Bradshaw Trail #216 - Prescott, AZ

eatstayplay.com - Arizona - Bradshaw Trail #216

Bradshaw Trail #216

GPS Coordinates: Unknown

What is a geocache? Click here to find about geocaching


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com

Bradshaw Trail #216 is a long, rugged trail starting near the Towers Mountain Lookout at or near the Wildflower Mine. It follows a ridge from Towers Mountain to Tuscumbia Mountain and then drops steeply out of the Ponderosa pine into chaparral vegetation on the north side of Tuscumbia Mountain. The final 2 miles beyond the intersection with the Tuscumbia Trail #215 are over generally level terrain through thick chaparral to where the trail ends on Senator Hwy. (FR 52) just west of Battle Flat.

On the portion of the trail south of Tuscumbia Mountain, the hiker or rider needs to exercise caution. There may be deadfalls across the trail; there are also many narrow, steep, and rocky spots that may be badly eroded. Beyond Tuscumbia Mountain the trail is more level and in better shape, but may be overgrown with brush in places.

The upper parts of Bradshaw Trail #216 are the most attractive. The trailhead at Wildflower Saddle goes down through some old mine dumps, then drops into a beautiful riparian area passing through some nice aspen groves. Wild Pigeon Spring is truly attractive with dependable water in most years. There are more mine dumps below this point to explore. The trail starts in ponderosa pine and mixed conifer vegetation type, but leaves the timber into the more open chaparral type about 1 mile above the junction with Tuscumbia Trail #215.

With a length of 6.2 miles and a total elevation change of about 2,000 feet, this trail may be considered difficult.

Facilities: .Bradshaw Trail #216 has no facilities.

Best Time To Visit: Bradshaw Trail #216 is open year-round, when accessible in winter.

Fees: This trail is free to use.

Accessibility: This trail has no handicap access.

Rules: No motorized equipment in excess of 40" wide is permitted.

Directions: To reach Bradshaw Trail #216 from Prescott in winter, the best route is by way of Mayer. Take Main St. through the town of Mayer, continuing east to the junction with Antelope Creek Road. Continue southeast on this road for about 9 miles to Cordes. At the road junction in Cordes take FR 259 to Crown King. At Crown King take FR 259A south for 0.5 miles to the junction with FR 52 (Senator Hwy.). Take FR 52 west to the turnoff to the Towers Mountain Lookout (FR 52C) just 4 miles northwest of Crown King. At the Eagle Tail Mine the road turns northwest for 0.6 miles to Wildflower Saddle. There is a road at this junction that goes due north down Wildflower Gulch to the trailhead at Wildflower Spring. This 4WD road is steep, rocky, and should not be attempted by an inexperienced driver. It is best to walk to the trailhead from here, a distance of about 0.8 miles. A better approach is to drive toward Towers Mountain for another 0.7 miles to where the trail intersects the road just northeast of the lookout. When the forest roads are dry, an alternate route from Prescott is to take the Senator Hwy. south about 27 miles. FR 52 is suitable for all vehicles; FR52C is for high clearance vehicles.

If coming from I-17, exit at the Bumblebee Interchange and take FR 259 to Crown King. Then take FR 52 for about 4 miles past Crown King to FR 52C.

Map: Click here for a map to Bradshaw Trail #216

Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted for Bradshaw Trail #216.

Attractions Near
Bradshaw Trail #216

Tuscumbia Trail #215

Address

Prescott National Forest

344 S. Cortez St.

Prescott, Arizona 86303

Phone
General: (928) 443-8000