MODERATE: Jacob's Crosscut to Prospector View to Praying Hands loop

Join the Sun Lakes Hiking Club on this exhilarating new club hike. We start off heading south on a fairly level Jacob's crosscut trail for the first two miles, passing through a cholla forest. We then turn left onto Prospectors View trail where we soon start a 700 foot climb over the next 1.5 miles. We will take a break near the top and enjoy some really spectacular views. Once we continue on our hike the trail turns into Praying Hands loop. We will have some up and downs along that part of the trail until we start the final decent back to the trailhead Distance: 5.4 miles AEG: 940 Feet Drive: 74 miles R/T=$7 + $2 dirt road fee If using a GPS device for driving directions enter “Crosscut Trailhead” into your device. Crosscut trailhead is about .6 miles down First Water Road on the right Driving Directions: Leave Cottonwood parking lot and turn right onto Riggs Road. Take a left turn at McQueen Road. Continue North then go right onto Loop 202 East. Follow Loop 202 East to US-60 East (exit 30A) towards Apache Junction. From US-60 East take exit 196 for Hwy88 (Idaho Rd) in Apache Junction. Turn left at the end of the off-ramp. Stay on Hwy 88. After apx. 2.4 miles, then turn right at the traffic light to stay on Hwy88. This section of Hwy88 is called “Apache Trail Road”. After the lost Dutchman Park sign, turn right onto First Water road. FYI…it is the second dirt road on the right. The trailhead is about 1/2 mile down the road on the right. 78 miles R/T; Driver contribution is $7 + $2 dirt road fee Call hike leader, Paul Engle 443-629-1176 if you need assistance.