Monday, Sept 23 2024

Turkey Creek Trail, This seldom used trail offers vistas an…

By A Mystery Man Writer

This seldom used trail offers vistas and interesting geology. The unshaded trail winds in a southwesterly direction with some gentle ups and downs for 1.5 miles to Turkey Creek Tank on the left. The trail crosses normally dry Turkey Creek and begins a gradual climb in the sparse shade of pinyon pine and juniper. At 2.25 miles, it begins a moderately steep switchback ascent of the north face of House Mountain, a long extinct shield volcano. There are fine views of nearby red rock formations as well as more distant vistas north toward Wilson and Secret Mountains. The trail reaches the crest at nearly 3 miles and begins a gradual descent over basaltic lava. Soon the view over the ancient, heavily eroded caldera opens up and the opposite rim, dominated by the lava outcrop which gave the mountain its name, is visible. The trail continues, but this is a good stopping point. Return by the same route for a 6 mile roundtrip hike. This hike can be very hot in summer. Photo taken December 12, 2017 by Deborah Lee Soltesz. Credit U.S. Forest Service Coconino National Forest. Learn more about Turkey Creek Trail No. 92 and the Coconino National Forest.