People are often surprised to learn of the variety of high-altitude conifers that exist in the Central Highland region of Arizona. Cool north-facing slopes and canyon bottoms in the northern Bradshaw Mountains support a rich diversity of both plants and animals. The Isabella Trail traverses through stands of pine, oak, Douglas fir, aspen, and white fir in a 700-foot climb to South Spruce Ridge. At several points along the way there are some grand views of the highest peaks in this mountain chain—Mt. Union and Mt. Davis.






   (click to enlarge photo)

Because the trail stays within a mature tree canopy, it has only a few, though spectacular, viewpoints. Hiking on this shady, well defined trail offers a pleasant short hike or ride for a warm summer day. In early fall, the gold of aspen paints the canyon bottoms and the pungency of moist fallen leaves revives memories of other times and places.

You can use this trail as a connector to the Groom Creek Loop Tr #307 and Spruce Mountain, or as a short round-trip that finishes up on old mining roads.

To get started, drive east on Hwy. 69 from downtown Prescott to Walker Road and the traffic signal just west of the Cosco Warehouse. Turn right and drive for another 10.4 miles through the residential area of Walker to a junction with Poachers Rd. and Potato Patch. Turn right. Within less than a half-mile, signs on the right of Walker Road, on Misty Mountain Loop, mark the trailhead for trail #377. There is a parking pull-off just beyond the trailhead and ample space for several vehicles.

You'll see a trailhead sign for Trail #377 just a few feet from Walker Rd. on Misty Mountain Loop Rd. At this junction, the Forest Service has constructed a relatively new trail in order to bypass private land. The trail goes west from here and follows a twisting course as it climbs past private residences towards South Spruce Ridge.

At about 0.75 miles after passing the remains of a mining exploration hole, the trail follows along the east side of a narrow draw in the shade of Gambel oaks, white fir, Douglas fir, and pine. It then crosses this draw, following a more westerly course. It is just beyond this crossing that the trail enters a clearing. This is one of the few places offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding mountains.

You reach the junction of Tr #307 and Tr #377 in about 1.3 miles. You have reached the South Spruce Ridge and access along Tr #307 to the Senator Road (west) or the Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout (northeast).

From this point you can either return along the trail you have been following for a 3-mile round-trip, or continue east along Tr #307 for another 0.7 miles to a junction with the Transcendent Mine Road (not signed as such). This road will return you to your starting location for a total trip distance of about 3.3 miles.

There are several signs at this junction showing directions and distances for further travel along Tr #307. To return to your starting location on the Transcendent Mine Road, turn right (south) at this junction. The track of the old road is not obvious, so look carefully.

The lower portions of this rough, rocky return route reaches the National Forest boundary at a large berm overlaid with a huge log section. For another 0.7 miles the road passes through private property, with driveways entering onto the road. Please respect property rights by staying on the main road through the area.

Pack plenty of water as this trail has none.