Prescott National Forest

This is an excellent hiking and riding trail that provides panoramic views of the Verde Valley, the red rock country above Sedona, and as far as the San Francisco Peaks. Hiking this trail from the bottom to where it meets the Allen Spring Road can be tough since there is an elevation gradient of over 2,200 feet. This trail is a good choice for horseback riders. The trail is also a good one for planning a one-way, downhill hike with vehicles left at both ends of the trail. There are many connecting trails and roads that provide a variety of ways to explore this country either on foot or horseback.

Access and trailhead location: From downtown Cottonwood go south on Highway 260 for 4 miles to Forest Road 359. Turn west onto Forest Road 359 and travel for 4.5 miles to the trailhead at Quail Springs.

The upper (west) end of the trail can be approached from Cottonwood. From Highway 260 in Cottonwood, take Mingus Avenue to the airport on Forest Road 493 for 5.5 miles to the junction with Forest Road 413. Continue south on Forest Road 413 for another 4.5 miles to the trailhead in Gaddes Canyon.

Travel time: 20 minutes from Cottonwood to east trailhead, 45 minutes from the airport to west trailhead.

Road condition: Paved, then graded dirt.

Use restrictions: No motorized equipment is permitted on this trail.

Recommended season of use: Spring, Fall, and Winter.

Maps, other resources: Prescott National Forest, east half; USGS topographic 7.5" quad for Cottonwood.

Trail layout: The trail begins at an elevation of about 4,100 feet at Quail Springs. It climbs steadily along the slopes overlooking Black Canyon, finally entering that drainage at about mile 4.5. From there the trail turns sharply northwest up Gaddes Canyon to where it ends on Forest Road 413 at an elevation of 6,400 feet.