The upper portions of this trail are all in the Ponderosa pine vegetation type. There are some attractive day hikes in this area using the three trailheads and the portions of these trails above the point where they all converge. From the upper portions of the trail, there are panoramic views of Twin Peaks, the Mogollon Rim, and the Mazatzal Mountains far to the east.

A sewage disposal plant just northeast of the Turney Gulch Campground serves as the trailhead. The trail goes generally northeast toward Twin Peaks, the highest point on the trail at 6720 feet. At a point about .2 miles south of Twin Peaks, the trail enters the Castle Creek Wilderness and is less maintained from this point. The trail from there drops down the north side of Twin Peaks, remaining in the ponderosa pine type for about another 1.5 miles. The trail then descends steeply to the east through chaparral, eventually meeting the end of the Castle Creek Trail #239 and turning north through Catclaw Basin. A section of steep switchbacks then takes the trail down to the Bill Arp Mine and along Bill Arp Creek to the Thunderbolt Road (FR 101) south of Cleator.

Directions: From Prescott, The best route from Prescott is by way of Mayer, especially in the winter. Take Main St. through the town of Mayer continuing east to the junction of the Antelope Creek Road. Continue southeast on this road for approximately nine miles to Cordes. At the Road Junction in Cordes, take FR 259 to Crown King. At Crown King take FR 259A south for a half of a mile to the junction with FR 52. Take FR 52 for approximately six miles to the Turney Gulch Campground just northeast of Horsethief Lake. One trailhead begins at the waste water treatment facility just north of the campground. The second trailhead begins behind the summer home area about .25 miles northeast of the campground. The third trailhead begins on FR 52 just 1.1 miles east of the turnoff to the Turney Gulch summer home area.

Elevation: 6,000 feet

Ending Elevation: 3,000 feet

Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet

Distance: 7.75 miles

Usage: Light

Difficulty: Strenuous

Visitor Information

Contact Wildernet