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PAR A DIS E ou’ll have to be in good shape to conquer the hundreds of miles of designated trails in the immediate Prescott area. As of last count, more than 15 distinctive named
hiking, biking (and sometimes horse) trails wiggle through the natural scenic beauty of the community and the Prescott National Forest. Difficulty? From “Novice to “Expert.”
The 54-mile Prescott Circle Trail will challenge you. A complete list of the Mile High Trail System –70 plus miles of it– is available at the at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center on Goodwin Street south of Courthouse Plaza. www.prescott-az.gov. Don’t miss the Granite Dells, where unique rock formations thrust out of the ground and tempt hikers and rock-climbers. If you’re into birding, Prescott’s the place. More than 360 species of birds inhabit the area. The Prescott Audubon Society www.prescottaudubon.org can provide full details about where to go and when.
Prescott has Water & Parks If you want water activities, you’ll enjoy the three local lakes—Willow and Watson, both on the northwest edge of the City. The third is Goldwater. Maintained by the City of Prescott, the 15-acre lake is located in lush pine forests surrounded by rugged mountain areas. The City of Prescott has boat and bicycle rentals available www.prescott outdoors.com, 928-925-1410 Two others—Lynx Lake and Granite Basin Lake—are just outside the City limits. If you like kayaking and canoeing—and fishing—you can visit any of these lakes. Of course, all have picnicking and camping sites. 39
2018 Greater Prescott Area Visitors Guide
Want to spend time in a park? The City boasts 16 of them, all with amenities that guarantee memorable times. Some are purely recreational—walking and exercising and picnicking. Others are specialized. Some are athletic parks—softball, baseball, soccer, tennis, basketball, skateboards, rink skating and the like. One in particular— McCasland Willow Creek Park features one of only four in the U.S. customcreated Dog Parks. Canines are the most welcome visitors. A complete list with locations is available on the City website www.prescott-az.gov/services/parks 40
visit-Prescott.com
UNFORGETTABLE
Tours Just forYou
If having someone else do the driving while you do the enjoying appeals to you, go to www.visitprescott.com to find a local tour. Tours vary from purely sightseeing adventures to physically demanding activities such as rock climbing and mountain biking. All have expert guides to assure you’ll have a memorable experience.