TURKEY CREEK TRAIL TO HOUSE MOUNTAIN

This seldom used trail offers vistas and interesting geology. Follow the blocked road, taking the right fork at 0.3 miles. The unshaded road winds in a southwesterly direction with some gentle ups and downs for 1-1/2 miles to Turkey Creek Tank on the left. Here, the road bends to the left and dies out. The trail continues, crossing normally dry Turkey Creek and beginning a gradual climb in the sparse shade of pinyon pine and juniper. At 2-1/4 miles, it begins a moderately steep switchback ascent of the north face of House Mountain, a long extinct shield volcano. There are fine views of nearby red rock formations as well as more distant vistas north toward Wilson and Secret Mountains. The trail reaches the crest at nearly 3 miles and begins a gradual descent over basaltic lava. Soon the view over the ancient, heavily eroded caldera opens up and the opposite rim, dominated by the lava outcrop which gave the mountain its name, is visible. The trail continues, but this is a good stopping point. Return by the same route for a 6-mile roundtrip hike. This hike can be very hot in summer.