Ten Minutes To Terrific Trails
FOR RELEASE
CONTACT:
Susan Schepman
(928) 708-9336
sschepman@cableone.net
Cool canyonsides draped with pines and blue spruce. The striking contours of granite boulders in the Dells in vivid contrast to the blue water of Watson Lake. Whether you are hiking or biking, the Prescott Area offers scenic vistas, interesting trails and easy access. Located in the heart of the Prescott National Forest, the Prescott Area is an ideal location for an outdoor getaway. With over 450 miles of multi-use trails winding around ponderosa pines, granite boulders, ancient Indian petroglyphs, and pristine lakes, you're sure to find plenty of opportunities to renew body and soul. Grab your gear and get ready to experience Prescott's great outdoors.
Prescott has numerous hiking and biking trails nestled in the forested mountain slopes of the Bradshaws, Granite Mountain, and Sierra Prieta. Here are a few of our favorites. All are within a 10-20-minute drive of downtown Prescott.
Thumb Butte-Trail 33
Located just three miles west of downtown Prescott.Thumb Butte is Prescott's most prominent landmark. Residents regularly walk the trail as part of their fitness regimen. The east leg of the loop is steeper and the west is more gentle as it passes through a cool forested canyon. Study the rock ribs of this dark basalt promontory to find the face of the grandmother spirit that watches over the town. Enjoy signs along the trail identifying native plants. Once you reach the top, the views of Prescott, the Bradshaw Mountains, Sierra Prietas, Granite Mountain, Mingus Mountain and the San Francisco Peaks are spectacular.
Head west on Gurley Street 4 miles (Gurley changes its name to Thumb Butte Road) to the recreation site and parking area. There is a day-use fee of $2.00 per vehicle. The 1.75-mile loop trail is paved and handicapped accessible.
Permitted Uses: Hiking - Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking Time: 1hour
Groom Creek Loop-Trail 384
There is little elevation gain (500 feet), so this is a great 6-mile loop hike for almost everyone. Maverick Mountain and Mt. Tritle provide a beautiful backdrop to this trail that winds through lush vegetation along the Hassayampa River's upper basin.
From downtown Prescott, head west on Gurley Street. At the light, turn south on Mount Vernon Avenue. Continue south from Prescott approximately six miles to Groom Creek. Just beyond Groom Creek turn right on the dirt road to Wolf Creek campgrounds. Trail 384 crosses the road within .4 miles.
Permitted Uses: hiking, biking and motorized vehicles less than 40 inches wide - Difficulty: Easy - Hiking Time: 3.5 hours
Little Granite Mountain-Trail 37 and Loop to Granite Basin Lake
This trail provides spectacular panoramic views of Skull Valley, Prescott, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the western end of the Sierra Prietas. For a loop hike, drop a car at Granite Basin Lake. Take trail 37 from Iron Springs trailhead to the Clark Spring Trail turnoff, which takes you to the lake.
From downtown Prescott head north on Montezuma, which will turn into Whipple Street. Follow Whipple to the junction of Miller Valley, Willow Creek, and Iron Springs Road by the Yavapai County Regional Medical Center. Whipple becomes Iron Springs Road. You will continue straight on Iron Springs road 6.2 miles. The trailhead is 3.2 miles west of the turnoff to Granite Basin Lake.
Permitted Uses: hiking, bicycling (non-motorized), and horseback riding - Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Mountain Biking
In the words of John Stryker, veteran mountain biker and owner of the Bikesmith in Prescott, "One of the great things about Prescott is that within ten minutes of Courthouse Square, you can be biking on a trail where you won't see a soul all day. People who visit this area are amazed by how many trails there are!" These are some of John's personal favorites:
Prescott Peavine Trail
The "Rails to Trails" project helped form this winding trail that was once the route for the Santa Fe, Prescott and Phoenix railroad. The trail covers some of the most beautiful scenery in Yavapai County. It meanders through lush riparian areas, through the beautiful Granite Dells, above Watson Lake, and towards open rangelands. Total length is 9.2 miles round-trip, however you can leave a car at Hwy. 89-A, which will make the distance about 4.6 miles. Drive east on Gurley Street from downtown Prescott to the Hwy. 89/69 intersections. Take Hwy. 89 north for 1.1 miles to Sun Dog Ranch Road and turn right. Continue north about 1.5 miles where a road turns left opposite the Animal Control headquarters. The trial is just .1 miles west of here.
Permitted Uses: hiking, biking, and equestrian - Difficulty: easy - Hiking Time: variable
Groom Creek Loop Trail 307
Horseback riders will particularly enjoy this scenic trail that winds through the pines, due in part to the Horse Camp located just south of Groom Creek. At the top of Spruce Ridge, you break out of the trees to see distant vistas of the Crown King area, Prescott, Mingus mountain and the San Francisco Peaks. Head east on Gurley Street from the downtown square. At Mt. Vernon, turn south approximately 4.5 miles to Forest Road 52A (on the east side of the road). Turn left on FR 52A and drive 4 miles to the picnic area.
Difficulty: Difficult - Hiking Time: 6 Hours - Trail 8.7 miles
For more information about these trails or other trails in the Prescott National Forest call (928) 445-7253 or (928) 771-4770.
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