Granite Mountain, Kendrick Peak and West Fork Oak Creek

Granite Mountain, Kendrick Peak and West Fork Oak Creek October 14th, 16th and17th 2021.

Granite Mountain: Prescott AZ 

Distance: 8 miles

Hiking Partners: Matt, Kaylin and Jessica (my cousin).

My best friend and his wife were in town to check out Prescott so we decided to hike Granite Mountain trail. This was a beautiful trail in the high desert above Prescott. One of the most recommended hikes in Prescott, the start of the hike is just Northeast of town only a few miles up the road. This hike starts off in the forest and gradually brings you up to the top of Granite Mountain.

We saw lots of creatures on this hike. Including this little garter snake:

A horny Toad:

A king snake and lots of tiny birds that almost took Matt out close to the top.

This was the view climbing up.

If your brave enough to scramble to the top there it is!

Views from the top.

After a quick bite we all four made our way down.

Great easy hike! I'll be back!

Kendrick Trail: Flagstaff AZ

Distance: 9.3 miles

Hiking Partners: Colin and Uncle J

I'd been wanting to do this hike for over a decade ever since my uncle talked about never making it to the top due to a snow storm! If you know me, that sounds right up my alley. This trail start off in a dense forest at the base of the mountain. Right off the bat we started ascending to the top. Difficult hike due to the elevation and tons of switch backs but we all made it successfully and were greeted by a nice place to enjoy lunch at the top.

Right above my finger is where we are going.

The trail was well marked.

Quite the views even from the switchbacks.

Close to the top of Kendrick the trail opens up to the view all around.

Nice views of Mt. Humphreys covered in snow,

Super cool lookout at the top.

With a nice helicopter pad to eat lunch on.

Another successful hike with the Gents!

oh but we were not done yet....

West Fork Oak Creek: Sedona AZ

Distance: 8 miles

While we completed two other great hikes. West Fork Oak Creek is one of my favorite easy trails in AZ. It's easily accessible to anyone, has a well marked trail and some amazing views in the canyon.

The hike starts in the designated parking lot ran by the forest service. Get there early as the lots fills up quick and there is a small fee to park their as well. Once you start hiking there's a cool bridge over the creek to start the you'll walk through an apple orchard till you finally immerse yourself into the canyon.

The trail is well maintained.

There's multiple creek crossings along the way. Everyone did a great job staying out of the water till the very end when Uncle J slipped and stepped into the water. Not a ton of slippery sections as you come up to these crossing due to the amount of people that use this trail but wet shoes and wet rocks are still a hazard.

The proper gear is a must. Hiking polls are nice on this trail especially for the creek crossings.

This looks like the end of the trail and it is for most people but you can actually continue past this point, if you don't mind getting wet.

All in all Granite Mountain, Kendrick Peak and West Fork Oak Creek are three awesome hikes and one day we'll be back. 

Until Next Time!