by Greg Mengarelli, Mayor, City of Prescott
Summer has arrived and many of us have turned our attention to the vast array of outdoor activities available in our community. Our mild climate, beautiful mountain vistas, five lakes, multiple golf courses, sports fields and the Granite Dells are an allure to visitors and residents alike.
With so many natural assets, it’s no wonder Prescott has earned rankings such as: “Top 10 Cities for Well-Being,” “Top Happiest and Healthiest Communities,” and “Best Destination in Arizona for Nature Lovers.”
One of the center pieces to Prescott’s outdoor amenities is our more than 450 miles of hiking trails — many of which are also accessible by bike or horse. Improving and expanding this trail system is a never-ending endeavor for the city’s recreation services department. Recently, the city added 3.2 miles to the Badger Mountain trail and is working with the Town of Prescott Valley to connect our trail system to theirs via a pathway over Glassford Hill.
Earlier this year, the city purchased 160 acres of land in the Granite Dells for the purpose of preserving an important natural resource while making it accessible to hikers. The Easter Island trail was recently opened on this land and affords stunning views of Watson Lake, Granite Mountain, and the Granite Dells. It is truly a “must see.” The accompanying photograph gives you just one of the beautiful vistas on this new trail.
Prescott is blessed with so many natural assets, and our trail system is one of its crowning jewels. There are trails for all skill levels, so I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy our great weather and our natural scenery! For more information, go to prescott-az.gov and click on “Trails” from the homepage.
