Cancelled hike

Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Russian Well Day Hike

when	April 20, 2024 Saturday Cancelled
	Trip Report : February 5, 2022
where	Prescott National Forest
the hike	This 9-10 mile in and out hike starts in the Verde Ranger District of the Prescott National Forest in the northern section of the Black Canyon National Recreational Trail that has been expanded and is written up in Mare Czinar’s book Phoenix the Hike Book Volume 2.     We will start at the Black Canyon Trail sign at the entrance of a large dirt lot, 7.1 miles from the Orme/Dugas Road exit 268 off I-17. This remote stretch of trail is dotted with juniper trees and wide-open range land, where you will see corrals where cattle graze in, or if lucky enough a deer darting among vistas of the Bradshaw Mountains to the west, Pine Mountain to the east, and the prominent peak of Copper Mountain to the southwest. The route dips downhill along a rough road that exposes complex geology that attracted prospectors to mines with mineral rich volcanic deposits.     At the 2.9 mile point, the trail encounters an intersection above the tiny oasis of the Russian Well outpost. The left fork heads up to the Tri-Metals Mine, while the right spur continues down on the Black Canyon Trail to the well. This site straddles Brushy Wash a deeply incised drainage where a working windmill pumps groundwater into a collection of tanks and an open-air water trough. There is also a partially collapsed stone building that is surrounded by splintered timbers and metal scraps.     From Russian Well, the trail continues south on the route to the Copper Mountain Segment. This will be our turnaround point. We will hike back up to the road junction and follow the opposite fork to the Tri-Metals Mine. During its heyday this defunct Yavapai County prospect yielded silver, gold, copper and lead. Disintegrating concrete foundation and oxidized detritus like nuts, bolts, and unidentified parts are scattered among the ruins.     Moderate pace to enjoy the scenery. Required: •  Sturdy hiking boots •  At least 3 liters of water •  Rain poncho •  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: •  Lunch or snacks •  Camera
distance	9-10 miles
time	6-7 hours
EC	+-400' elevation change
elevations	4189' Low to 4517' High
type	round thip
starting at	Black Canyon Trail sign
on trail	98% — Black Canyon Trail
rating	"B"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed	no
cost	Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather	Mayer
meet	Cancelled
drive	•  From Phoenix go north on I-17 to the Orme/Dugas Exit 268 north of Cordes Junction. • Turn left at the bottom of the off-ramp and follow Orme Rad (County Road 169), 7.1 miles to the trailhead on the left. • There is a Black Canyon Trail sign at the entrance to a large dirt lot. • The hike begins at the trail post at the south side of the lot. • The road is maintained dirt suitable for all vehicles.

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