Prescott - Everybody's Hometown

Where to even start this post! I am so excited to share with you my hometown Prescott, AZ. There is something for everyone, young and old, active and not. Prescott will always have my whole heart.

1 Day Itinerary

Best Hikes in Prescott

Other Outdoor Activities

Prescott Overview

I know what you're going to ask and Its Pres-skit, not Pres-scott. Do we mind if you mispronounce it? Not really, but we will know you're from out of town!

I grew up, and graduated High School in Prescott. Located only 2hrs from Phoenix it's a destination filled with outdoor activities and small town charm. Home of the Worlds Oldest Rodeo, and the Granite Mountain Hotshot Memorial. Prescott has a rich history that its proud of, including stories of Wyatt Earp, great fire of 1900 and it was the State Capital for a total of 15 years.

Even though Prescott's population is now at 48,000, (not including Prescott Valley 50,000 and Chino Valley 14,000) it still feels like a much smaller town. People still wave, and stop to chat. Stranger or not you can always expect folks to greet you with a smile. Its a place where community is everything and they look after one another. The median age is 60, however in recent years more and more families have been moving in as well more activities for families.

1 Day Itinerary - Prescott, AZ

If you're just doing a day trip from Phoenix this is how to make the perfect day!

Stop 1:

Prescott has some of the best thrift and antique stores! (Because if you remember from above the median age is 60) Start the day with some Antiquing at Prescott Antiques. I love this store because there such a huge selection with many different rooms filled with different vendors. It will take you an hour (or longer) to see everything. There are many others even right downtown around the courthouse square which is where we are heading next.

Stop 2:

Heading Downtown, we call it "the square", lies the Historic courthouse constructed in 1916 they still hold court there on weekdays. On the weekends there is a museum inside you can check out. There are many shops surrounding the square but we are headed to Superstitious Meadery! Ever had Mead? Me either until going here. It is such a fun experience because the flights of 12 are only $28. But the best part is they give you a dry erase marker and you can rate each one! Its a fun experience.

Another drink option:

Founding Fathers Collective: a tap room where you fill your own beer from the tap, a barber shop, coffee shop and gym! They have wonderful outdoor patio and even a secret speakeasy.

Stop 3:

Getting hungry! One of the best thing about downtown is it is so walkable. From the Meadery we will walk around to the square to Colt Grill. This is by far my favorite BBQ restaurant in Arizona. I normally just get brisket by the pound and a full rack of ribs but I also think their burgers are some of the best I've had! Family owned, great location and a patio area for outside seating.

Other eating options downtown: Walking Distance!

Bill Pizza - best gourmet pizza in my opinion.

El Gato Azul - enjoy tapas and a prickly pear margarita! Very likely that you will need a reservation.

Palace Restaurant and Saloon- see the historic salon where Wyatt Earp visited and the staff still dress like its the 1800s. They have an amazing Waygu burger! Even if you are eating you can walk in and take a look.

Stop 4:

On the way out of town, if you're coming from Phoenix, stop at Watson Lake. There are many walking trails in this area but you can't visit Prescott without seeing the Iconic Granite Dells. Apparently there is no other rock formation like it in the world! There is a park with a large grass area and picnic tables, playground and bathrooms.

Another convenient trail:

The Peavine Trail is an entirely flat walking trail that will take you around Watson Lake and under the Cottonwoods. The entire trail is almost 12miles long but you can walk as much or little as you want! Dog friendly, Bike friendly and even Horse friendly! This is a trail for all ages and activity levels.

Bonus Stops along the 17:

If you are traveling from Phoenix and have some extra time, I would recommend checking out Acronsanti! Just one exit past Prescott it is the Worlds First Prototype Arcology. Which is basically reimagined urbanism that builds resilient and equitable communities sustainably integrated with the natural world. Take a tour or just stop at the coffee shop and walk around the unique architecture.

Rock Springs Cafe is located in Black Canyon City and it always a fun stop. They have some of the best pies around as well as giftshops and even a beautiful venue for rent.

Best Hikes in Prescott

You can be outside in 10 minutes anywhere you are in Prescott. Hiking, Kayaking, Climbing and even Horseback riding, Prescott has it all.

For all levels: Peavine Trail

Length: 11.9mi Elevation Gain: 511ft Average time: 4hr      Difficulty: Easy

Very easy to access this Trail is entirely flat and will take you around Watson Lake. You might be sharing the road with bikes and even Horses! If you're looking for Horseback riding try Yavapai Trail Adventures.

Even grandma can do this trail. It is never very busy when I've gone, there is lots of wild life and it is a beautiful stroll to take Prescott in.

Probably my Favorite: Spruce Mountain via 307 Trail

Length: 6.8mi Elevation Gain: 1400ft Average time: 3hr 25Min     Difficulty: Moderate

Excuse the old picture above, even though I haven't done this trail in a number of years it has left its mark on me. You weave in-between the pine trails and at the top are greeted with an amazing view of the lush greenery. Take a hammock and hang out at the top for a while. There is a water tank at the top and that's how you know you've made it. I love to redo this one!

Steep but Fun: Thumb Butte Trail

Length: 1.9mi Elevation Gain: 600ft Average time: 1hr 10Min     Difficulty: Moderate

Probably the most iconic landmark in the area is Thumb Butte. If you go counter-clockwise your accent won't be as steep. The other side is paved with paved switchback. You will have to pay $5 for parking but it is dog friendly. This can be a challenging trail because of the steepness but there are benches along the way if you need to stop and take a rest. The views from the top are worth the climb! You will get a panoramic view of Prescott and the San Francisco Peaks.

Other Outdoor Activities:

Kayaking:

If you don't have your own check out the inflatable ones I've been using for years! Or you can rent them at Born to be Wild which offers rentals at Willow Lake or Goldwater lake or Prescott Outdoors which offers rental at Watson Lake or Goldwater Lake.

Mountain Biking:

Check out some of the best trails for Mountain Biking in Prescott!

Horseback Riding:

Check out Yavapai Trail Adventures offering 1.5hr, 2hr or a 1/2 day with lunch options.

Outdoor Rock Climbing:

Have your own gear? Prescott has a ton of options for outdoor climbing, including the Dells and Granite Mountain. Here's some information on specific routes. If inside is more your style check out Gripstone Climbing. Where a day pass is only $22.