Hiking & Trail Running in Prescott
Prescott is home to hundreds of miles of scenic hiking trails for all skill levels. Popular hiking spots include:
- Thumb Butte Trail – 2.5 miles round trip with sweeping views of Prescott and the Bradshaw Mountains. Best in spring for wildflowers or in fall for cooler hiking temps.
- Granite Mountain Trail – A moderately challenging climb leading to expansive views of the surrounding forest.
- Prescott Circle Trail – A 56-mile loop connecting many of Prescott’s top outdoor highlights. Great for section hikes or multi-day backpacking.
At a Glance
Trail conditions can change with weather; always check forecasts and bring the 10 essentials.
Lakes & Water Activities
Prescott boasts several picturesque lakes perfect for fishing, boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP):
- Watson Lake – Famous for its granite dells; ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and SUP. Rentals available seasonally at Watson Lake Park.
- Lynx Lake – Peaceful and pine-shaded with fishing, canoeing, and birdwatching. Boat rentals available at the Lynx Lake Store.
- Goldwater Lake – Great for a picnic or a relaxing paddle; less crowded than Watson Lake.
- Granite Basin Lake – A small, serene lake near Granite Mountain with a nearby campground.
Mountain Biking
With trails ranging from flowy singletrack to technical descents, Prescott is a mountain biking hotspot:
- Brownlow Trail System – Beginner-friendly with smooth, rolling trails.
- Constellation Trails – Intermediate riding with scenic granite boulders.
- Prescott Circle Trail – Advanced riders can take on the entire loop or select sections for a challenge.
Local Bike Rentals & Shops
- High Gear Bike Shop – Rentals, repairs, and trail advice.
- Prescott Outdoors – Known for bike rentals near the lakes.
Swimming Holes & Creekside Escapes
- Granite Creek – Flows through Prescott with small wading areas.
- Perkinsville Road Area – Hidden creeks and shady picnic spots.
- Verde River (about 45 minutes away) – Great for tubing, swimming, and fishing.
Rock Climbing & Bouldering
Prescott is a climbing paradise with granite walls and boulder fields for all skill levels:
- Groom Creek Boulders – Over 600 established problems in a shaded pine forest.
- Thumb Butte – Sport and trad routes with panoramic views from the summit.
- Granite Mountain – Challenging multi-pitch climbs for experienced climbers.
Local Gear Shops
- The Hike Shack – Climbing gear, maps, and insider tips.
Best Time of Year for Outdoor Activities in Prescott
Spring
- Wildflowers
- Comfortable temps
- Flowing creeks
Summer
- Lake activities
- Morning hikes
- PM storms (Jul–Aug)
Fall
- Crisp air
- Golden leaves
- Prime hiking/biking
Winter
- Mild days
- Occasional snow
- Quiet trails
FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN PRESCOTT
Prescott Ebike Rentals & Tours
Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!
Some of Our Reviews:- The highlight of our … More
Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!
Some of Our Reviews:- The highlight of our trip
- Bikes are in great condition
- Great way to experience ebikes
- Loved the entire experience
Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Excellent Service | Scenic Ride
PRIVATE Guided River kayaking on the Verde River Cottonwood, AZ (Private Group)
Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along t … More
Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along the way. Enjoy stops at several water holes to swim and cool off before heading back.
Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly
Wine Tour from Sedona to four Verde Valley Vineyards in Luxury Transportation
Private Arizona Wine Tasting Tour, A Divine Vine
ATV Rentals in Sedona and Cottonwood
Adventurous and independent travelers who don't want to be constrained by a guided tour will love this full-day ATV rental. Starting from Sedona or Cottonwood, you'll have your own ATV to use for six hours. You'll be given a map so you know where to go and the itinerary is up to you. Dr … More
Adventurous and independent travelers who don't want to be constrained by a guided tour will love this full-day ATV rental. Starting from Sedona or Cottonwood, you'll have your own ATV to use for six hours. You'll be given a map so you know where to go and the itinerary is up to you. Drive to Sycamore Canyon and Sedona Red Rocks, or stop for a hike and a picnic.
Family-Friendly
2 Hours Water to Wine Kayak Trip from Cottonwood
The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety t … More
The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety tips, as well as sharing information on the river’s flora and fauna.
Water Activities
Private Off Road Adventure Tours in the Prescott National Forest
Family-Friendly | Scenic Ride
Kayak Tour on the Verde River
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginn … More
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginner-friendly tour includes a relaxing paddle down a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of this river, and the chance to take on gentle mini rapids.
Water Activities | Family-Friendly
Guided Horseback Tour only 30 mins from Sedona
Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins. … More
Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins. Admire panoramic mountain views during this scenic excursion. No prior experience is necessary.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
1.5 Hour Horseback Ride
Full-Day Guided Kayak Fishing Down the N. Verde River from Cottonwood
Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak, … More
Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak, so you not only get to fish in great spots, but you also get closer to the fish, too.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
Grape Train Escape: Wine Tasting and Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure
Savor the flavors of the diverse vineyards of Arizona's Verde Valley and beyond. The Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape treats passengers to select wines from the Southwest accompanied by specialty cheeses and hors d'oeuvres while winemakers discuss earache wineries terroir and … More
Savor the flavors of the diverse vineyards of Arizona's Verde Valley and beyond. The Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape treats passengers to select wines from the Southwest accompanied by specialty cheeses and hors d'oeuvres while winemakers discuss earache wineries terroir and techniques.
Northern Arizona Private Wine Tour south of Sedona - Verde Valley Wineries
Tour Sedona’s Verde Valley wineries on this private wine tour in Sedona. You and your group (max 14) will be driven in a luxury limo- think Mercedes Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit- so no one needs to worry about logistics or driving. You’ll visit three vineyards, where tastings are inclu … More
Tour Sedona’s Verde Valley wineries on this private wine tour in Sedona. You and your group (max 14) will be driven in a luxury limo- think Mercedes Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit- so no one needs to worry about logistics or driving. You’ll visit three vineyards, where tastings are included in the price. Lunch is also included, so you can relax and enjoy this trip with everything taken care of for you.