The Peaks of Prescott

While Prescott might be Arizona's mile-high city, some of the surrounding peaks climb closer to 8,000 feet.  They're all in the Bradshaw Mountain range that rises just a few miles to the community's south, where mountaintops offer high escapes to alpine environments that are mostly protected and managed through the Prescott National Forest.

Mount Union is the range's highest mountain, followed by Mount Davis and Spruce Mountain.  These summits and surrounding slopes are populated with dense forests of ponderosa pines, Gambel oaks and Douglas firs.   Both Union and Spruce can be reached via forest roads, but a high-clearance 4x4 might be needed, especially if winter snows or summer monsoons have rutted and muddied the way.   A more rewarding way to experience the verdant landscape is to hike one of several well used and marked trails that access the peaks.  The surrounding forest creates a dense, cool canopy even during the hottest part of the summer.  Meanwhile walking lets you appreciate the beauty of the flora and the fauna up close.

Known as Groom Greek Loop, Trail 307 to the summit of Spruce Mountain has a trailhead that is easily reached via the paved section of Senator Highway a few miles drive south of downtown Prescott.  Pine, juniper, oak, fir and, in some areas, aspens thrive along the trail, changing in density and variety as you ascend or change exposures.  When there's any degree of precipitation and warmth, wildflowers bloom, while various mountain birds like scrub jays and woodpeckers always call the area home.   The entire loop of the trail is a little over 9 miles, but I prefer to ascend and descend on the southwestern approach only, making about a 7 mile round trip scenic journey.

Mount Union is a further drive, deeper into the Bradshaws, off a side road - State Route 261- long after the Senator Highway has turned into a dirt road.  Like on Spruce Mountain, the forest service maintains a seasonally manned fire lookout tower that welcomes visitors interested in the panoramic views and the rangers' work.  A gate prevents you from driving right to the tower, so you'll have to walk about a half mile up the road from where you leave your SUV or truck.  There are several hiking trails near the summit, including the Dandrea or Trail 285, which is a couple mile heavily wooded and beautiful trek down to Potato Patch, a summer community.

Prescott's mountains are a big reason that Arizona was ever settled by Americans in the first place. The area is littered with the remnants of 19th century mines, long abandoned after more prosperous veins were discovered elsewhere in the territory.   Fortunately a summer playground for the nature lover and hiker remains as a cool escape on even the hottest day.

View from Mount Union and 8,000 feet, looking north at Mount Davis in the center and Spruce Mountain to the left in the Bradshaw Mountains.

View of the fire watchtower on Mount Union.

State Route 261 through Prescott National Forest, just below Mount Union.

On Dandrea Trail or 285 just below Mount Union.

Dense canopy of oak on Dandrea Trail or 285 below Mount Union.

Painted redstart spending the summer on Mount Union.

Ponderosa pines lower on Groom Creek Loop or Trail 307 below Spruce Mountain.

Groom Creek Loop or Trail 307 on the way up Spruce Mountain.

Forest of mostly Douglas fir on Spruce Mountain.

Fire watch tower atop Spruce Mountain.

Lady bugs atop Spruce Mountain.

Horned lizard or horny toad on Groom Creek Loop or Trail 307, Spruce Mountain.

Deer on Groom Creek Loop or Trail 307, Spruce Mountain.  While there were reports of a mother bear and cub on my most recent hike, I'll have to settle on this as my best mammal shot for a little while longer.