Hualapai Mountains
| Hualapai Mountains | |
|---|---|
 The Hualapai Mountains seen from Kingman in late December with a light dusting of snow. | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Hualapai Peak |
| Elevation | 8,417 ft (2,566 m) |
| Naming | |
| Native name | 'Amat 'Avii Kahuwaaly |
| Geography | |
<div style="padding:2px 2px 5px 2px;>  | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| Range coordinates | 34°54′N 113°53′W / 34.9°N 113.88°WCoordinates: 34°54′N 113°53′W / 34.9°N 113.88°W |
| Topo map | USGS Hualapai Peak, Dean Peak |
The Hualapai Mountains ('Amat 'Avii Kahuwaaly[1] 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.[2] The mountain range consists of five main peaks, Dean Peak, Getz 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.
Habitat
The Hualapai Mountains remain green all year long. They are covered in pine trees, namely Pinion Pine. Above 5,500 feet (1,700 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 forest, 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.
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"[citation needed] and is derived from the name of the Indian tribe that once lived here. The park encompasses over 2,300 acres (9.3 km2) with elevations ranging from 4,984 feet (1,519 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 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.
Residential Communities
A number of residential communities are located in the mountains and foothills. They are all unincorporated areas and are governed by Mohave County
The Pinion Pine community has 2 fire stations with one station staffed full-time.
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 6,000 ft (1,800 m). in elevation. Several amenities are located in Pine lake, including the Hualapai Mountain Resort.
The 'Pine Lake' community 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.
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 7,000 ft (2,100 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.
References
- ↑ Munro, P et al. A Mojave Dictionary Los Angeles: UCLA, 1992
- ↑ The Hualapai Tribe Website. Accessed 2011-07-25.