7 Top-Rated Hiking Trails in Prescott

Written byLana Law
Jul 30, 2020
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普雷斯科特提供了各种各样的徒步旅行选择,from lakeside trails and forest hikes to walks through hills and granite boulders. If you are looking for something easy, you can stroll along an old railway line, but you can also challenge yourself with mountain hikes.

The altitude here is approximately 5,300 feet, and the cooler temperatures at this elevation can be a welcome retreat from the heat of the lower desert regions. From spring until fall, hikers from across Arizona head for the hills, and Prescott is one of the prime destinations.

Watson LakeandPrescott National Forest, on the edge of the city, are two of the key natural attractions in this area. For a comprehensive look at the options, see our list of the best hikes in Prescott.

1. Watson Lake Loop Trail

This fantastic hike takes you through the huge granite rock formations lining the shores of Lake Watson and areas just inland. Views here are some of the best in the entire Prescott area. The deep blue water surrounded by the orange boulders and hills is one of the most extraordinary sites in this region of Arizona.

The trail can be accessed from several points, but the most interesting area is the north end of the lake, and the best place to start the hike is fromWatson Lake Park. The hike begins from the boat ramp area of the park, where you'll find plenty of parking, although there is a small fee.

The trail immediately ascends into the boulders along the edge of the shore and takes you up to great vantage points looking out over the entire lake.

Even if you do not complete the full4.7-mile hike,值得在半英里徒步旅行或心肌梗死le and returning the same way. If you have time, complete the entire hike. Views are different in almost every direction as you round the lake.

Watson Lake Loop is rated as difficult, but it's really not that challenging. The trail is uneven and runs over rocky areas that make for tricky footing.

2. Thumb Butte Trail

This hike takes you high above the city to the eye-catching granite butte you see from all around Prescott. At the top you can look out in two directions to the surrounding mountains and distance flat lands.

From the parking area the trail looks slightly daunting but head off in acounter-clockwise directionfor a gradual ascent and a steep descent. From the butte down the steep side of the mountain the trail is all paved, so it has good traction, which makes the descent much easier than expected.

The total trail length is2.5 miles with 680 feet of elevation. It runs through tall pines at the base but vegetation becomes smaller at the top, and the trail is more open to the sun up here.

At the base of this hike are restrooms and a picnic area. There is a fee for parking here.

3. Constellation Trails

Not far from Watson Lake, the Constellation Trails offer a slough of short, interconnecting trails that take you through a labyrinth of huge boulders and rock formations.

Depending on the trail, you can opt to hike alongside the edge of the rocks and admire them as you go, or get right up on them and explore the granite landscape.

This area is also the site of an air disaster. In 1959, a US Air Force C-121G super constellation jet crashed during a train mission. A memorial has been erected at the trailhead, and you can see small remains of the aircraft parts.

The trails begin across the road from the Phippen Museum.

4. Granite Mountain Hike

From theGranite Basin Recreation Areaat theMetate Trailhead, you can access a number of intersecting trails. One of the classic hikes that leaves from here is the Granite Mountain hike.

The trail follows the base of the mountain, through forested areas, around huge boulders, and eventually climbs up Granite Mountain. This is a scenic trail the entire way, despite a section that has been badly affected by fire, and it offers lovely vistas from the top.

The entirein-and-out trail is 7.9 miles return, and the elevation gain is approximately1,650 feet. Be prepared to spend much of the hike in the direct sun.

Another interesting hike that connects with this hike isBaby Granite Loop, which combines a few trails and offers good views up to Granite and Baby Granite Mountains.

5. Lynx Lake Loop

For an easy but scenic hike, it's hard to beat the Lynx Lake Loop Trail in theLynx Lake Recreation Area, just east of Prescott. This relatively level,2.4-mile trailfollows the shoreline around the lake, offering a chance to see birds and other wildlife.

The Lynx Lake area is inPrescott National Forest, a lush area of ponderosa pines. You do not feel like you are in Arizona on this hike.

This trail is perfect if you are camping at the Lynx Campgrounds, as paths from some of the sites lead down to the shore and link to the hiking trail. Lynx Campground is just one of the manygreat campgrounds around Prescott.

6. Peavine Trail

The Peavine Trail is a12-mile one-way former railwayline converted into a multi-use trail. The trail is easy and combines some of the best elements Prescott has to offer, namely water, fantastic rocks, large trees, and desert scenery.

Don't let the distance scare you,many people turn around three miles in, making for a six-mile hike.

The trailhead is at the southern end of Watson Lake. The hike starts out through tall cottonwood trees before emerging out into desert grasslands, where the blue waters of Watson Lake beckon you forward.

Along this hike, you'll pass through granite rocks and come across a historical plaque, where you can learn a little of the history and see what the area looked like during the days of steam engines. The plaque makes a good turning around point. If you continue on, the trail will eventually dead end at the North Parking lot.

7. Willow Lake Loop Trail

The Willow Lake Loop trail combines a couple of trails to form a5.7-mile hike around Willow Lake. This is a scenic but relatively challenging trail that runs along the shore, over granite rocks, and includes a few steep sections.

If you want something shorter, the actualWillow Lake Trailjust runs along one side of the lake. This trail is mostly level, wide, and flat, making it suitable for everyone.

This stretch has some of the nicest views, looking across the lake to the Granite Dells that line the far shore. You can often see kayakers in here, and on pleasant days, this area is very busy.

Where to Stay in Prescott

Accommodation options in Prescott are mainly mid-range and budget, but you will find some interesting historic properties with character and style that set them apart. The best place to stay is downtown, near the Historic Courthouse Plaza and the surrounding streets. This will allow you to walk everywhere.

Luxury and Mid-Range Hotels: TheVendomeHotel, on a quiet street in the downtown area, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This beautiful renovated boutique hotel has maintained its 1917-era charm and offers lovely, individually decorated rooms.

Another impressive old gem is theGrand HighlandHotelin a great location near the courthouse. Individually decorated rooms feature tasteful designs and historic elements, including exposed brick walls, clawfoot tubs, and antique-style furnishings.

For some mid-century nostalgia,The MotorLodgebrings you back to the days when motels offered individual carports and high-end service. This unique place has been thoughtfully restored and upgraded and enjoys a reputation for being cool and hip.

If you are not interested in being downtown and would prefer the comfort of a known brand and an indoor pool, theHampton InnPrescottis a great choice, located just a few minutes by car from the city center.

Budget Hotels:Budget hotels are hard to come by in Prescott, and prices increase considerably on weekends due to the city's almost constant scheduled events. For clean and comfortable without a lot of frills, try theHeritage HouseMotel. The adobe-styleApacheLodgeis another property where you can typically find decent rooms at reasonable prices. Both of these are a short drive from the city center.