Crown King to Prescott
 AZ Traverse:6 | |
| Trail in Google Maps | |
|---|---|
| creator: | Jeremy Edgar (edgear) |
| Dates: | June 23, 2009 |
| Distance: | 36 miles |
| Trail time: | 2.5 hours |
| Difficulty (1-5): | 1.5 |
| Vehicle classes: | High-clearance 2WD All 4WD Dualsport moto Expedition camper |
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Location details
Southwestern United States, Arizona, Northern Arizona, Yavapai County, Prescott, Bradshaw Mountains
Summary
Graded dirt road (known as the Senator Highway) winding through the Bradshaw Mountains, connecting Crown King and Prescott.
Detailed description
This is a scenic route beginning in a historic neighborhood near downtown Prescott. From state highway 69 (Gurley St.), head south on Mt. Vernon Rd. This will turn into Senator Highway. After a few miles of pavement the dirt begins. The road is pretty well maintained and graded, but there are a few rocky sections. There are about 5-8 water crossings, depending on the season. There are a few sections that run along side creeks. Much of the trail is up in the mountains in the pine trees, with a few sections of drier high desert plains. When arriving at Crown King, turn left to get to the gas station & saloon. There are many camping opportunities along the trail, as well as more just south of town. It could take as little as 2 hours on a motorcycle, but upwards of three hours in a large vehicle.
Terrain type / brush factor
Graded dirt road, 12-15 feet wide, very low brush factor.
Permits? Fees? Seasonal closures?
Must have a street legal vehicle. I believe that sections of the road are not maintained in the winter time, so there could be deep snow at times. No known fees at the current time for dispersed camping in established campgrounds.
Attendees (vehicles/people)
April 19-20, 2009:
Suzuki DR200 / Jeremy Edgar (edgear)
June 23, 2009:
Suzuki DR200 / Jeremy Edgar (edgear)
Honda CRF230 / Katrina Lopeman
Suzuki DR650 / Nathan Kroeker (Alpine HooHa)
KTM 950 Adventure / Scott Brady (expeditionswest)
History, geology, etc.
The Senator Highway is hardly a highway by today's standards. It is a minimally maintained dirt road, named after the Senator mine (1865) near the Hassayampa River. Some research indicates that Richard C. McCormick is the "Senator" that the mine was named after.
General considerations
Fuel is available in Crown King at about 50-70% more expensive than regular prices, but is not open 24 hours a day. There is a saloon/restaurant in town, and can get very crowded on the weekends.
Resources/links
GPS units/laptops used for tracking/navigation: Garmin eTrex Vista C; Garmin Vista
Navigation software used for planning/navigation: Google Maps
Books/maps used for planning: Arizona Gazetteer
History of the Senator Highway
Important waypoints as coordinates
Crown King trailhead: N34.20600 W112.33905
Important turns:
N34.20525 W112.33786
N34.19908 W112.33982
N34.45694 W112.44308
Prescott trailhead: N34.54175 W112.46322
