Hiking Trails to Explore Prescott’s Nature

It’s the most beautiful time of the year! This summer monsoon season in the Prescott Area has brought above-average rainfall, and the vegetation loves it! With all the rain, waterfalls are flowing, and the Prescott National Forest is lush and green.

Are you looking for hiking options in the area or want to explore Prescott’s nature? Here are a few moderate to challenging hikes in the Prescott area:

• Thumb Butte:  At an elevation of over 6,318 feet, Thumb Butte is one of the most popular trails in Prescott. “The trail is almost 2 miles long and is moderately difficult. Allow yourself about 1.5 hours to hike the entire trail” (www.fs.usda.gov). This hike offers breathtaking views “of the Prescott area, Bradshaw Mountains, Sierra Prieta Mountains, Granite Mountain, Mingus Mountain, and, on clear days, the San Francisco Peaks” (www.fs.usda.gov). The hike takes roughly 1-2 hours to complete.
• Granite Mountain Trail #261: This moderate to challenging 7+ mile hike will take you through some of Prescott’s most scenic terrain. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. “Despite its proximity to the city of Prescott, this area is a sanctuary for a diversity of wildlife. You may see javelina, deer, and foxes along the trail, as well as snakes, lizards, and a variety of Southwestern birds” (www.fs.usda.gov). The hike takes roughly 4-5 hours to complete.
• Iron King Trail: This 4-mile hike in Prescott Valley, AZ, is considered easy to moderate in difficulty. “The Iron King Trail begins in the community of Granville and heads west for an enjoyable 4.1-mile adventure. The trail’s western trailhead is just beyond the Point of Rocks junction with Prescott Peavine National Recreation Trail . . . Iron King Trails showcase the beautiful countryside outside of Prescott and offer visitors a stunning varied landscape of verdant green, stark desert, dramatic geological formations, striking views, and fascinating relics from the route’s railroad past” (www.traillink.com).
• Peavine Trail: Located in Prescott Valley, AZ, the Peavine is a 6-mile hike with breathtaking views of Watson Lake and the Granite Dells. The trail is considered easy to moderate, with a few challenging sections. “Walk, hike, bike or horseback along this six mile trail that was originally built by the Santa Fe Railway in 1893. The Peavine connects with the Iron King Trail for another four mile trek along more railroad bed” (www.prescott-az.gov).

These are just a few fantastic hiking options in Prescott, AZ. Get out and explore this summer! And be sure to take plenty of water and snacks, as well as your sunscreen and insect repellent. Stay safe, and have fun!

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