Packard Trail #66


Packard Trail #66 serves mainly as access to other Sycamore Canyon Wilderness trails. The trail climbs immediately from Sycamore Creek to Packard Mesa to an elevation of about 4,800 feet. This is the only moderately difficult portion of the trail. Then the trail stays on the mesa to where it intersects Sycamore Basin Trail #63. Riders continuing north on Trail #63 will find water for horses at Sycamore Tank, just 0.5 miles north of the trail junction. The Sycamore Canyon Wilderness trailhead for Trail #63 lies another 0.5 miles north of the tank.

This trail lies within the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness. Motor vehicles and the use of any mechanized equipment, including bicycles, are prohibited. Wilderness is an important resource and national heritage—please, leave no trace. Summer travelers should prepare for extremely hot, dry conditions.

 

Printable Trail Description and Map (631 KB PDF; 8.5” X 11”)

At a Glance

Fees: No
Open Season: Fall
Usage: Medium
Closest Towns: Approximately 1.5 hours from Chino Valley, AZ
Water: Not available. Surface water should be treated.

General Information

Directions:

From Chino Valley, AZ: Take Perkinsville Road approximately 23 miles to FR 181. Follow FR 181 east about 7.5 miles to Henderson Flat. Continue southeast on for another 5 miles to the trailhead. Parking is fair.

To reach the southern trailhead, travel east on Hwy 89A 26 miles to the fire station in Jerome. Continue on 89A to the traffic circle at the bottom of the hill. Enter the traffic circle and take the second exit toward Clarkdale via 11th Street. Proceed 0.5 miles and turn right onto Main Street. Travel 0.3 miles and make a slight right onto South Broadway. Proceed 1.5 miles to the intersection with Tuzigoot Road. Turn left and travel 1.4 miles to the junction with FR 131 (Sycamore Canyon Road). Turn onto FR 131 and go 10.1 miles to the trailhead serving Parson Spring Trail #144. Trail #66 is located 300 yards down Trail #144.

FR 131 and FR 181 are suitable for high clearance vehicles.
 


General Notes:
  • Connecting trails: #63
  • Maps:
    • 7.5' quad for Clarkdale and Sycamore Basin
    • Prescott National Forest, east half
  • Average hiking time: 2-3 hours, one way

Activities

Day Hiking

  • This trail accesses the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness.
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Backpacking

  • Connect with other trails, namely Sycamore Basin Trail #63, for an extended backpacking trip within the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness.
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Horse Riding

  • This trail provides horseback access to the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness for single or multiple-day rides.
Difficulty Level: Moderate