VOLCANIC VENTURE
Tied into the maze of routes that spin off the Sophie’s Flat Trail System in Wickenburg, Dinosaur Wash is a challenging trek among volcanic peaks, scoured gullies and sandy washes.
Getting There: Sophie’s Flat Trailhead: From Phoenix, go north on Interstate 17 to Carefree Highway/State Route 74 (exit 223). Go 30 miles west on SR 74 toward Wickenburg, turn right at U.S. 60 and continue to just before the Hassayampa River Bridge traffic circle in Wickenburg. Turn right on El Recreo Drive, go 0.25 mile and veer right onto Constellation Road. Continue 2.7 miles, turn left on Blue Tank Road and drive 1.3 miles to the trailhead on the right. The last 4 miles are on undulating dirt road suitable for sedans.
Hike Directions: From the trailhead, follow A Trail 1.1 miles to B Trail. Follow B Trail to the 1.88-mile point, veer right and follow C Trail to the 2.39-mile point and turn left on the A Trail. Follow A Trail to the 2.91-mile point and connect with D Trail. Follow D Trail less than a mile, drop into the obvious course of Dinosaur Wash and head northwest (left). Hike to the 4.97-mile point and turn around at a slick rock drop-off.
Length: 9.5 miles round trip
Rating: moderate
Kid Friendly: NO
Pet Friendly: NO
Elevation: 2,337-2,789 feet
Best Season: November-March
Facilities: restroom, map kiosk, horse staging area
Photo credit Mare Czinar/PHOENIX
