Photo by Blushing Cactus Photography
by Blake Herzog
As spring approaches and the weather gradually warms, many people who put their hiking on ice for winter begin venturing out again — especially in Greater Prescott.
Others who’ve never really gotten onto this path resolve that this will be the year they finally make this healthy, invigorating hobby part of their lives. Many of these people will have had some trekking experience in their history, while others have little to none.
Luckily our area has a huge selection of trails to choose from.
Read on to learn about some of the best choices for beginning hikers.
Acker Park Loop
• 1.2 miles
• City of Prescott
Several short trails traverse 80 acres just east of downtown that have been preserved as open space for people to take a leisurely hike and learn about the area’s vegetation and wildlife.
The Hilltop Trail weaves through lush shrubbery before approaching the top of the hill and a stunning vista of most of Prescott’s major peaks, including Thumb Butte, Granite Mountain, Badger Mountain, Williams Peak and even the San Francisco Peaks by Flagstaff on clear days.
Lynx Lake Loop
• 2.4 miles
• Lynx Lake Recreation Area
The most centrally located of Greater Prescott’s lakes is ringed by a half-paved, half-dirt trail rated as “easy.” The trail along the western shore is paved and wheelchair-accessible, while the eastern shore sports a narrow dirt path with some rocky spots, but most hikers will find it easy to manage.
Bikes and horses are not permitted, so those on foot don’t have to worry about clearing the way for faster traffic.
Balancing Rock Trail
• 6.4 miles round-trip
• Granite Mountain Recreation Area
A gently rolling journey through the foothills below Granite Mountain through stands of ponderosa and oak that are majestic whether lushly green in the summer, red and gold in the autumn or dressed in sleeves of snow in the winter.
This family-friendly path also passes spectacular and mind-boggling granite formations, including several it could have been named after.
Prescott Peavine Trail
• 12 miles round-trip
• City of Prescott
This nationally recognized trail’s flat base is a former railroad bed that draws families (don’t forget the dog!) and groups of friends from around the nation and world. It’s designated as an ADA-compliant route for wheelchair users, along with hikers, runners, cyclists and horseback riders.
Its 6-mile, one-way length makes a respectable workout for everyone, and it’s easy to double back anywhere you like, as there are parking lots at the north and south ends.
Aspen Creek Trail
• 6.4 miles round-trip
• Prescott National Forest
For those looking for a somewhat more challenging hike, this trail’s first mile climbs up and over a ridge for a great cardio workout. It follows a short section of Aspen Creek and climbs up the base of Mt. Francis through impressive stands of ponderosa and Gambel oak, the latter of which provides a healthy amount of fall foliage for those who come to this year-round trail at the right time. There are no aspens to be found, unfortunately.
