Grow your Hiking Game at Granite Gardens

by Blake Herzog

The Granite Gardens Trails, on the northern edge of the Granite Dells, is a compact loop of trails through a park of the same name that has everything that’s fantastic about hiking here: trees, gravity-proof boulders, a creek, views and challenging slopes and surfaces that ensure a powerful workout — with a steep staircase and hidden room thrown in!

This spot is popular with all sorts of hikers, but especially families looking for ways to give active kids a rocky playground, complete with tunnels and the challenge of finding that hidden room.

Much of the surface is slickrock granite, which makes it a great spot for anyone working to improve their skills on this ubiquitous feature of hiking in the Dells and most of the region’s mountains.

The three trails combined cover only 1.15 miles, but there are plenty of ups and downs to power through.

The access trail takes you over and along Granite Creek and its riparian lushness on a cute footbridge, winding pleasantly through the forest. After about a tenth of a mile you reach the first of two access points for the Stairway Loop, the longest of the three at 0.8 of a mile, including a short sub-loop around the park’s crowning landmark, Castle Rock.

It does include the 30foot stairway, leading to and from the best vistas of the park, across the Dells and over a small lake and dam. It’s great for a oneway climb or some serious stair sprints if that’s what you’re in the mood for.

Just beyond are the Rock Stacker Trail, where you can gaze at numerous improbably balanced or arranged boulders on the near horizon, and Grotto Trail, which includes a short but tight squeeze through a tunnel, awesome for kids, a little onerous for adults carrying gear, and memorable for everyone.

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Castle Rock Trail

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Stairway Loop

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Rock Stacker Trail

Grotto Trail

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Elevation: 5040' (low) - 5150' (high) 1.15 Miles Total

Recommended Trail Uses: FG

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For downloadable maps visit: http://www.prescotttrails.com

GRANITE GARDENS TRAILS

These three short trails are just off Route 89 but it feels like you’re much farther away from civilization. This is a gorgeous hike any time of the year, but especially for the spring wildflowers and fall colors.

Its lack of shade past the trailhead requires extra water in summer and early fall, and while most snow and ice patches melt quickly in the winter be alert for any stubborn patches before they sneak up on you.

To reach the trailhead from downtown Prescott, take Gurley Street east to the junction with state Routes 89 and 69. Turn to your left onto Route 89 and continue north for 5 miles until reaching Granite Gardens Drive; the unpaved road is not signed but is across 89 from the entrance to Granite Gate Senior Living Community.

Turn right onto Granite Gardens Drive. You can park near the highway or continue for about a tenth of a mile over a rougher road to the trailhead. The unimproved parking area can get flooded or muddy after rain and snow.

Parking fees: None Uses: Hiking, mountain biking Distance: 1.15 miles Level of difficulty: Moderate to difficult Elevation: 5,040 feet to 5,150 feet