Hiking & Outdoor

Breathe in the beauty of Prescott’s great outdoors! In our Hiking & Outdoor section, Prescott Woman Magazine highlights the best trails, nature spots, and outdoor adventures Northern Arizona has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a weekend explorer, find inspiration to get outside, stay active, and connect with nature.
 
“Esse Quam Videri”: To Be Rather than Seem to Be

“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

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’

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

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  

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

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

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

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.

Trees, Trees, Trees!

Trees, Trees, Trees!

Spruce Mountain is one of the most breathtaking peaks in the Bradshaws. The Smith Ravine Trail climbs the eastern side of this peak from Walker Road.

The Community Nature Center of Prescott offers myriad benefits when hikers take a little “me time” By Amanda Lane For as long as I can remember, the Community Nature center has been located at 1980 Williamson Valley Road. It is home to 1.5 miles of trails that loop...

A Wonderful Adventure with Views Worth the Climb

A Wonderful Adventure with Views Worth the Climb

The Wolf Creek Loop Hike Features Steep Terrain, Amazing Views, and a Rewarding Waterfall By Amanda Lane The Wolf Creek Loop hike is a wonderful adventure south of town on the northern side of the Bradshaw Mountain range. Trail number 384 is a moderate-to-difficult...

Acker Park Adventure

Acker Park Adventure

Acker Park is a lovely 80-acre park located in the middle of town (with access at the end of Virginia Street off Gurley Street, or at 421 S. Virginia Street in Prescott). Acker Park and the Barrie Mayes Memorial trail system have recently undergone lots of updates, including improvements to the fun trail system, mosaic art walls, and a great informative plant guide.