Area Hikes
Learn more about local hikes; brought to you by The Hike Shack
The Trail That Has It All
Often referred to as the Spruce Loop, Trail #307 is actually named the Groom Creek Loop and is probably one of Prescott’s best and most famous trails. It’s one of my personal favorites, and every time I hike it, I fall in love with it even more. The Groom Creek Loop is great adventure for the slightly more advanced hiker, but well worth the extra effort.
A Trekking—and Learning—Through the Woods
The Highlands Center for Natural History has always been a source of outdoor education for everyone. It was created to help visitors become wise caretakers of the land, and to that end, it offers many educational opportunities—including two beautiful and unique trails accessible from The Center’s Kiwanis Amphitheater.
Go Ahead: Spend the Night in the Wilderness … I Dare You
If you’re thinking of spending a night or more out in the wild, I have some suggestions for you. I highly recommend, especially if you are planning to take your kids, that you start in your own backyard. Once you have your tent, your sleeping bag, and pad, set them up and spend the night close to home. This simple “trial” can be a fun adventure and can teach you a lot in one quick night. When I look at backpacking from a beginner’s standpoint, it can be an overwhelming experience.
The Search for Solitude
While I spent a lot of my childhood camping with my family in the Camp Wood area, I have never explored the Apache Creek Wilderness area. So, with the increased trail traffic around town these days, I decided this would be a perfect opportunity.
“Esse Quam Videri”: To Be Rather than Seem to Be
The Granite Mountain Hotshot Memorial Hike has been on my to-do list for some time now. I finally checked it off recently, and highly recommend taking a day to make the trip down the hill to enjoy this amazing journey.
Lots of Options with Spectacular Views
Sedona is loaded with trails, and in the winter months, it can be a slightly warmer destination than Prescott’s peaks. One of my favorite hiking areas in the Red Rocks is the Upper Dry Creek Trail system, which comprises lots of trails for all levels of skill and adventure. The Devil’s Bridge is one of my favorites, but there are lots to choose from.
Snowshoeing After the ‘Snow-Pocalypse’
Prescott has always had unpredictable winter weather, especially when it comes to snow. No matter how much we get, it’s always fun to indulge while it lasts. Last year’s snow season presented some great opportunities to go outside and play in the white stuff. In fact, I had the pleasure of using my snowshoes in my own back yard. What a gift.
A Quick Adventure That’s Good for Your Soul
In honor of National Trails Day, June 1, crews began work on the new Williams Peak Trail #738By Amanda Lane, owner, The Hike ShackEarly this spring, in honor of National Trails Day, volunteers from all over came to Prescott to lend a hand and play in the dirt—and to...
Wilderness: Where the Earth is Untamed
Mingus Mountain is a wonderful place to explore. Not only is this beautiful mountain about 10 degrees than Prescott on any given day, but the cool, tall Pinion Pines, Gamble Oaks and miles of trails offer a quick getaway less than 45 minutes from downtown.
Save the Dells
The Granite Dells. They’re one of the things that really define Prescott; a wild and free landscape like our city’s grandmothers found when they came here a century ago.
What will our town become if there are hundreds of homes, miles of new roads, and a huge resort in the heart of the Dells? That’s a question that keeps me up at night. It’s why I volunteer full-time for Save the Dells.
Challenge: Accepted! The Prescott Circle Trail
The Yavapai Trails Association challenges all locals (and visitors!) to complete the entire Prescott Circle Trail By Amanda Lane A group of hikers, bikers, and equestrian riders with a love for the space in which we live and play founded the non-profit Yavapai Trails...
Share the Trails—and Enjoy Them! The Prescott Circle Trail Mini Guide
A community dream that took more than 25 years to become a reality, thanks to the work of many locals, the Prescott Circle Trail (PCT) opened in May 2015. This 54-mile loop around the City of Prescott comprises 25 miles of city trails and 29 miles of Prescott National Forest trails, with 600 feet of elevation change, accessible via 15 different trailheads.