JOHNS TANK TRAIL
JOHNS TANK TRAIL #94
Prescott National Forest
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| View of Lynx Lake from Johns Tank Trail |
The eagle has not landed.
Sadly, the bald eagles that nest near Prescott's Lynx Lake did not produce offspring this year. Since they first appeared in the winter of 2002, breeding
pairs of the quintessential American raptors have commandeered
lakeside osprey nests to raise their chicks. In years when the eagles
are on the nest, Johns Tank Trail #94-- the hiking trail that
traverses their breeding territory-- is closed to human travel from
February through June to give the hatchlings their best chance to
thrive. The trail explores a bird friendly environment of Ponderosa
pine forests swaying over trout-rich waters while tethering two loop
routes in the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains.
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| Ponderosa pines on Johns Tank Trail |
There's no
dedicated trailhead for Johns Tank, so it must be accessed by either
Lakeshore Trail #311 to its west or Salida Gulch Trail #95 to the
north. To take the lake access option, hike 0.1 mile west on Trail
#311 to the Trail #94 junction. This mile-long segment passes through
deep woods and resinous air as it ascends the hills above the water.
After climbing 300 feet, the trail arrives at a juniper shaded
highpoint with nice views of Spruce and Granite Mountains that
precede a dip into Salida Gulch. Turn right at the Trail #95 junction
and hike less than a tenth of a mile to a sign that point to the
right. To the left, a rudimentary side path leads to Johns Tank, a
sometimes moist but mostly muddy wildlife watering hole. Trail #95,
dives farther into the gulch by way of hairpin turns pinched tight by
vertical granite walls. About halfway through the loop, look for
faint petroglyphs pecked into a stony grotto.
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| Lakeshore Trail |
The route bottoms out
on a bank above Lynx Creek, then swings south and uphill again to
reconnect with Trail #94. Retrace your steps back to lake and head
left to circle the water on Trail #311. This 2.3-mile walk stays
close to shore making it a convenient corridor for anglers looking
for a secluded spot to reel in dinner. Mind the tackle boxes and
coolers. Tracing numerous finger coves, the route is draped in
willows, cottonwoods and trunk snuggling cattails. You'll pass a boat
launch where dozens of people shove off on paddle boards, fishing
boats and kayaks before you arrive back at the start point.
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| Salida Gulch |
LENGTH:
Double loop (as described here): 8.5
miles
Lakeshore-Johns Tank loop: 4.3 miles
Salida Gulch-Johns Tank loop: 6.2 miles
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 5,050' - 5,790'
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| Spruce Mountain view near Trail #94 high point |
GETTING THERE:
Lynx Lake access:
From State Route 69 in Prescott, go 2.1
miles south on Walker Road (milpost 293) and turn left onto Lynx Lake
North Shore (Forest Road 611). Continue 0.2 mile to the parking area.
Hike down the paved walkway at the southeast end of the parking area
to Lakeshore Trail #311 and follow it along the spillway to Trail
#94. Roads are 100% paved. There's a $5 daily fee per vehicle. Bring
exact amount for the self-serve pay station. Trailhead has restrooms,
picnic tables, nearby store and a site host.
Salida Gulch access:
From State Route 69 in Prescott, go 1.2
miles south on Walker Road to Lynx Creek Road (Forest Road 9401,
signed Lynx Creek Ruins/Salida Gulch), turn left and continue 1 mile
to the trailhead at the forest boundary sign. Begin hiking on trail
9263, hop the creek and look for the trail 95 junction in about 0.1
mile. No fees. Vault toilet.
INFO: Prescott National Forest
Lynx Lake Recreation Area
Brochure
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