Old Military Trail #1

Old Military Trail #1 begins near Walnut Creek Station and the site of Camp Hualapai and ends at FR 1. The U.S. Army used this camp between 1869 and 1873 as a base of operations in the Hualapai Apache War. The trail approximates an old military supply road that runs northwest to Happy Camp. The original trail is believed to have joined the Mohave-Hardyville Toll Road near Anvil Rock. Trail #1 does not.

The trail goes through pinyon-juniper woodland and rolling hills for about 2 miles. The trail intersects and joins FR #9867A for about 0.5 mile. Then bearing right, it passes through one gate and then, in about another 0.5 mile, another gate heading for a mountain pass. Here the trail shows evidence of having been worked to allow team and wagon passage. Then it enters the Pine Creek drainage, descending among ponderosa pines. It passes through another gate to FR 7. This is an excellent midway access point to this trail. Traveling left up FR 7, the trail bears right through wooded canyons and open meadows to Happy Camp, another 5 miles away. Portions of this trail pass through private land. Please respect the privilege of traveling across these areas by leaving all gates either open or closed as you find them.

Motorized equipment wider than 50” prohibited.

Printable Trail Description and Map (675 KB PDF; 8.5” X 11”)

At a Glance

Fees:	No
Open Season:	Spring
Usage:	Light
Closest Towns:	Approximately 45 minutes from Chino Valley, AZ
Water:	Not available. Surface water should be treated.

General Information

Directions:

Take the Williamson Valley Road north from Prescott. Stay on this road for 38 miles to the junction with FR 95. Proceed west on FR 95 for about 1.5 miles. The south trailhead starts at FR 95 just 0.2 miles east of the Walnut Creek Station. Road conditions are suitable for all vehicles in fair weather.

General Notes:

Maps:
- 7.5' quads for Juniper Mountain, Indian Peak, and Turkey Canyon
- Prescott National Forest, west half
Average hiking time: 5 hours, one way

Activities

Mountain Biking

A historic route through one of the most remote corners of northern Arizona.

Difficulty Level:	Moderate

Day Hiking

Backpacking

A historic route through one of the most remote corners of northern Arizona. This trail is over 11 miles long, making it a good choice for extended backcountry travel.

Difficulty Level:	Moderate

Horse Riding

A historic route through one of the most remote corners of northern Arizona. This trail is over 11 miles long, making it a good choice for extended backcountry travel.