Senator Highway, Crown King Road

Total Miles
29.8

Elevation

2,190.02 ft

Duration

8 Hours

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Summer

Trail Overview

This is a long and windy road that leads to Crown King. Due to its length, and the many things to see and do along the way, you'll want to allow plenty of time to complete it. There are many hiking trails to take from this route if you want to stretch your legs. You'll pass Cleator and Bumble Bee ghost towns-take the time to hop out and look around. Unlicensed vehicles are not allowed on some portions.

Photos of Senator Highway, Crown King Road

Senator Highway, Crown King Road
Senator Highway, Crown King Road

Difficulty

Easy: A few ruts and minor muddy sections, but 4-wheel-drive is rarely needed when road is dry. Crown King Road is wide and graded.

History

Bradshaw City, a picnic stop along the route, was named after William Bradshaw, the first to discover gold in the area in 1863. The town grew to about 5,000 people in the next 20 years. The post office finally closed in 1884. Nothing is left at the townsite, but Bradshaw City's original saloon was moved to Crown King and is still in use today.

Technical Rating

3

Access Description

From Prescott: Head south on Mt. Vernon Avenue from Gurley Street following signs for Senator Highway. We start the trail where the pavement ends at 7.2 miles, just before Wolf Creek Road, an alternate entry point. From Phoenix: Take I-17 north to Exit 248 and follow signs.

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