The Prescott area is known for its milder temperatures, beautifully scenic mountains, small hidden lakes and rolling granite dells. With such varied terrain, Prescott, Arizona hiking trails range from easy lakeside loops to craggy mountain ascents topped by hundred mile views. This area is hike-able almost year round – excepting a few 100-degree-summer or snow-crusted-winter days.
Scroll down to explore Prescott area hikes by difficulty. Click hike names for full details.
Easy Prescott Area Hikes
★★★★☆Badger Springs Hiking Trail / East of Prescott / 0.8 miles
Have a blast exploring hieroglyphs and creekside boulders on this family friendly hike. The trail follows a short ravine to shimmering pools and an endless jumble of boulders on the banks of the Aqua Fria River.
★★★★★ Drinking Snake Hiking Trail / East of Prescott / 5 miles
Meander across flower filled meadows and open grassland. This segment of the Black Canyon Hiking Trail winds through central AZ’s gently undulating hills, ranch lands and along the edge of a deep mountain valley.
★★★☆☆ Lynx Lake Hiking Trail Loop / East of Prescott / 2.3 mile loop
Escape life’s hustle and bustle on this pretty lakeside hike. Tucked into an intimate mountain valley, scenic Lynx Lake stays cool all year. The level pathway is paved half-way around, making it an easy hike for everyone.
★★★★☆ Watson Lake Hiking Trail Loop / Prescott / 4.8 mile loop
Explore rolling Granite Dells, hidden coves and a waterfall on this stunning loop hike. A series of mile-long trail sections circle Prescott’s largest lake. Each with surprises with a unique characteristics.
★★★☆☆ Willow Lake Hiking Trail Loop / Prescott / 5.2 mile loop
Opt to explore the rambunctious stone dells or mellow grassy banks of beautiful Willow Lake. Billowing boulders and mini-canyons flank the eastern shore. While broad reed lined banks flank the west.
★★★☆☆ Woodchute Hiking Trail / North of Jerome / 3.5 miles
This easy ridge line hike is loaded with insanely good red rock views. Pretty sweet for a very little up or downhills!
Moderate Prescott Area Hikes
★★★☆☆ Dandrea Hiking Trail to Mt. Union / Potato Patch / 2.1 miles
Make a beeline to the Bradshaw Mountains highest peak, on this shady, woodland trail. The Dandrea, then Yankee Doodle, Trails ascend the northern side of Mount Union and pay off with stunning southwards views.
★★★★☆ Granite Mountain Hiking Trail / Prescott / 4.1 miles
Mild mountain temperatures and far-flung Prescott & Chino valleys views make this a perfect weekend hike. Tucked into Prescott National Forest, this trail has minimal crowds, pine-lined paths, a cool lake and incredible views.
★★★☆☆ Granite Mountain Hotshots Hiking Trail / Yarnell / 3.5 miles
It’s hard not to shed a tear on this hike memorializing AZ’s 19 fallen Hotshots. Plaques pay tribute to each hero as the trail winds through the mountains to the spot where these firefighters lost their lives to the wildfire.
★★★☆☆ Groom Creek Hiking Trail Loop / Prescott / 9 mile loop
This shady Pine & Oak lined trail meanders up, then down, Spruce Mountain. From the mountaintop watchtower there are stunning 360° views of Granite Mountain, the Chino Valley and Prescott National Forest.
★★☆☆☆ Thumb Butte Hiking Trail Loop / West of Prescott / 2.1 mile loop
Pretty, paved, petite and with phenomenal views this loop hike, ascends Prescott’s defining landmark to gorgeous area views. Throw in a picnic in this lovely park, and you have the makings of an perfect day outdoors.