and Don'ts. It's a great way to shatter the illusion that you're out in the wild!

I spotted this lawbreaker shortly after seeing the sign. Bad dog! You get out of there and put your leash on!

Thanks again for visiting Wicket's and my blog. We appreciate your interest in our adventures into the wild around Prescott. One of these days Wicket and I are going to get out of the Prescott Basin and head to another trail system, just for a change of scenery.

"Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild"

Wicket and Noel,

Noel@trailpooch.com

Noel@realtywebnet.com

Granite Basin Lake Wilderness; Cayuse Equestrian, Day Use Area

Noel Z. Jones — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 15:42:00 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, Posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: 07/28/2010, Wednesday

Wicket and I like to run out to the Granite Basin Lake Wilderness Area on Wednesdays and take advantage of the free parking day. We park at the Cayuse Equestrian parking lot and hike out of there to the south on trail 346; pick up trail 347 north to trail 348, connect with trail 351 and back to the parking lot. We cover the ground in a little over an hour.

Wicket heading up trail 347 with Granite Mt creating the back drop.

Here's what I refer to as "PacMan" rock, but I'm sure there is a formal name for it.

and on the north side of "PacMan" rock you have a total different look. I haven't come up with a name that suits me for this view yet. Not far from here, you can pick up trail 348 which will take you southwest over the west lake trail and back into the parking lot at the Cayuse Equestrian area. This trail system is available for Hikers, Mt. Bikers, and Horseback riders. The views are great in this area and vegetation still lush, if you discount the bark beetle damage to a good many of the pines along the way.
The Trail system in the Granite Basin Wilderness area is extensive, in fact if you want to stay on the 347 you can hike a few miles north to a parking lot in Williamson Valley and connect with other trails along the way. Snake sightings? Yes, you can see rattle snakes in this area, in fact my son stepped over top of a napping Western Diamond Back a week or so ago while hiking on a trail north of the lake. Luckily the snake wasn't interested in a mouth full of pant leg. So just another heads up warning while you're out there with your pooch. There are Bobcats, Mountain Lions, Coyotes, Javelina and I would suspect Black Bear in this area, not to mention all the other creatures of the wild that are known to make this part of Arizona their home, some good, some bad.

Heading back into the parking lot via the 351 from the north. It was another wonderful hike into the wild around the Prescott area.

Thanks again for stopping in to check out our adventures.

"Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild"

Wicket and Noel
noel@trailpooch.com
or
Noel@realtywebnet.com

Mingus Mt, Yeager Canyon Trail #28 loop back to #533

Noel Z. Jones — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:16:00 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: 07/27/2010; 7:30 A. M.; Partly Cloudy Skies; Morning after rain, Fabulous!

If you've never hiked the Yeager Canyon Trail #28 to Trail #111 to #533 and back to Hwy 89A on the west side of Mingus Mountain, I have to tell you, be prepared for a strenuous climb, switchbacks, "thick" forest and fantastic vistas. This shot is actually from Trail #533 on our way back from an approximate 5 mile loop which covers some remote topography on trail #28, #533 and #111. I was absolutely impressed on this walk in the woods with the Wicket Pooch.   We met a local Contractor on the Yeager Canyon ascent by the name of Bob who has been hiking this area for 30 years. I felt short changed when I heard how long he'd been traversing this area. But I do tend to spend most of my hiking time on the South and West sides of Prescott, AZ. But I think I am going to make this loop one of my mid-range milage favorites.
Finding the trail head for the Yeager Canyon hike is a bit difficult now that the forest service has blocked off the easy access to it. But you can still park a few hundred feet from it. If you hike with a pooch, be prepared to either carry your pup over a cattle guard, or figure on dealing with a barbed wire fence. They didn't make it easy on the access here. It's important to note that when you have crossed under the power lines while traveling west from Prescott Valley on Hwy 89A, at the west base of Mingus Mt., you're going to want to look for the first wide spot to the left of Hwy 89 where you can park. The actual trail head is to your right on a curve in the road and south of the wide parking area on the left; about 500 feet south of it. You can do like Wicket and I did and park in front of the barricaded access if you want to.   When you make it through all the obstacles that seem to be a deliberate attempt to discourage hikers of giving this a try, you'll notice trail markers for trl 533 and trl 28. Wicket and I had intended to just do the Yeager Canyon Trail over trl #28 initially, but after meeting with Bob on his way back down and learning that the 533 connects with 111 and 111 connects with 28, I decided, why not make this 45 minute walk a little longer and just do the loop.
I have to tell you, that I am glad we decided to do the loop. We were into the round trip for about 2.5 hours total, just as Bob had indicated we would be. Here's a shot of a dead tree on a Martin Limestone outcropping along trl #28 where Bob likes to hike to and check out the views back toward Prescott Valley.
It gets kind of rocky on the Yeager Trail, but stick with it; it does get better as you begin to crest canyon's edge.
Shot taken along trl #111 on our way to the #533. Note: #111 runs for 2 miles and intersects the main road running along the top of Mingus Mt south to Cherry. When you get to the road, turn right and walk about an 1/8 of a mile to trl #533 on your right.
This is the TREASURE of the Day for me!
I am not a forensic expert or an archeologist, but I got to tell you when I saw this old wagon grown over with brush, I thought wow! How lucky am I to have even spotted it lying hidden along side the trail? I just happened to glance over my shoulder in that direction. The thought occurred to me that there might have been hundreds of trail teams that passed it by and never new it was there.
Here's the Trail Boss, Wicket. He's looking at me and probably thinking, dang that human of mine has his camera on me again! This shot was at the end of our descent over trl 533. It's a good trail, but it's full of switchbacks, so getting back to "home plate" seems like it's going to take forever!

Thanks for checking in.  "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild"
Please feel to post your comments and or questions; if you prefer, shoot us an email.

Trail Pooch Team Wicket and Noel
noel@trailpooch.com

Affiliate Website:
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or noel@realtywebnet.com

Highlands Center for Natural History, Lynx Lake area.

Noel Z. Jones — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:28:00 GMT

(Posting from Prescott, Arizona. Trail Pooch Team Wicket and Noel)

Hike Date: 07/26/2010; Prescott Highlands Center for Natural History, Walker Road Lynx Lake area.

Hi Trail Pooch teams.

Just wanted to get some information out to you about the great trail system immediately north of Lynx Lake, off to the east side of Walker Rd. You and that trail pooch you hike with are going to love it out here!
Check it out,
an outdoor ampatheater for the Scholarly.
Ah yes,
now there's a welcomed sight!   Take a break here and meditate on the scenery before you in God's Country.
Yee haw doody!
"Charge of the Light Brigade"! I'm telling you that Wicket loves it out here!

Well Trail Pooch teams.. "Happy Trails" and remember to always, "Live Free, Live Wild",

Wicket and Noel
www.trailpooch.com   (Shoot me an email at noel@realtywebnet.com or noel@trailpooch.com )
Affiliated website:
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Trail 48; Aspen Creek; Copper Basin Road, Prescott AZ

Noel Z. Jones — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:11:00 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: 07/25/2010; 7:30 A. M.; Clear Skies; 62 degrees F at trail head.

Just in for a quick post about today's walk in the woods with Trail Pooch, Wicket in the Thicket. Wicket tried to get me to roll out of the sack at about 5:00 AM, but I just couldn't make muster this morning. Even so, the trail was fresh, damp from great monsoon showers that were received there yesterday and the temps were perfect for black long haired trail pooches named Wicket. You'll see Mountain Laurel with its thorns, Ponderosa Pine, Oak, Alligator Juniper, and Black Walnut trees in this area. This is one special spot in God's country.

I really appreciate trail #48, because its easy to get to and has a lot of nice terrain and moderate topography, unless you opt for the Mt. Frances hike; now you're talking some blood pumping and heavy breathing exercises. For me it's a 45 minute forced march to the top. But you know what? The 360 degree views from there are worth the extra huffing and puffing.

Here's Wicket ignoring my command to turn around so I can get a photo of his face! Typical. He does make a great lead dog for me on any trail in spite of his stubbornness when it comes to photo opts. Today he stayed closer than normal; I suspect because it has been awhile since we were on this part of the trail. We normally do our little walk through this area in the reverse of what we opted for today. Since I'm at least 15 years older than I was when my hair stylist Thomas coerced me into hiking this area, I think I prefer the reverse approach these days; a bit less grade to it, if you know what I mean.

Here's a fallen "Soldier" where the trail actually goes under it.

I took this shot, because of the fabulous view of Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte, although the photography is less than what I would have liked.

Well Trail Pooch friends, "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild"

Wicket and Noel
Email: Noel@trailpooch.com
affiliate website: www.RealtyWebNet.Com
noel@RealtyWebNet.Com

Trekking in the rain at Little Granite Mt Trail

Noel Z. Jones — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 04:38:00 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike date: 07/24/2010, Saturday.

Hi trail pooch friends. Wicket and I decided to head out west of town and tackle a little bit of trail #37 which leads you into the Granite Mountain Wilderness area from Iron Springs Road. We began our hike under threat of rain, but opted to chance it. As luck would have it, we had the chance to hike wet.

Posted at the Trail Head at Iron Springs Rd.

I met a couple a few weeks back at this special spot who were married here. At that time there was a Juniper pine gracing this gateway to the Granite Mt.. Wilderness. The high winds that came through this area earlier in the year blew it over.

This gate about 1 mile in from Iron Springs Rd. It's where the trail really begins to descend into the G. M. Wilderness. From here Wicket and I hike on out to the next ridge where we have found ourselves a secluded view point where we I like to take a few minutes to reflect on things.

What View!

Well Noel, What are you waiting on? Let's head back to the truck!

On the return trip from our inspiration point on trail 37, I finally appreciated the beauty of this century plant that had been hatcheted off a few weeks earlier by a person who'd rather not see it in its full glory, but this time this plant decided to blossom from what was left of its stalk. Magnificent! So to the one who chopped this Century Plant off, better take another look at it. You might decide to leave things as they are the next time you're out looking to chop things up. Learn to appreciate the living, rather than destroy it.

Today we met a young lady and her two trail pooches heading up the trail as we were on our way down to the F-250. A very pleasant woman with two very friendly pups, Andy and Oreo. I've said it before and I will reiterate; Hikers who hike with dogs, are special people and the pups who hike with humans is what makes it all special out there in the wild.

Well Trail Pooch Teams, "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild".

Until the next time when we see you out there in God's Country. Be safe! Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the King Coral Snake that almost ran across my boots on the the way up the 37!.. exciting! LOL
Wicket and Noel
www.Bolg.TrailPooch.com
Affiliated Websit www.RealtyWebNet.Com

A quickie at Pioneer Park

Noel Z. Jones — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 04:04:00 GMT

(Trail Pooch Team Wicket and Noel posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike date: 07/23/2010

Hi Trail Pooch Hikers,

I just wanted to do a quick post about a 25 minute walk on one of the many trails in the Pioneer Park area (AKA Whipple Gunnery Range for you old timers).

Wicket in the Thicket... happy and free.  Of course the humidity was a trifle much on this excursion, but we managed to have a superb quickie out at Pioneer Park on Friday of this week.
and there is Granite Mountain afar!

Wow Wick, what's happnen with this bush?

Y'all have a great weekend. Trail Pooch Team Wicket and Noel.
email: noel@trailpooch.com or at my business email: noel@realtywebnet.com
Until next time Trail Pooch friends.  "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild"

Wicket and Noel: www.Blog.TrailPooch.Com

A great place to meet other Trail Pooch Teams

Noel Z. Jones — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:39:00 GMT

(Wicket and Noel posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: 07/22/2010; Location School House Gulch Rd, Trail #61 and #396.

This first photo was shot at 7:30 AM on Thursday. Wicket and I were heading up Trail #61 from the School House Gulch Rd near White Spar Rd. I know in advance of approaching hikers who are with their pups, because Wicket lies down and assumes what I call his "ambush" posture. Actually he is telegraphing his non-aggressive and playful intent to the other pooch. So when I see him in ambush mode, I know there is a trail pooch up ahead. In this photo, you can see Wicket and his new trail buddy, Herbie getting acquainted and Herbie's Hiking Human, a short distance behind. The funny thing about this encounter between the two pups is that Herbie also went into his own ambush mode when he saw Wicket. So there for a minute, or so, they're both on their bellies, chins to the ground, in a staring wait and see contest. Very cute indeed.

When you get the chance, check out the comments the Herbie Team provided at the "Welcome" link to the left of the page. She has her favorite spots along her favorite trails, same as all Hikers do. One of those spots is at the summit of trail #396 where there are fabulous views awaiting all hikers willing to stop and enjoy. She reminded me of the rock and log benches someone had built at that point, which have since been dismantled by others. Somewhere in my photo archives on one of my computers I think I have a picture of it before it was taken apart. Anyway, Herbie and his hiking human would like to request fellow hikers to assist her in rebuilding the bench arrangement there, as she finds it to be a fabulous place to enjoy reading poetry and soaking up all that is great in the out of doors. I'm a player for this project, as I am sure Wicket is. If you're interested in lending a hand, why not post a comment of your own. Maybe we can get a group together to make this happen before summer passes into autumn.

Three new friends for Wicket, a very playful Dobie named Ebony and a sweet Basset mix named Chloe and friendly Foster.
The Shadow Cameraman horning in on the action once again!..
Wicket in the pool of water just west of Lower Goldwater Lake where he made friends with Foster, Chloe and Ebony. While the Hiking Humans were jawboning the pooches played in and out of the water. Out of respect for the hikers and their anonymity, I shall not post there names as they have requested. I will say that of all the folks I meet on trail, those who hike with a pooch seem to be the most easy going of the bunch. Dogs are here to show us a few things, so I suspect we should pay attention to what they have to teach us.
I'll close with this photo at the end of the trail. I couldn't help but wonder just how often a person notices something as unique as this. I have hiked by these two trees a dozen times or more and never took the time to really appreciate them. Rather mystical looking, don't you think? So where is the hobbit in this photo? If you copy this photo and zoom in on it you'll see a hobbit's face.

"Happy Trails" from the Trail Pooch Team, and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild".

Email Wicket and Noel at noel@trailpooch.com
Affiliate Website: www.realtywebnet.com /> />

North of Lynx Lake Wednesday, 07/21/2010

Noel Z. Jones — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 05:31:00 GMT

Hello from the Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and Noel, posting from Prescott, Arizona

Wicket and I had another fabulous outing in the Lynx Lake area. We try to get out there on a Wednesday to take advantage of the free parking day. It wasn't that long ago that access to public lands was free 24/7.   I am lucky that I have a job that allows me to take advantage of "free Wednesdays".  Those of you who work on Wednesdays, I feel your pain.  Someday we should take it back America.

I decided to post the last photo of the hike first this time, just to emphasize how important it is to be careful while hiking in the Forest. Here you go, check out this Timber Rattler!

My Veterinarian calls these "Black" Rattlesnakes Mountain Rattlers. I've always referred to them as "Timber" Rattlers. But I can assure you that no matter what you end up calling these "Villains of the wild", they're almost impossible to see in the forest. As you can see, this Timber Rattler looks exactly like a branch off a Ponderosa Pine or Pinon Pine.   We came across this ominous creature while exiting the Lynx Creek Ruin Trail Head area just north of Lynx Lake by about a mile and a half. It was lying in the road which is why I was able to see it. If it had been lying along a trail, or among the many piles of fallen tree limbs that scatter the forest floor, I'll bet I would have probably missed picking it out, even though I scour the trail ahead and to both sides of me and Wicket at all times, trying to see anything that might look like a black rattler. By the way, it wasn't there when Wicket and I drove into the area.
I can freely admit, while I am a friend of animals and believe that they should be allowed to live, unless hunted lawfully for food, the very sight of this Black Rattlesnake gave me a huge case of the Heebie Geebies! Actually it is the first rattlesnake I've seen in about 4 years. But there have been those times that I have almost walked up and stepped on one, even though I am very aware that they're out there. Their camouflage is definitely working over time for them. They are almost invisible when they're lying motionless on the forest floor. Please be careful out there Trail Pooch teams.... NOTE: If you're not aware of this you might want to take time out to have your Vet give your Trail Pooch a Rattlesnake Vaccine. It won't stop the poison completely, but it will give your pup extra time to get the anti-venom from your vet. Also, I am told that it doesn't have ANY affect on the venom injected by the dreaded Mojave Green Rattlesnake. These Rattlers have extra strong venom which also affects the respiratory system. So be extra careful around stream beds and water as they are as their name indicates, green and the few times that I've seen them has been when I was near water, like in the Verde River Canyon northeast of Chino Valley, AZ.   Talk about heebie geebies! It makes me shudder just to keyboard this.

Wicket is patiently waiting on me to decide which trail we're going to take. What a pooch!

Ah yes the Shadow Cameraman is alive!

Wicket taking a dip in Lynx Creek in the early stages of this hike. Just last week the Forest Service was letting water out of Lynx Lake and this spot was about two feet deeper with water running over the rock ledge creating a waterfall. If you're a placer miner enthusiast you might want to give this area a try.

It's time to shut it down for today, even though I am running a full day or two behind... Stay tuned to this site and I promise you more great shots of the back country in the Prescott Area. Oh yes, I almost forgot; yesterday Wicket and I saw a beautiful coyote, a timber rattler, a ring tail cat, a few head of mule deer, and two raccoons, not to mention an assortment of chipmunks, squirrels and a rabbit or two, before the day was over.

From the Trail Pooch Team, "Happy Trails" and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild"
Noel and Wicket email: noel@trailpooch.com
Affiliate Website: www.RealtyWebNet.Com

Hike Date Tuesday 7/20/2010

Noel Z. Jones — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:22:00 GMT

The Trail Pooch Team, Wicket and the Shadow Cameraman, Noel Posting from Prescott, Arizona

Hike Date: Tuesday; 07/20/2010

Nothing quite like a hike into the Prescott National Forest to get your blood pumping. Check out this wild grape vine; spectacular!

Then there is Wicket racing back to see what has delayed his shadow cameraman.

Wicket and I decided to hoof it up a canyon in the White Spar Rd area Tuesday of this week. It is also one of the trails we take when we are targeting Bean Mountain as our destination point. On Tuesday's hike we opted to bushwhack out of the ravine to the west and tie into an old road that eventually leads us to another obscure old road which will tie into trail 382, a trail that will lead you north to the White Spar Campground.

Here's a little keepsake I found along the way, while Wicket was hiking in point position.
enter the feather as evidence of another great hike into the wild.

and here at the end of our trail we have come full circle. Look closely and you'll see what's left of a modern day ruin. Here once stood a dwelling and gift shop on leased forest land. Not seen in this photo is an apple orchard to the upper left of the photo. All remnants of a less hectic time of our immediate past. I was a very young fellow when my family visited this gift shop that no longer stands. My father bought me a small bag of Hard Rock Candy on that day; about 1960-1961 as I recall. Thanks dad for the memory.

"Happy Trails" from the Trail Pooch team Wicket and Noel: "Live Free, Live Wild". email: Noel@trailpooch.com
affiliated website: www.RealtyWebNet.Com