Two Brothers Big Fall Adventure--Peavine and Iron King Trails (Day 3)

Peavine Trail--Prescott, AZ

It was a gorgeous Fall day on the morn of Halloween.  Our agenda today is to explore the lengths of the Peavine Trail in Prescott, and the Iron King Trail that angles off to Prescott Valley.  Today I chose to ride my Cannondale F8 mountain bike instead of my road bike. My ride on the trails was indeed smoother and more stable than Kent's (riding his new Fuji road bike), but I still wasn't able to keep up with him up the hills!  (Although I do take the downhill title.)  We left our home in south Prescott about 11:30, headed toward downtown, under the Highway 69/89 interchange onto Highway 89 to Prescott Lakes Parkway, where we joined the Peavine Trail.

The billion and a half year old Granite Dells in Prescott

The Peavine and Iron King Trails used to be railroads operated by Santa Fe Railway, which opened in 1893. These railroads weren't finally abandoned until 1971.  The railroad beds have been turned into a National Recreation Trail, utilized by walkers, joggers, horseback riders and, of course, cyclists!  We traveled north on the trail, which parallels Watson Lake, with some absolutely awe-inspiring vistas.  The path is quickly engulfed by the Granite Dells, 1.4 billion year granite mounds that have been worn down by water and wind into unusual and breathtaking shapes.  Formations appear on all sides, surrounding us with a rugged and yet peaceful beauty.  Near the north end of the Peavine, it empties out of the dells into the high desert prairie. Old farmsteads sit alongside the trail.  Along the trails mountain lions, javalinas, rattlesnakes, jackrabbits and antelope have been seen.  There was even a sign cautioning parents to keep their children close.  (Like the mountain lions wouldn't eat the parents, too?)

Watson Lake as seen from the Peavine Trail

"Point of Rocks," where the Santa Fe Station was located.

 Two very unique rock formations, one large and one small, are known as the Point of Rocks.  Here was located the Santa Fe Train Station for the area.  A short way off the bike trail, we walked over and explored the area.  The foundation of the old train station still exists.  One could imagine the train stopping here, and the passengers being in total awe of their surroundings.


We turned around at the north terminus of the trail, where Highways 89 and 89A cross.  When we arrive at the junction of the Iron King Trail, we veer to our right and head into the Dells, which at this place were mixed pine and oak forests shade the trail.  Old rail cars and railroad signs are positioned at intervals where travelers can rest and inspect the artifacts.  Some of the cars were small engines used on this narrow-gauge railroad, still possessing their engine manifolds, air filters, gas tanks and very rusty controls!

Brother Kent by an old rail car on the Iron King Trail, Prescott Valley, Arizona.

 At the end of the trail in Prescott Valley, we took some surface streets to my work place--Northern Arizona University-Yavapai.  The faculty and staff there are tremendous!  We were greeted warmly, and I must admit that I did derive just a slight bit of guilty pleasure reminding them, by our presence, that I was on vacation for a week.  After our short visit, we headed down the street to Maverik Country (convenience) Store, where we refueled on a helping of corn dogs and Dr. Pepper.  (Diet for me, please.  Kent drinks it straight!)

I feel the need here to address a possible "addiction" problem that my brother may have.  I realize I am airing dirty family laundry here in public, but something must be said.  See the photo below.  WHO ELSE, on the entire planet,  carries a 44 oz Dr. Pepper in their backpack into the wilderness?  Does anyone else find this behavior disturbing? LOL (Yes, I know... this may be a case of the pot calling the kettle black. :/ )

Is this a picture of an addict, or what?

We headed back home retracing our journey on the Iron King to the Peavine Trail.  By now, it was about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and we enjoyed the shadow and colors of the Dells as the sun began to go down in the West.  Passing by Yavapai College (where Carolyn also works) and Downtown Prescott, we arrived home just before 5 PM.  We spent 3 hours and 41 minutes pedaling 35.4 miles today, being out over 5 hours. Tired, but not exhausted, we've enjoyed the evening at home.

Tomorrow, we're heading out to Red Rock Country and the Verde Valley.

Portrait in the Sand--Evening on the Iron King Trail