Prescott Trail Finder
Pine-shaded lake loops, flat rail-trails, and granite-dells scrambles — all within a short drive of downtown. Use the filters to find the right trail for today.
Prescott’s mile-high country packs a lot of variety into a small radius: easy rail-trails like the Peavine, shaded forest loops around Lynx and Goldwater lakes, family-friendly nature trails, and lung-busting climbs like Granite Mountain. Tap the filters below to narrow by difficulty, distance, whether dogs and kids are welcome, shade, water, and whether there’s a parking fee. Combine filters to zero in — say, an easy, dog-friendly, shady trail near the water.
12 trails
Constellation Trails
3.4 mi · Moderate
Network of granite-boulder trails on the eastern edge of the Dells by the Phippen Museum, named for a 1959 plane crash.
Goldwater Lakes Loop
2.4 mi · Moderate
Short, rocky 2.4-mile loop around two pine-ringed city lakes south of town, with picnic areas, a playground, and kayaking.
Granite Basin Lake Loop
1.4 mi · Easy
Easy 1.4-mile loop around a small forest lake below the boulders of Granite Mountain, with fishing, paddling, and picnics.
Granite Mountain Trail
8.2 mi · Hard
Demanding 8.2-mile round trip climbing about 1,450 feet into the Granite Mountain Wilderness to a vista over the Dells and Bradshaws.
Highlands Center Trails
1.5 mi · Easy
Free, dog-friendly nature trails at the Highlands Center: a flat stroller-friendly loop and a 1.5-mile hilltop loop with views.
Iron King Trail
4.1 mi · Easy
Flat 4.1-mile rail-trail from the Granite Dells east to Prescott Valley, with free parking at the Glassford Hill Road end.
Lynx Lake Loop
2.3 mi · Easy
Easy 2.3-mile loop around a 55-acre lake in the pines, paved and accessible on the west side, with eagles, trout fishing, and swimming.
Peavine Trail
6 mi · Easy
Flat, easy rail-trail on an old railroad grade past Watson Lake and through the Granite Dells, open to hikers, bikes, and horses.
Thumb Butte Trail
2 mi · Moderate
Short, steep loop to Prescott's iconic landmark with big valley views.
Watson Lake Loop
5 mi · Hard
Strenuous 5-mile loop that scrambles over the Granite Dells boulders around Watson Lake; follow the white dots.
Watson Woods Riparian Preserve
2 mi · Easy
Flat, shady 2-mile walk through a cottonwood-willow forest on Granite Creek; hiking only, no dogs, great birding.
Willow Lake Trail
5 mi · Moderate
Easy shoreline path on the west side with an optional rocky scramble through the Dells; one of central Arizona's best birding lakes.
No trails match those filters.
Plan your outing
- Beginner hikes in Prescott — where to start if you’re new to the trails.
- Prescott lakes guide — Watson, Willow, Lynx, Goldwater and Granite Basin.
- Things to do in Prescott — more ways to fill a weekend.
Trail details are a general guide — always check current conditions, fees, and pet rules with the managing agency before you head out.