logo Arizona Trailblazers
Home
Outdoor Links
Hike Arizona
Trip Planning Guide
Trip Report Index
Calendar of Events
Library
Copper Canyon Loop Hike
Camp Verde
December 28, 2024
by Victoria Johnson
group A
Trailblazers at Copper Canyon. [photo by Vicki]

Seventeen hikers showed up at the Copper Canyon Loop Trail #504 and began hiking at 10:15 am. The hikers climbed 519 feet weaving up a set of switchbacks to the ridgeline where views of I -17 appeared. The ridge line also displayed an interesting blend of desert and mountain terrain with views of the red-rock geology of Sedona and the snowcapped peak of Mt. Humphrey.

CC02
Crucifixion thorn bush is common here. [photo by Michael]
CC03
Lichens are liking this rock. [photo by Debbie]
CC04
Great views of the Verde valley. [photo by Vicki]

About 2.5 miles into the loop, the hikers encountered Copper Falls where unfortunately water was not present. Fortunately, however, a few ponderosa pines, southern sycamores in the creek, scrub oak, and an occasional pinion pine were spotted. The group stopped for lunch break by a large southern sycamore tree trunk.

CC05
Lunch time. [photo by Debbie]
CC06
Flower pasted their prime. [photo by Vicki]
CC07
No water in sight. [photo by Vicki]

Back on the main trail the path was relatively smooth, with only a few jutting rocks to impede the way. Along the way several hikers stood atop a large round rusted brownish/red tank that was used to store fuel for miners and ranchers in better times. The hikers finished the hike at the trailhead parking lot after hiking 5.3 miles in a clockwise direction.

CC08
Smooth path. [photo by Vicki]
CC09
Left by the miners. [photo by Vicki]
CC10
Old half buried tank. [photo by Debbie]
      top Top of Page
Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club, Phoenix, Arizona updated January 5, 2025
Comments? Send them to the AZHC .