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PLEASE READ: The Hiking Hikers Hiking Meetup group (“3H”), established in 2006, is one of the oldest outdoor activities groups in the Valley of the Sun. 3H is proud of the many hiking and other outdoor activity meetup groups that have been spun off from its original meetup model. 3H seeks, through its members and member volunteers, to provide a supportive, nurturing environment for people to enjoy and explore the outdoors; increase awareness of and protect beautiful wild places; and promote physical conditioning and encourage personal growth.
3H encourages its members, comprised of singles, committed couples and married couples from the early twenties to the late seventies and beyond, to be well-prepared for each event attended by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and educating themselves on the skills and knowledge needed to be safe in the many places near and far that this group visits.
Education, common sense, respect for others and the willingness to help, by all of us, provides a fun, safe, and positive experience for everyone.
SPECIAL NOTE: A dollar here, a dollar there, goes a long way. Everything at 3H is voluntary. If you would like to help support 3H, PayPal, Venmo or Zelle contributions to defray meetup expenses may be made at any time to 3hmeetup@gmail.com (Last 4 digits of phone 7923). All money raised will be used expressly for that purpose, and we will, from time to time, turn off this feature as we reach our reserve support goals. Thank you for your assistance in keeping 3H the great hiking community that it is!
More information can be found in the "Discussions" tab, here: Discussions | Hiking Hikers Hiking Group ("3H") (Phoenix, AZ) | Meetup
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- PRESCOTT: LITTLE GRANITE MTN-GIANT ALLIGATOR & FAIR – HARD – 8.9m -1560'Needs location
PRESCOTT: LITTLE GRANITE MTN-GIANT ALLIGATOR LOOP & YAVAPAI COUNTY FAIR – HARD – 8.9 MILES, 1560’ GAIN
Date & Time: September 6, 2025 (Saturday) @ 8:00 a.m.
Location: Metate Trailhead (Granite Basin Recreation Area, Prescott, AZ); https://goo.gl/maps/6sddchMwFyTm5htG6
Hike Details: Sure, the Valley of the Sun is below triple digits. But that’s not Autumn. Prescott is Autumn. Revisit Granite Mountain and a Loop around Little Granite.
We’ll meet up at the Metate Trailhead and head up the Clark Springs Trail #40) up through the forest for a couple of miles. Then, around Little Granite Mountain on Little Granite Mountain Trail (#37) about 2 miles to Upper Pasture Trail (#38) and about 1.5 miles from there to the Giant Alligator Juniper https://prestonm.com/granite-mountain-hotshots-juniper/ (a memorial to the Granite Mountain Hotshot 19 who saved it on the Doce Fire before the Yarnell Hill fire). Then on to the White Rock Spring Trail (#39) for about 1.5 miles to Blair Pass. Then, about 1.5 miles down Granite Mountain Trail (#261) to Metate.
Here’s a link to an Alltrails Map for the GPS and Elevation Gain info: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/little-granite-giant-alligator-juniper-08b255a?u=i&sh=yp9mav.
The Upper Pasture and White Rock Spring Trails are not well marked or maintained, but not anything too difficult to find a way.
Thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon, so we should aim to be off the mountain early afternoon at the latest. Weather may cause re-scheduling of this hike.
There have been more black bear sightings in the Prescott area this year. Mountain lions are known in this region as well.
Yavapai County Fair: It’s the Fair this weekend in Prescott. It’s not too far from the Metate Trailhead. I might head over there: Yavapai Fair Foundation - County Fair, Fair, Fair, Fair.
Traveler Details: I would suggest that those coming up from Phoenix try to carpool. It’s about 1.5 hours from the Carefree McDonald’s (https://goo.gl/maps/MWBTRvCAKphcAN7n7) to the Metate Trailhead. If coming up from Phoenix, you likely will take I-17 to the 69 to Fain Road/89A/Pioneer Parkway to Williamson Valley Road to Iron Springs Road. (That is, you likely will not go through Prescott on your journey.) There is a convenience store at the turn-off from 69 to Fain Road; there is another convenience store as you pass Prescott Valley at Viewpoint Drive. There are not convenient services after that. However, there are restrooms, and generally a water faucet, at Metate (subject, as always to forest service closure). There is no guarantee that water will be available on the hike.
You will need to have sufficient water and nutrition with you. Many hikers find hiking poles useful, especially on the Little Granite Mountain Trail.
Tourist Tidbits: Granite Basin Lake featured in the cult classic “Billy Jack” film. As you travel from Williamson Valley Road to the trailhead, you’ll pass one of Prescott’s Summer Camp neighborhoods; Prescott’s summer camps were featured in the coming-of-age film “Bless the Beasts and the Children”. Also, along that stretch (about half to three-quarters of a mile after turning onto Iron Springs Road) look to your left for what must be the largest personal collection of giant, metal-sculpted dinosaurs in the Free World.
Understandings: None of the Organizers or Hosts are professional guides and none are being paid. They will not be held responsible for you. Each person who signs up for and/or participates in this event is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. Furthermore, hiking in Arizona has the obvious risks including, but not limited to: dehydration; over exposure to sun; poisonous snakes & reptiles; rabid animals; broken bones; stampeding livestock; stampeding electric bicycles; etc. You are assuming the risk of participating in the great outdoors. You agree not to hold the trip Planners, Leaders, Hosts, and/or Organizers responsible if you get injured. By attending you agree with these shared understandings.
- West Clear Creek Trail – 11 Miles Round TripN. Phx. Costco (Deer Valley), Phoenix, AZ
This trail offers some of the most stunning views in the region, leading hikers through a rugged canyon and remote wilderness. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the sparkling, clear creek that runs year-round and gives the trail its name.
If you prefer fewer crowds, this is a must-do adventure.
Bring: Hiking poles are advised.
Expect about six creek crossings, where you can either wade across or hop across stones to stay dry. Depending on the season, the final section of trail may be overgrown.
I have not completed this hike.
Trail Details
- Distance: 11 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate – mostly flat with some boulder-hopping
- Highlights: Swimming opportunities in crystal-clear pools and natural swimming holes
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## Itinerary
- Meeting Time: 7:00 a.m. at Costco Wholesale (Phoenix – address below)
- Arrive at Trailhead: ~8:45 a.m.
- Hiking Duration: 5–6 hours
- Finish Hike: ~3:00 p.m.
- Return to Costco: ~5:00 p.m. (timing may vary and can be later depending on group pace)
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## Parking & Facilities
- Free parking at the trailhead
No restroom.
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## Meeting Location
Costco Wholesale
19001 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85027
Google Maps Location
We will meet in the parking lot across from the main entrance. Look for me wearing a green hat.***
## Directions to Trailhead (from I-17 near Camp Verde)
- Take State Route 260 east for 7.9 miles.
- Turn left onto Forest Road 618; continue for 2.2 miles.
- Turn right onto Forest Road 215 (AKA Bull Pen Rd) -(Rough in places but passable) and follow for ~3 miles to the trailhead at Bull Pen Ranch: https://share.google/kqvZiSvnmZouo8VmH
Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance vehicle is best but most cars can do it.
Let me know if you have any questions before the hike!
## Important Disclaimer
- Event planners, leaders, and organizers are volunteers, not professional guides.
- They are not responsible for participants’ safety or belongings.
- Each participant is fully responsible for their own safety and that of their guests.
- By attending, you agree not to hold organizers liable for injuries or accidents.
- Participants must be 18 years or older, or accompanied by a parent/legal guardian who assumes all responsibility.
- By confirming attendance, you agree to these terms.
Your safety is your responsibility.
