Winter Wandering

By Angie Johnson-Schmit

It may be the middle of winter but there’s something about a warmish day, an impossibly blue sky, and the sounds of nature all around that makes you want to do a little winter hiking in Arizona.

Here are our Top Five Winter Hikes to take when you need to shake off some cabin fever and hit the open trail.

Goldwater Lakes Trail #396 | Prescott

This quiet 8.1-mile hike leads through shady forest with lake views and is considered a great bird watching area. It is rated moderate difficulty, crossing creeks twice, ambling up hills and ridges on its way through dense stands of ponderosa pine, alligator juniper and chaparral-type vegetation.

The Goldwater Lakes Trailhead is 4.1 miles south of Prescott, AZ on Senator Highway.

Peavine Recreation Trail | Prescott

This easy trail is six miles long, running from the lush Watson Woods Riparian Preserve out to Point of Rocks, connecting with the Iron King Trail which leads east to Prescott Valley. The trail follows the former Santa Fe, Prescott & Phoenix Railroad line and was inducted (along with the Iron King Trail) into the Rail to Trail Hall of Fame in 2010. Fans of wide-open vistas and railroad history alike will have a chance to enjoy the scenery as you leisurely stroll on this level trail.

The Prescott Peavine Trailhead is at 1624 Sundog Ranch Road, Prescott, AZ. There is a $2 fee to park.

Glassford Hill Summit Trail | Prescott Valley

How often do you get a chance to hike a volcano in Arizona? This moderate difficulty 2.1-mile trail in the heart of Prescott Valley leads up and into the center of an extinct cinder cone volcano. Its last eruption was around 10 million years ago, so hikers will be safe, even if it is a tougher climb for small children and others. Interpretive signs, occasional high desert wildlife, and sweeping vistas make this trail a surprising bit of wilderness right in the middle of town.

The Glassford Summit Trailhead is at 6000 East Antelope Lane, Prescott Valley, AZ.

Willow Lake Loop Trail | Prescott

This 5.7-mile loop around Willow Lake is like several trails in one. With a level path along the water, rock hopping opportunities, and panoramic views, this mixed difficulty trail also offers a bounty of bird-watching opportunities.

Willow Lake Loop Trail can be accessed from Prescott, AZ’s Heritage Park, Willow Lake, and Willow Creek Park.

Bear Mountain Trail | Sedona

Our final hike is the most challenging of the list. This 4.9-mile “out and back” trail located near Sedona, Arizona is rated as difficult with huge elevation gains and uneven surfaces. But the views are truly spectacular, and you won’t have to worry about sharing the trail with herds of casual hikers. If you are an experienced hiker looking for a challenge that leads to incredible views, this is the trail for you.

The Bear Mountain Trailhead is 9 miles northwest of Sedona on Boynton Pass Road. There is a $5 fee to hike this trail.

Finally, remember your trail safety when hiking. The Forest Service suggests:

• Before starting out, do warm-up exercises. Stretching gradually increases heart rate, temperature and circulation to your muscles. Also, after a night's rest, your muscles need warming. Stretching gets the body going and increases your flexibility.

• Start out slowly, gradually increasing your pace and distance traveled.

• Let the slowest person in your hiking group set the pace. This is especially important when children are a part of your group.

• Hike only on marked trails.

• Hike and travel with a partner or in groups, especially during winter and in hazardous terrain.

• Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return.

• Dress in layers. Mountain weather is generally cooler, cloudier, and windier than in lowland areas. For every 1,000 feet of elevation, the temperature often drops three to five degrees.

• Wear sunglasses and a hat when you hike.

• Bring sunscreen no matter the season.

• Bring a customized first aid kit tailored to your outing.

• Take frequent rests.

• Drink plenty of water. Water is heavy to carry, but thirst on the trail in our arid environment is a hazard. Take a tip from athletes: before a hike, drink some water so you’re well hydrated and energized. Never drink your total supply between refills.

• Pack high-energy snacks, such as protein bars, granola, candy, or fruit. They provide an instant pick-me-up on the trail.

Get out of the house, get a breath of fresh air, and break in those new socks.