Prescott Hiking

We did this hike on a Monday in October, but didn't get much of a turnout so we're scheduling it again for a Saturday. This is a really fun and scenic hike, so hopefully we'll get a better turnout this time!

This is an easy-to-moderate "lollipop" hike in the Dells, total of about 5.5 miles. Not much elevation gain, mostly ups-and-downs as we work our way around Eagle Peak. There will be some fun rock scrambling as we finish the loop.

We'll enter the Dells via the Gateway trail to Peavine. A short walk on Peavine takes us to Lower Elizabeth and Boblett trails just past the Boblett cemetery, from which we will access the new (and yet unnamed) trail that loops around Eagle Peak. After a bit of rock scrambling near the end of the loop, we connect back to Boblett trail and back to the cemetery, then return the way we came to the parking area.

Directions from Prescott: From the Hwy 69/Sheldon/Gurley St. "split," Take Hwy 89 north about 5 miles. Just past Granite Gardens Dr., turn right onto Old Hwy 89A and proceed about 1/4 mile to the old 89A bridge and park along the road. The trail begins at the north end of the bridge.

This is a fun 4.25 mile hike, out and back, in the middle of the city! It’s a really cute hike with some stair climbing, a bridge crossing, and the best part…the phenomenal petroglyphs carved into the boulders. We will also see beautiful views of the city. This hike is moderate, due to the climbing and elevation gains. You will get a good work out. This hike has no shade, so it’s a perfect hike for the winter weather.

We will meet at the Centennial Trail dirt parking lot, located at 912 Dougherty Street.

As always, please remember to bring water, electrolytes, snacks and a hat.

Attached are photos and a map of the hike.

We will continue hiking the Prescott Circle Trail, segments 9 and 10, for a total of 7.5 miles.

We will begin at the Peavine Trailhead and hike the Peavine Trail, to Lower Granite Creek Discovery Trail, to Watson Lake Trail, and onto Willow Lake Road. We will be in heavy traffic while on Willow Lake Road, so we must exercise caution for about 0.4 miles. We will then continue on Willow Lake Trail, to Embry Riddle Trail, and finish on Jan Alfano Trail.

This hike is very easy and the views from Watson Lake and Willow Lake are stunning! Along these two trails, I always see lots of ducks, geese, birds, and I’ve even seen snakes, tarantulas, and pack rat nests. Thankfully, I have not seen the rats. 😂 Oh and I’ve also seen wild melons and gourds.

We will pass a rock garden at Willow Lake, so if you wish to leave a painted rock, you may. We will also go through a tunnel on the way to Embry Riddle. And the best part…you will finally see why Thumb Butte is called Thumb Butte. From the top of the hills on the Jan Alfano Trail, you can clearly see the “thumb.” In my opinion, this is the best view I’ve ever had of Thumb Butte.

Attached are photos and maps of the hike.

Directions to the Pioneer Park Trailhead where we will meet and carpool:

Drive NE on Willow Creek Road to Commerce Drive. Turn Left on Commerce Drive and travel approximately 0.9 miles to the large parking area on your right.

Let’s walk off all that turkey and Thanksgiving pie on this 6.9 mile hike. We will be hiking Willow Trail 347 from the Williamson Valley Trailhead down to the Ho-Kay-Gan Trailhead.
We will be hiking below Granite Mountain’s rugged east face through rolling terrain. The trees and vegetation include mountain mahogany, scrub oak, cliffrose, manzanita, ponderosa pine and juniper. This area is popular for large and little cats (mountain lions and bobcats) and their paw tracks are often seen on the trail, but don’t worry, they leave large groups alone, want nothing to do with us, and I have bear spray. Ha! This is a great hike for the winter because we will have little shade and no steep drop offs.
This trail is an out and back, but we will carpool because if we don’t, we would be hiking 13.8 miles!
Let’s meet at the Ho-Kay-Gan Trailhead, which is located at the end of West Katahn Drive. The trailhead in on the right in a small dirt parking lot
As always, since this is a long hike, bring plenty of water, electrolytes, and snacks.
Attached is a map and a photo of the hike.