![]() Groom Creek Loop Trail #307
by:
Honza
Location:
Prescott,
AZ
Longitude:
-112.4407
Latitude:
34.4643Shaded forest hike leading up to the Spruce Mountain Lookout.
Features and Interests:
Expansive Prescott area views; Fire lookout tower
Flora/Fauna on this Trail:
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With its proximity to Groom Creek Horse Camp and other trails like Isabella Trail #377, this shared trail is frequently used for hiking, mountain-biking, and riding.
From the trailhead, the trail forks. We took the left/clockwise route which parallels the road for a bit but then starts a steady/medium climb; it is the shorter but steeper route to the lookout. After about 3.4 miles you will reach the lookout area, intersecting with Forest Road 52A. The lookout tower is on your left and the trail continues its loop on your right (to the left of the transmission towers).
The views from the lookout are unique; you can see the Bradshaw's, Granite Mountain and the San Francisco Mountains. Do go up the tower and say hi to the Forest Rangers who might let you visit and get 360 degree views!
The descent down the loop is pleasant and peaceful. Although we didn't cross any creeks as the name would suggest, we did see potential spring spots for the wet season and larger washes. After about 2 miles of hiking through the Ponderosa Pine and Gambel Oak trees, you will intersect with the Isabella Trail #377. Keep right and you will eventually start hearing the road and parallel the road again to the parking lot.
From the trailhead, the trail forks. We took the left/clockwise route which parallels the road for a bit but then starts a steady/medium climb; it is the shorter but steeper route to the lookout. After about 3.4 miles you will reach the lookout area, intersecting with Forest Road 52A. The lookout tower is on your left and the trail continues its loop on your right (to the left of the transmission towers).
The views from the lookout are unique; you can see the Bradshaw's, Granite Mountain and the San Francisco Mountains. Do go up the tower and say hi to the Forest Rangers who might let you visit and get 360 degree views!
The descent down the loop is pleasant and peaceful. Although we didn't cross any creeks as the name would suggest, we did see potential spring spots for the wet season and larger washes. After about 2 miles of hiking through the Ponderosa Pine and Gambel Oak trees, you will intersect with the Isabella Trail #377. Keep right and you will eventually start hearing the road and parallel the road again to the parking lot.
Trail Ratings and Comments