April 10, 2016
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On Quartz Mountain
April 9, 2016, Prescott- Last Sunday, I threw in a 1-mile round trip side trail, to my Prescott Circle jaunt. Quartz Mountain is a unique promontory, in the mostly pine-clad, dry-soil terrain that is prominent in the western half of Prescott Circle. It appears to be the remnant of a volcano, which also makes sense, given that quartz is scattered from White Spar to an area just west of Thumb Butte.
I had the brief company of two men and three children, who had been atop the mountain for an hour or so, studying the quartz and learning of the different colour blends. Most, as you will see, are white quartz, though there is a fair amount of pink, and some two-tone.
East side of Quartz Mountain
I checked out this area, just below the summit, before heading up.
The views from any point near the summit are thrilling.
San Francisco Peaks, from Quartz Mountain
Now, here are several scenes of the summit.
Iron-tinged white and gray quartz, Quartz Mountain summit
Southwestward, from Quartz Mountain, towards Sierra Prieta
View of Quartz Mountain summit crest, from just underneath
Agave and prickly pear cacti, Quartz Mountain summit
As you can see, the desert aspects of Prescott’s status as a transition zone are quite prolific, even at 6,000 feet.
This little gem is one of several good reasons for side hikes, off the main Circle Trail system.
As it happened, today (April 9), was a good day for Segment 3 of the Circle. It’ll be featured in the next post.
Comments (4)
I had a great uncle who was a rock enthusiast. He knew all about different types and often would hike about, or go to rock shows or quarries, sometimes bringing us children small examples of his finds. (when legal to do so). This post reminded me of him, so thank you.
I especially like your last photo, and the one looking southwestward, where it contrasts the white rock with the greenery beyond.
Very cool. Plants will find a way to grow in the most inhospitable spots! Love the photo if the cacti nestled in the quartz.
@Crystalinne: Thanks, Crystal. I am always most enamoured of the places where contrast is so prominent.
@murisopsis: I am always on the lookout for cacti and succulents at high altitudes and in unlikely places. In the '80's, we found some growing on a beach in New Jersey. The seeds had floated all the way from the Canary Islands.