People often inquire about my top trail pick, a question that’s not easy to answer. My favorite trail varies depending on the season, the time available, my energy level, and the company I’m with. I’ve compiled a diverse list of trails I enjoy, each offering a unique experience.
Here is a short list of some of those hikes:
- I usually head to The Dells during the cool and sometimes wet winter weather. The sun dries the trails out quickly, and they are somewhat exposed, so you will find yourself warming up in the rays. My favorite trails in that area are the Granite Gardens Trails. These are also great to take kids on. They are a shorter network of trails that lead you under and over the top of boulder piles following the white dots. They twist and turn around the rocks; these trails are anything but straight.
- Spring always leads me to Mint Wash near Granite Mountain. The 345 and 347 can be turned into a loop, and the creek usually flows this time of year. It’s a quiet, remote hike, and the rocky, challenging trail is perfect for those seeking adventure. The 6-mile loop is a harder, longer hike, but the rewards are worth it.
- Summer months have me searching for shade and the cooler temps on the top of the mountains. The 307 Groom Creek Loop is precisely that. The temperature on top of Spruce Mountain can be 10 degrees cooler than in town, and the trail has lots of shade. This trail gains some serious elevation (about 1600ft), and the views from the fire tower up top make it worth the work. I like to start this one early in the morning and take my time, having lunch up top at the picnic area in the shade of the Douglas Fir trees.
- Fall is my favorite season, and I find myself making the Salida Loop a priority. This little trail is out of Walker Rd past the Ruin Trail. There are petroglyphs on the rocks near the creek, and the hike along the ridge is breathtaking. It is a moderate hike and just over four miles. This one follows a creek, then takes up a ridge for the view and winds back down to the trailhead.
- For an overnight adventure, two destinations can be found in Camp Wood that I cannot get enough of. The Juniper Mesa Wilderness and Apache Creek Wildness are remote and hidden gems in the Prescott National Forest. Grab a map and check out the trails for a quick backpacking trip near town. There are springs, creeks, views, and lots of wildlife. I hear the Juniper Mesa Trail is getting some love from the Forest Service trail crews this summer. I am excited to grab my pack and head out that way for a couple of days.
- Of course, I cannot forget the must-do if you only have one day in our little town. Thumb Butte is easy to find and easy to hike, and if you live here, you really should have it marked off your list. You can see all of Prescott from the Butte; it is a well-used trail. It is perfect, especially if you don’t like the idea of being out by yourself.
We are so lucky to be surrounded by hundreds of miles of trails. With so many options, my favorites can change quickly—it is impossible to pick only one! The staff at the Hike Shack all have their own favorites, too. Please stop in and ask any of us for suggestions any day of the week!