The Best Hikes Around Prescott (Easy to Epic)

Prescott is hiking country — wrapped in the largest ponderosa pine forest in the country, with trails that climb from pine-shaded lakeshores up past 7,000 feet. Here are our favorites, from “after-breakfast stroll” to “earn-your-lunch.”

Easy (great for everyone)

• Lynx Lake Loop — about 2.3 flat miles around a pine-ringed reservoir. Maybe the most relaxing walk in the area.
• Goldwater Lake shoreline trails — short, shady, and gentle; pair them with a picnic.
• The Peavine Trail — a flat rail-trail along Watson Lake and the Granite Dells, with huge views for almost no effort.

Moderate (the classics)

• Thumb Butte Loop — Prescott’s signature hike. Around 2 miles with a real climb and a big payoff view over town and the pines. Short but it works your legs.
• Granite Dells scrambles — choose-your-own-adventure clambering over the surreal boulders around Watson and Willow Lakes.

Epic (half-day adventure)

• Spruce Mountain via the Groom Creek Loop — about 9 miles and ~1,300 feet of climb to a historic fire lookout near 7,700 feet. The big one, and it starts right by our cabins.

Trail tips

It’s high country: bring more water than you expect, sun protection, and layers. Mornings are coolest. In summer, check fire restrictions; in winter, higher trails may hold snow. Then come home to a hot tub — every one of these is a short drive from our cabins in Groom Creek. Check availability.