Short hikes around Prescott, Arizona

I knew there was some hiking in Prescott from past visits here, but until I got a trail map, I had no idea how much. There is so much to hike or bike here, it’s fantastic. This trail map shows all the local trails, and gives a great description of them all. While Al was at the art show this weekend, I took the dogs and did some hiking and exploring. It seemed a bit unfair for him, but there was no point us both being at the show. And we were camped just far enough away that going back and forth to take care of doggies was too much.

Saturday I picked a trail called Constellation trails. It was in the granite dells and only a few miles away. The weather over the weekend was perfect for hiking, mid 70’s, breezy, and sunny.

This is a loop trail with other trails that criss cross through the center. We did the outside loop with a couple of small jaunts down a couple of the inner trails. It was mostly flat, good for Torrey’s knee, with a few ups and downs on the rocks. The loop begins and ends in a shady area, then moves out into the dells.

We only hiked for about an hour and a half, perfect for a quick morning jaunt.

Monday Morning I helped Al get the tent open and ready for the day, then I went and hiked the Granite gardens trail. I read that this trail was short, but had lots of up and downs. I decided to leave the dogs home this time, because Torrey had done a lot of up and down hiking already and I don’t want to stress her knee out. I was very, very glad I made that decision. I did every part of the trail and only went 2 miles, but it would have been very hard on her because some parts were quite steep.

Every trail I hiked on had these signs to let you know where you are. Super handy since this was all new to me, I was hiking alone, and I can be directionally challenged.

The trails that go across the granite dells are marked with while painted dots. This too was very helpful because on the rocks there is no obvious trail to follow.

This hike had one spot that was narrow, and small. See the white dot in the right of this photo? That’s where the trail went.

It was short in length, and not very tall.

I found these great purple flowers. I have no idea what they are, even the bug was kinda cute.

And what trip to the desert would be complete without a lizard photo.

Now we’re back in Utah for a month to get more things done for the art shows in Wyoming and Montana this summer.