HIKE OF THE MONTH

Able panoramas you'll get in all directions from the summit.

At the 45-minute mark, you'll come to the trail's first switchback. It's a nice respite from the long uphill trudge that came before. After passing a massive alligator juniper, the trail veers east, then south, and then makes a sharp turn to the north. The unmistakable scent of skunk sometimes hangs in the air. Be on the lookout as the trail comes to another big gator - an ancient mystic with multiple trunks. A few steps later, you'll come to what's known as the "lower saddle," which is marked by a sign on a stump. Elevation: 6,780 feet.

From the saddle, the grade levels off a little, thanks to some long switches. Then, about an hour in, the trail reaches the "upper saddle," which offers the first views to the west. Jiminy christmas, you'll think, if you were born before the carter administration. (translation: impressive.) In addition to that, you'll see some old metal equipment to the right, and a weathered sign that tells you the lookout tower is just a quarter-mile away. The distance is short, but the grade is steep. And it's usually very windy up top.

The payoff, however, is a 360-degree panorama that includes the apache creek wilderness to the north, the connell mountains to the south, sawmill flat to the west and the chino valley to the east. And then there's the lookout tower, which was built in 1936 and is listed on the national register of historic places. Unlike most towers, this one is not on stilts. As you'll see, you can see forever without them, which is another reason hyde peak is a peak worth bagging.

TRAIL GUIDE

LENGTH: 4.4 miles round-trip

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

ELEVATION: 5,781 to 7,270 feet

TRAILHEAD GPS: N 34°49.001', W 112°54.282'

DIRECTIONS: From Prescott, go north on Williamson Valley Road for 22 miles to Camp Wood Road (County Road 68). Turn left onto Camp Wood Road, which is gravel, and continue 15.3 miles to Forest Road 95 (at the Camp Wood site). Turn right onto FR 95 and continue 0.2 miles to Forest Road 95C. Turn left onto FR 95C and continue 1.9 miles to the trailhead.

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS: A high-clearance vehicle is required.

DOGS ALLOWED: Yes

HORSES ALLOWED: Yes

USGS MAP: Camp Wood INFORMATION: Chino Valley Ranger District, 928-777-2200 or www.fs.usda.gov/prescott

LEAVE-NO-TRACE PRINCIPLES:

ADDITIONAL READING:

For more hikes, pick up a copy of arizona highways hiking guide, which features 52 of the state's best trails - one for each weekend of the year, sorted by seasons. to order a copy, visit www.shoparizonahighways.com/books.