June Trips   

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Bill Williams Mountain, visible to the north from most of the Prescott area, is the westernmost 9,000-foot peak in Arizona. The mountain is named for a preacher/guide/mountain man from North Carolina whose story will weave through the day. We will circle the mountain on the Bill Williams Loop Road starting at Devil Dog Lake just off I-40, then drive to the summit fire tower, enjoying distant views across much of northern Arizona. We’ll do some short walks, but no significant hiking, as we talk about the geology and ecology of the mountain. There’s a good chance of seeing Elk and other wildlife along the way. Activity Rating: 2.
 

 Tuition includes transportation, box lunch and field instruction. Departs 8AM from Prescott Campus.

*Chino Valley pickup available

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Reserve at least two weeks in advance.

Northwest of Flagstaff is a little-known crater lake, surrounded by meadow and aspen groves, hidden inside a small volcanic cinder cone just east of the Kendricks Mountain Wilderness Area. Our day afield will focus heavily on the volcanic history of the San Francisco Volcano Field surrounding Flagstaff and Williams. We will drive up the access road to the ski area on San Francisco Peaks, hike into Crater Lake for lunch, then in the afternoon visit a lava tube (with optional exploration of the tube) south of Kendrick's Peak. We will also traverse some of old Route 66 on the way home. Total hiking distance for the day about two miles at elevations near 8,000 feet. Activity Rating: 3

Tuition includes transportation, box lunch and field instruction. Departs 7AM from Prescott Campus.

*Chino Valley pickup available

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Reserve at least two weeks in advance.

North of Verde Valley is a little-visited plateau, surrounded on three sides by rugged wilderness areas. On the east is West Fork Wilderness and Oak Creek Canyon; on the west is Sycamore Canyon Wilderness; and on the south is Redrock/Secret Canyon Wilderness. We will explore this beautiful, forested landscape, culminating with utterly amazing views of the redrock country of Sedona, seen from above. Along the way we’ll talk about geology, including visiting a baby sinkhole, forest ecology and the logging railroads of the early 20th century. We’ll also talk about the handful of people who have lived out there, including Bear Howard, who literally made his living hunting bear, and the wild Casner Clan, who have multiple local landmarks named after them. Lots of short walks, but no serious hiking. Activity Rating: 2

Tuition includes ground transportation, box lunch, and field instruction. Departs 7AM from Prescott campus.

*Chino Valley pickup available.

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Reserve at least two weeks in advance.

 Apple Creek (an informal name) is a tributary to the Hassayampa River east of Spruce Mountain and crossed by Senator Highway.  Homesteaders and miners have both left their mark on this little drainage.  During this half-day trip, we’ll hike up the creek (about a mile round trip - fairly easy informal trail) while we visit the old abandoned mine and both homesteads.  There’s a standing cabin at one, and many blackberries and several apple trees. This time of year, we may find the apples in bloom, although ripe blackberries will have to wait for fall. Activity Rating: 2. 

Tuition includes transportation and field instruction. Departs 8AM from Prescott campus. 

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The high country east of Verde Valley contains an Arizona rarity, a number of natural lakes, although they do on occasion go dry.  We will visit several of these lakes, Stoneman Lake, Ashurst Lake, and the largest of all, Mormon Lake, while exploring the geology and natural history of the area.  We will also journey to the the historic decommissioned fire tower on Hutch Moutain, at just over 8,500 feet elevation commanding incredible views of the area.  This trip includes about a mile of hiking (on an old road) at over 8,000 feet and some other short walks.  There’s a good chance of seeing Elk and other wildlife. Activity Rating: 2. 

Tuition includes transportation, box lunch and field instruction. Departs 8AM from Prescott Campus.

*Camp Verde pickup available.

View Refund/Cancellation Policy.