Hualapai Mountain
Encyclopedia
The Hualapai Mountains ('Amat 'Avii Kahuwaaly in the Mojave language
) are a mountain range near Kingman, Arizona
in Mohave County
. "Hualapai" means "People of the tall Pines" in the Hualapai language. The mountain range consists of five main peaks, Dean Peak, Ghetts Peak, Aspen Peak, and Hayden Peak that overlook the broad Hualapai Valley to the north, toward Kingman, and Hualapai Peak, the tallest, which is generally behind Hayden peak as seen from Kingman. The mountains commonly are referred to by locals as "the Hualapais." Popular hiking trails reach Aspen and Hayden peaks, while several areas, including Ghett's and Hayden peaks, are home to radio transmitter/receiver towers. The ecology of the Hualapai Mountains is comparable to that of the San Bernardino Mountains
and San Jacinto Mountains
in southern California, with major forests of many conifer species (mainly pine
), as well as aspen
groves at higher elevations. The Hualapai Mountains can be considered a sky island
.
homes, characterized by their distinct color and cubic shape.
The Pinion Pine community has 2 fire stations with one station staffed full time.
The 'Pine Lake' community at the very top of Hualapai Mountain has a volunteer fire department, which also holds seasonal events for the neighborhood. There is a lodge, privately owned cabins for rent, and permanent housing. The lake is privately owned by the Pine Lake Inn Bed and Breakfast and not available to the public as it is for sale.
Hualapai Mountain Park charges a per vehicle day use fee of $5.00 to help maintain the park. The park has 18 rustic cabins, 3 large recreation areas can be rented for large groups, such as weddings, and family reunions. 80 dry camping campsites, 11 full hook-up spots for RV's, and 1 tee pee, are available.
There are 10 miles (16.1 km) of hiking trails ranging in difficulty, an ATV trail head, which leads out to miles of trails.
The park is managed by the Mohave County Parks department and the Hualapai Mountain Park staff, which includes 1 ranger, 2 maintenance workers, and 1 office assistant. Park staff is available to answer any questions you have regarding the park, the trails and other such related issues.
There are small signs put up around the park area telling the history of the park, the types of vegetation, etc.
There is a fire escape route to get down and out of a burning spot, if needed.
Pine Lake is visited regularly by a local herd of elk and many mule deer wander around daily.
From Flag Mine Road one can access many different routes along the ridges of the Hualapai Mountains and through the various valleys, canyons and washes. Going out Flag Mine Road requires a vehicle with moderate ground clearance for the first part of the road. Once one continues past the Wild Cow Springs turn-on, four-wheel drive and high clearance are highly recommended. Only experienced off-road drivers should attempt to go past Wild Cow on Flag Mine Road. Continuing out Flag Mine Road, one will run along the ridges of the mountains, climbing over 7000 ft (2,133.6 m) elevation. there are a number of routes going off the road, the most popular being the Moss Wash Basin. Following Flag Mine Road will eventually take one to the Boreana Mine, and into the back side of Yucca.
About 3 miles (4.8 km) out Flag Mine Road you will come to the Wild Cow Springs cut off. If you take this road and staying to the right, you will come to the campground (a fee area). If you stay to the left you will follow the fire escape route down Antelope Wash Road where you will eventually end up at Blake Ranch Road.
By following the new ATV trail head behind the Pine Lake Community, you will come to the Wheeler Wash. Only high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles should attempt this road. This route will take you to Blake ranch Road.
, and has many natural springs
.
Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, Mountain Lion, Javelina, and many other animals can be found here. Mountain Lion and Bear have been drawn to civilized areas like Pinion Pines and Atherton Acres due to the large deer
population. Residents have been feeding the deer, causing them to rely on humans for food, instead of fending for themselves. There are some animals only native to the Hualapai Mountain range, including a breed of ground squirrel
, and a tarantula
.
Partial Source: Mohave County Parks website. They are responsible for the park.
Mojave language
Mojave is the native language of the Mohave people along the Colorado River in eastern California, northwestern Arizona, and southwestern Nevada...
) are a mountain range near Kingman, Arizona
Kingman, Arizona
Kingman is located in a desert climate on the edge of the Mojave Desert, but its higher elevation and location between the Colorado Plateau and the Lower Colorado River Valley tempers summer high temperatures and contributes to winter cold and rare snowfall. Summer daytime highs reach above 90 °F ...
in Mohave County
Mohave County, Arizona
Mohave County is located in the northwestern corner of the U.S. state of Arizona. As of the 2010 census, its population was 200,186, an increase of 45,154 people since the 2000 census count of 155,032. The county seat is Kingman...
. "Hualapai" means "People of the tall Pines" in the Hualapai language. The mountain range consists of five main peaks, Dean Peak, Ghetts Peak, Aspen Peak, and Hayden Peak that overlook the broad Hualapai Valley to the north, toward Kingman, and Hualapai Peak, the tallest, which is generally behind Hayden peak as seen from Kingman. The mountains commonly are referred to by locals as "the Hualapais." Popular hiking trails reach Aspen and Hayden peaks, while several areas, including Ghett's and Hayden peaks, are home to radio transmitter/receiver towers. The ecology of the Hualapai Mountains is comparable to that of the San Bernardino Mountains
San Bernardino Mountains
The San Bernardino Mountains are a short transverse mountain range north and east of San Bernardino in Southern California in the United States. The mountains run for approximately 60 miles east-west on the southern edge of the Mojave Desert in southwestern San Bernardino County, north of the...
and San Jacinto Mountains
San Jacinto Mountains
The San Jacinto Mountains are a mountain range east of Los Angeles in southern California in the United States. The mountains are named for Saint Hyacinth . The Pacific Crest Trail runs along the spine of the range.The range extends for approximately from the San Bernardino Mountains southeast to...
in southern California, with major forests of many conifer species (mainly pine
Pine
Pines are trees in the genus Pinus ,in the family Pinaceae. They make up the monotypic subfamily Pinoideae. There are about 115 species of pine, although different authorities accept between 105 and 125 species.-Etymology:...
), as well as aspen
Aspen
Populus section Populus, of the Populus genus, includes the aspen trees and the white poplar Populus alba. The five typical aspens are all native to cold regions with cool summers, in the north of the Northern Hemisphere, extending south at high altitudes in the mountains. The White Poplar, by...
groves at higher elevations. The Hualapai Mountains can be considered a sky island
Sky island
Sky islands are mountains that are isolated by surrounding lowlands of a dramatically different environment, a situation which, in combination with the altitudinal zonation of ecosystems, has significant implications for natural habitats. Endemism, vertical migration, and relict populations are...
.
Communities
It has many growing communities at this point, including Lazy YU, which is rapidly becoming a big development. A common housing style to the lower area are Santa Fe Style AdobeAdobe
Adobe is a natural building material made from sand, clay, water, and some kind of fibrous or organic material , which the builders shape into bricks using frames and dry in the sun. Adobe buildings are similar to cob and mudbrick buildings. Adobe structures are extremely durable, and account for...
homes, characterized by their distinct color and cubic shape.
The Pinion Pine community has 2 fire stations with one station staffed full time.
The 'Pine Lake' community at the very top of Hualapai Mountain has a volunteer fire department, which also holds seasonal events for the neighborhood. There is a lodge, privately owned cabins for rent, and permanent housing. The lake is privately owned by the Pine Lake Inn Bed and Breakfast and not available to the public as it is for sale.
Hualapai Mountain County Park
Hualapai Mountain Park is a county park and was first developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The name Hualapai means "Pine Tree Folk" and is derived from the name of the Indian tribe that once lived here. The park encompasses over 2300 acres (9.3 km²) with elevations ranging from 4984 feet (1,519.1 m) to 8417.Hualapai Mountain Park charges a per vehicle day use fee of $5.00 to help maintain the park. The park has 18 rustic cabins, 3 large recreation areas can be rented for large groups, such as weddings, and family reunions. 80 dry camping campsites, 11 full hook-up spots for RV's, and 1 tee pee, are available.
There are 10 miles (16.1 km) of hiking trails ranging in difficulty, an ATV trail head, which leads out to miles of trails.
The park is managed by the Mohave County Parks department and the Hualapai Mountain Park staff, which includes 1 ranger, 2 maintenance workers, and 1 office assistant. Park staff is available to answer any questions you have regarding the park, the trails and other such related issues.
There are small signs put up around the park area telling the history of the park, the types of vegetation, etc.
There is a fire escape route to get down and out of a burning spot, if needed.
Pine Lake
At the top of the Hualapai Mountain, just past the Hualapai Mountain Park, is a community known as Pine Lake. The community has approximately 140 homes and is a little over 6000 ft (1,828.8 m). in elevation. Several amenities are located in Pine lake, the Hualapai Mountain Resort, and individuals even rent out their homes for daily or weekend get-aways.Pine Lake is visited regularly by a local herd of elk and many mule deer wander around daily.
Off-road trails
From the Pine Lake Community there are a number of dirt roads that lead out into the mountains. There are primarily two main routes out of the community, Flag Mine Road and the ATV trail head located at Hualapai Mountain Park which alleviates some of the traffic in the neighborhood.From Flag Mine Road one can access many different routes along the ridges of the Hualapai Mountains and through the various valleys, canyons and washes. Going out Flag Mine Road requires a vehicle with moderate ground clearance for the first part of the road. Once one continues past the Wild Cow Springs turn-on, four-wheel drive and high clearance are highly recommended. Only experienced off-road drivers should attempt to go past Wild Cow on Flag Mine Road. Continuing out Flag Mine Road, one will run along the ridges of the mountains, climbing over 7000 ft (2,133.6 m) elevation. there are a number of routes going off the road, the most popular being the Moss Wash Basin. Following Flag Mine Road will eventually take one to the Boreana Mine, and into the back side of Yucca.
About 3 miles (4.8 km) out Flag Mine Road you will come to the Wild Cow Springs cut off. If you take this road and staying to the right, you will come to the campground (a fee area). If you stay to the left you will follow the fire escape route down Antelope Wash Road where you will eventually end up at Blake Ranch Road.
By following the new ATV trail head behind the Pine Lake Community, you will come to the Wheeler Wash. Only high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles should attempt this road. This route will take you to Blake ranch Road.
Habitat
The Hualapai Mountains remain green all year long. They are covered in pine trees, namely Pinion Pine. Above 5500 feet (1,676.4 m) the Ponderosa Pine grows more readily. Most pine trees are found on the North facing slopes, as that is the cooler side of the hill. The habitat is mainly forestForest
A forest, also referred to as a wood or the woods, is an area with a high density of trees. As with cities, depending where you are in the world, what is considered a forest may vary significantly in size and have various classification according to how and what of the forest is composed...
, and has many natural springs
Spring (hydrosphere)
A spring—also known as a rising or resurgence—is a component of the hydrosphere. Specifically, it is any natural situation where water flows to the surface of the earth from underground...
.
Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, Mountain Lion, Javelina, and many other animals can be found here. Mountain Lion and Bear have been drawn to civilized areas like Pinion Pines and Atherton Acres due to the large deer
Deer
Deer are the ruminant mammals forming the family Cervidae. Species in the Cervidae family include white-tailed deer, elk, moose, red deer, reindeer, fallow deer, roe deer and chital. Male deer of all species and female reindeer grow and shed new antlers each year...
population. Residents have been feeding the deer, causing them to rely on humans for food, instead of fending for themselves. There are some animals only native to the Hualapai Mountain range, including a breed of ground squirrel
Ground squirrel
The ground squirrels are members of the squirrel family of rodents which generally live on or in the ground, rather than trees. The term is most often used for the medium-sized ground squirrels, as the larger ones are more commonly known as marmots or prairie dogs, while the smaller and less...
, and a tarantula
Tarantula
Tarantulas comprise a group of often hairy and often very large arachnids belonging to the family Theraphosidae, of which approximately 900 species have been identified. Some members of the same Suborder may also be called "tarantulas" in the common parlance. This article will restrict itself to...
.
Partial Source: Mohave County Parks website. They are responsible for the park.