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RimSurfer
It's Fun to Surf the Rim
It's Fun to Surf the Rim
Arizona Hiking Trails Photo Gallery
Adventure Resource
Adventure Resource
Groom Creek Loop Trail
PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST
Groom Creek Loop Trail
TR 307
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Groom Creek Loop Trailhead
ACCESS POINTS
· Groom Creek Loop Trailhead
· Issabella Trail TR 377
Trail use:
heavy
Trail difficulty:
difficult
Trail length:
9 mile (loop)
Estimated hiking time:
6+ hours
Season of Use:
year round
(subject to weather conditions)
Elevation change:
+1350 feet
Things to be aware of:
· Listed as a fee area
· No motorized vehicles
· Horseback riders, mountain bikes
Groom Creek Loop Trail
TR 307
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Groom Creek Loop Trailhead
ACCESS POINTS
· Groom Creek Loop Trailhead
· Issabella Trail TR 377
Trail use:
heavy
Trail difficulty:
difficult
Trail length:
9 mile (loop)
Estimated hiking time:
6+ hours
Season of Use:
year round
(subject to weather conditions)
Elevation change:
+1350 feet
Things to be aware of:
· Listed as a fee area
· No motorized vehicles
· Horseback riders, mountain bikes
686 photos
• Directions and trail hike review
• Hiking tips and guidelines
• What to bring on a day hike
• Some alternative hike suggestions
• Hiking safety tips
• Hiking Disclaimer & Site Use Terms
• Hiking tips and guidelines
• What to bring on a day hike
• Some alternative hike suggestions
• Hiking safety tips
• Hiking Disclaimer & Site Use Terms
Regional area of Groom Creek Loop Trail : in the Prescott National Forest, near Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Yavapai County, Arizona.
DIRECTIONS
Take Gurley St (Prescott, Az). Turn south on Mt. Vernon Ave (turns into Senator Hwy) for about 6.5 miles to the TR307 trailhead parking area on the left. You can also use the "more info" tab at top of page for Forest Service Trail Map link.
January 2007
The weather was forecast to be below 32 today but changed to the 40's so the trail hike was on. I found the rest rooms at trailhead were open even in the winter and the trail was well marked and maintained. The full loop hike is just over 9 miles so I came prepared with plenty of water and a light lunch. The trails started out from the east side of the parking area by the restrooms and after a short walk I found the signs that pointed out I could loop either way in a full circle. I choose northeast and the pines as the way up. I found this part of the trail exceptional and very enjoyable. Tall pines, oak and juniper with lots of scenic boulders. I gradually climbed about 1,200 feet over the next 3 miles to the top of Spruce Mountain where there are some picnic tables just below a short walk up further the top and the lookout tower. The views from the north side of the lookout tower base of Prescott and Granite Mountain, Mingus Mountain and the San Francisco Peaks was really worth the extra effort.
Note: I would not climb out onto the rocks in this area for a better overview as I found some are covered with a slippery dusty silica type substance and an easy fall here could be disastrous.
The lookout tower was closed today. Silver and I ate lunch by the picnic tables then followed the trail down through the South Spruce Ridge for about 1.5 miles to the intersection with Isabella Trail - TR 377 and then continued on as it began a long descent down the mountain. Several old mining roads crossed the trail along the way and I noticed an obvious visual example of how rain fall and position to the sun will effect the type of vegetation that grows on the sides of a ridge in Arizona. The sun exposed was primary oak and juniper while the more shaded areas were mostly tall pine. I continued to follow the trail under the high lines and then to the trailhead where I began the hike. Great day - good hike.
Enjoy the Hike!
Max West
USDA Trail details: • Map & Info -- USDA Forest Service
For closures or specific information:
Prescott National Forest Bradshaw Ranger District (928)-771-4700
This RimSurfer hiking trail photo gallery review features the Prescott area Groom Creek Loop Trail in the Prescott National Forest of Arizona.