Outdoor Destinations: Trails

Baldwin Trail

Sedona’s Baldwin Trail starts across the road from the south side of Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon) parking area near the end of the Verde Valley School Road. It heads east and soon drops down a bit to the riparian zone valley floor, near but out of sight of the creek. The trail forks right then climbs moderately through a draw between Cathedral Rock and a red rock butte giving amazing views of Cathedral Rock and Wilson Mountain. Finally, the trail levels out then begins a gradual descent to the southwest, ending at Verde Valley School Road. The Baldwin Trail is perfect for hiking and mountain biking fans.

Photo Credit: Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

34.8221° N, 111.8073° W

Butte Creek Trail

Trail #321 begins at Stricklin Forest Park on Sherwood Drive. This trail parallels Butte Creek, westbound to the Prescott National Forest, and runs partially through a scenic canyon. The City of Prescott’s portion is 1.3 miles but the trail continues into the Prescott National Forest and connects to a larger trail system.

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Centennial Trail

An in-town trail that meanders through the boulders and canyons, with panoramic views of the City of Prescott, Rodeo Grounds, Thumb Butte, and Granite Mountain. Petroglyphs are a feature of the trail. Parking is off Mile Street near Iron Springs Road, with a 2 mile out-and-back in either direction.

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Constellation Trail

Trailhead is located on the west side of State Route 89, and just south of the Phippen Museum. This series of trail loops traverse more level ground than some of the other Dells trails. Trail surface varies from packed earth to slick rock. Usage is marked for mountain biking & hiking. You will enjoy beautiful rock formations and scrub oak passageways on Prescott’s Constellation Trail.

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Embry Riddle - Jan Alfano Trails

As part of the Prescott Circle Trail, Embry Riddle Jan Alfano Trail links Pioneer Park to the Willow Lake trails. This trail is a mellow single track perfect for beginner mountain bikers and is an easy trail run. Get hiking or bicycling on this great trail at the northern end of Prescott.

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Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail

Located in the Coconino National Forest, Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail is a popular 2.6 mile long hike. This all skill level friendly trail features a beautiful waterfall and is accessible year-round. Located near Camp Verde, Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail is a perfect destination for you and your furry friend.

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Glassford Hill Summit Trail

Nature lovers, hikers, and mountain bikers will enjoy this two-mile trail on the historic Glassford Hill, with spectacular views overlooking the Town of Prescott Valley. Glassford Hill is a scenic gem, home to mule deer, pronghorn, antelope, eagles, the occasional mountain lion, and a host of other wildlife. The Glassford Hill Summit Trail highlights the area’s unique history, culture, vegetation, and even volcanic activity and archeological history!

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Greenways Trail System

There are approximately 2.5 miles of multi-use trails along Prescott’s Granite Creek and Miller Creek that lead to downtown Prescott, Granite Creek Park, and the rodeo grounds. Whether hiking or cycling, this is a great urban getaway right in the heart of beautiful Prescott!

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Huckaby Trail

This trail, constructed in 1998, is never far from the sights and sounds of Sedona. It is a pretty trail which offers a variety of views. It can be reached from the Schnebly Hill trailhead or from Midgley Bridge. This trail offers some level areas but also some moderate to steep incline areas as well as switchbacks, along the path. Along Huckaby Trail, hikers will be treated to beautiful views of Steamboat Rock, Wilson Mountain, and Midgley Bridge. The trail will cross a branch of Oak Creek so be prepared to get a little wet or do some boulder hopping to get across. Huckaby Trail is sure to be a challenging but fun hike.

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Photo Credit: Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

Iron King Trail

The Prescott Valley Iron King Trail begins west of Glassford Hill Road, north of Spouse Drive. At the base of Glassford Hill, the Iron King Trail began as part of the Prescott East Railroad back at the turn of the century. Eventually, the railroad business slowed and in the 1970’s workers pulled the rails from the ground. Along this four mile trek, hikers and cyclists can see railcars dotted. At the end of the 4 mile hike, you can continue on with the Peavine Trail for more sights.

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Photo Credit: Tree Rose Photography

Lynx Lake

Lynx Lake is located in the cool pines just outside of Prescott, Arizona and offers several trail options for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. There are also some trails offered for the fisherman, ATV and the motorcycle riders. Trails around Lynx Lake area offer views of the lake, of prehistoric ruins, beautiful central Arizona views and more. Whatever the preference, Lynx Lake is going to deliver the perfect trail.

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Mingus Mountain Recreation Area

Located in the cool pines of central Arizona, Mingus Mountain offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities including: picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, fishing, hunting and more! Mingus Mountain offers three Rim Trail options for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers of all skill levels. Butterfly Trail #536 begins uphill past an old concrete dam and enters a rocky drainage lined with Ponderosa Pine, Oak, New Mexico Locust, and seasonal wildflowers before heading into a network of historic roads that served the logging industry during the mining boom of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Middle Trail #537 and West Rim Trail #538 meet with #536 at a 4-way junction. Middle Trail #537 contours downhill through a shady forest of fir trees and then ties back to TR 536 near Butterfly Spring in a 2.4 mile loop. West Rim Trail #538 travels north and west across Mingus Mountain’s rim country where Ponderosa Pine, Juniper, and Fir grow up alongside one another. This trail offers a 1 mile long, one-way, out-and-back hike.

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Oak Spring Trail

As part of the Tonto National Forest, Oak Spring Trail is a moderately difficult 7.3 mile trail. This trail is best hiked from August until May and offers great views for any hiker, backpacker, or bird watcher. Gorgeous shady stretches and a plethora of historical and geological points of interest are also highlights of the Oak Spring Trail inviting anyone who wants a great view of the Mogollon Rim as a reward.

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Peavine Trail

This is one of the few Rails to Trails projects in Arizona. This Prescott trail offers outstanding views of Watson Lake and Granite Dells as well as wildlife viewing. Walk, hike, bike, or horseback along this six mile trail that was originally built by the Santa Fe Railway in 1893. The Peavine connects with the Iron King Trail for another 4 mile trek along more railroad bed.

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Photo Credit: Rod Hendrick

Prescott Circle Trail

The Prescott Circle Trail is a network of our best nonmotorized trails that combine to make a 54 mile loop around Prescott. The PCT is jointly managed by the City of Prescott and Prescott National Forest. The trail comes as close as three miles to downtown Prescott and is easily accessible with 15 trailheads along its length. A lap of the PCT has about 6000 feet of elevation gain and can be enjoyed as an adventurous one or two day trip, or a multi-day trip over a period of days, weeks, or months.

Photo Credit: City of Prescott Parks and Recreation

Prescott Valley's Urban Pathways

The Town of Prescott Valley proudly hosts several multi-use urban pathways right within the town. These pathways include Central Core Multi-Use path, PV Pipeline Multi-Use Path, and State Route 69 Multi-Use Path. Each urban pathway offers a wide space where walkers, hikers, and cyclists can travel or get exercise safely away from the traffic of the busy streets of Prescott Valley.

Schuerman Mountain Trail

This Sedona trail starts with a gentle climb to the base of the low mountain, then bends to the left and begins a moderately steep climb up the east flank and onto the basaltic lava of this old volcano. Nice views are a part of this hike as it continues to climb emerging onto a low saddle and then continues up to the mountain’s high point. Challenge yourself and go a bit further to the edge for great panoramic views, they’ll surely be worth the hike.

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Photo Credit: Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

Thumb Butte Trail #33

The Thumb Butte area is one of the most popular destinations on the Prescott National Forest. Mild weather and a variety of trails offerings for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers are available to meet many levels of skill. Thumb Butte Trail #33 is a 1.75 mile long moderately difficult hiking trail that climbs up the side of Thumb Butte cresting at base of the rocky peak of the butte. Other trails offered traverse through Prescott National Forest in a variety of networked trails leading to and from the base of Thumb Butte.

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Tonto Natural Bridge

What may be the world’s largest travertine bridge can be seen from many angles within the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. From paved paths on top, visitors will encounter four great viewpoints to help understand the scale of the bridge, while having the opportunity to take in expansive view of Arizona’s famed rim country.

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Watson Lake Loop Trail

This Prescott trail is approximately 4.8 miles in length for the entire loop around the lake. The Northshore trail covers rocky steep terrain, the Over the Hill trail covers rocky and slightly. More moderate terrain, and the Peavine and Lower Granite Creek Trail are relatively flat in comparison. Great views and challenges away any hiker or mountain biker along the various stretches of the Watson Lake Loop Trail.

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Willow Dells Slickrock Loops

These rugged trails run through the Prescott Dells, over granite rock outcrops, and along the north edge of Willow Lake. Best suited for hiking and advanced mountain biking, this trail is a great place to recreate in the outdoors. For mountain bikers, this trail can be a fun and tricky place with tight spots. Plan to bring some energy for this challenging trail.

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Willow Lake Loop

Challenge yourself to complete this 5.7 mile loop around Prescott’s Willow Lake which consists of great sweeping views, technical rock hopping, steep steps, and prolific bird watching. Most of the trail is above the high water mark, but the East Bay Trail segment is not accessible at high water.

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Photo Credit: Tree Rose Photography

Photo Credit: Tree Rose Photography

Woods Canyon Trail

Just southeast of the Village of Oak Creek, Woods Canyon Trail enters Munds Mountain Wilderness and continues its easy climb, passing some redrock formations on the left. It enters the occasional shade of pine and sycamore as it approaches and then follows Dry Beaver Creek. At the 3.5 mile mark, the trail emergence onto a picturesque expanse of red rock at the edge of a normally dry creaked which is studded with huge, gray boulders. With plentiful views of red rock all along this hike, Woods Canyon Trail is a great destination for any hiker.

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Photo Credit: Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau