Chino Valley Ranger District
Nestled comfortably in the mountains of Central Arizona at an elevation ranging 3,000 to 8,000 feet, Chino Valley is located about 20 miles north of Prescott and 2 hours northwest of Phoenix. In 1863, Arizona's first Territorial Capital was established nearby at Del Rio Springs, and the surrounding area has experienced explosive growth since the town of Chino Valley was incorporated in 1970.
Watershed, wildlife and range management, dispersed recreation, and fuel wood gathering are programs emphasized by the District. Chino Valley is also very involved in managing the Upper Verde River Area, habitat of some sensitive and endangered species. Ashes, willows, and cottonwood trees are common vegetation types found along the river banks.
Although the Chino Valley Ranger District does not have developed recreation sites, there are many recreation opportunities on the District. One of the most popular recreation areas on the west side of the District is Camp Wood, located in the pines at an elevation of 5,700 feet. Approximately one mile north of Camp Wood is a riparian area, Emerald Glade, which is host to a variety of wildlife. This area was created by a masonry silt retention structure as part of our forest's wildlife habitat improvement program. The popular camping areas on the east side of the District are along the headwaters of the Verde River. The most popular trail is Sycamore Trail, located in the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness.
In addition to Sycamore Canyon, three other wilderness areas are located within the district: Juniper Mesa Wilderness and Apache Creek Wilderness on the west side, Woodchute Wilderness on the east side. For map and permit sales, free Motor Vehicle Use Maps, and more information, please contact the Chino Valley Ranger District.
Complexes
Rolling hills of juniper and pinyon interspersed with granite outcrops characterize this small, remote and relatively rugged wilderness. Established in 1984, the 5,628 acre wilderness features three natural springs and several important riparian areas including Apache Creek. Elevations range from 5,200 to 6,900 feet and the area provides excellent habitat for mountain lion and numerous bird species.
There are 2 maintained trails within this wilderness:
- Apache Creek Loop #9903
- Apache Creek Trail #9905
High in the cool pines northwest of Chino Valley, the Camp Wood area has no developed recreational facilities, but has a variety of trail-use and dispersed camping opportunities.
Trails in the area include:
- 7 Up to Hyde Mountain Trail #5
- Adra Loop Trail #9044
- Bt Butte Trail #133
- Cold Water Trail #21
- Connel Mountain Trail #9921
- Cottonwood Mountain Trail #8
- Cutoff Trail #22
- Dead Steer Basin Trail #9908
- Grapevine Springs Trail #9825
- Hyde Mountain Trail #6
- Merritt Spring Trail #9
- Prospect Point Trail #9097
- Shivers Trail #9879
- Shivers Trap Trail #10
- Stinson Tank Trail #9836
- Stringtown Trail #9917
- Bug Hollow Trail #548
- Mescal Trail #547
- Powerline Trail #549
- Upper Mescal Trail #550
Established in 1984, the 7,554 acre wilderness is characterized by the flat topped mesa from which its name is derived. Elevations range from 5,600 feet on the southwest side near Juniper Spring to 7,000 feet on the west side near George Wood Canyon and Gobblers Knob. The primary vegetation on the steep southern slopes in pinon pine and Utah juniper, and on the northern slopes, ponderosa pine and alligator juniper.
A great variety of wildlife can be found in the area. Black bear, elk, mule deer, bobcat, and Abert's squirrel are relatively common. There are no perennial water sources present, and the reliability of springs may be questioned during long periods of dry weather.
Trails in the area include:
- Juniper Mesa Trail #20
- Bull Springs Trail #100
- Juniper Springs Trail #2
- Oaks And Willows Trail #3
- Old Military Trail #1
- Spur Gulch Trail #9942
- There are 7 maintained trails within the Wilderness: #3, #20, #100, #9853, #940
Recreation Sites
Walnut Creek Center for Education and Research
