Story and photos by Cheryl Hartz
Peak season for water play and families at Buckskin Mountain State Park is May through October. That means the winter and early spring months are ideal for those hoping for a more relaxed – and cooler –experience on the surrounding trails. Lower temperatures also mean you won’t mind a bit that those unforgiving trails provide no shade.
Even though the cold Colorado River runs beside it, this is a harsh environment, with little vegetation anywhere. Even the cactus varieties are sparse. Yet the austere beauty of the extensive views from the top of the Buckskin Mountain Loop Trail is beyond compare.
Begin on the Lightning Bolt Trail. It’s a half mile and straight up to start, with sweet views of the Colorado River and California on the river’s far side. This leads to a concrete footbridge that spans Highway 95. Once across, you can choose the Loop Trail or the Market Trail.
The Loop Trail is a mile long with occasional challengingly steep areas. Benches are spaced along the way for your viewing or resting pleasure.
Market Trail is 0 .9 mile starts along the highway before heading into the mountains. There’s an old copper mine a ways in.
Lamb Spring Trail connects to River Island State Park (Jan./Feb. 2021 Prescott Dog Magazine) via a 2.3-mile hike that’s adjacent to a wilderness area.
Copper Mines Trail is 0.6 mile and has a series of fenced-off abandoned copper mines.
For any of these hikes, take plenty of water. Wear sunblock and sturdy shoes. Adding padded insoles or thicker socks wouldn’t hurt hiking over all those rocks. Layered clothing is a good plan.
Beware of rattlesnakes. They sometimes take advantage of warmer winter days. The rugged terrain is good for hiding both snakes and larger wildlife. That includes bighorn sheep, bobcats, cougars, skunks, coyotes, badgers, ringtails, and gray fox, if you’re lucky enough to spot any of them.
The Colorado River remains unchanging, so boating and fishing opportunities always are available. Polar bear types might enjoy a winter swim, but I’ll pass, thank you very much. I do enjoy sitting with a cup of coffee and Watching the River Run. I capitalized that because it happens to be a catchy Loggins and Messina song. “And it goes on and on…”
Watching birds along the river flyway you might spy osprey, eagles, egrets, herons, pelicans, hawks, and seagulls. Parker Dam and the Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge are nearby, to see more of these avians up close.
The park resurfaced roads and campsites this fall, so expect a smooth experience if you’re camping. Do not expect good Wifi or cell phone service. You are in between mountains here.
Happy rocky hiking!
