Visit Cooler Prescott

Prescott's trails systems continue to expand: next up - Gateway Park.

The City of Prescott continues to add new trails to its ever expanding system, many of which connect to one another. The overall design Is intended to give users as many options as possible. Although the more remote trails have access by connecting to other trail systems, such as Peavine National Recreation Trail, it often requires a trek of a couple of miles to arrive at these more remote trailheads. The City intends to solve this problem by providing new parking areas closer To remote areas.

The new Granite Dells Gateway Park is such an area. Conveniently located just east of State Highway 89, it will provide expanded Parking giving easy access to the heart of Granite Dells, one of Prescott's most scenic areas. It will also unite some Prescott Valley and City of Prescott trails. Completion date is to be determined as it relies on the funding for the project. (Contributor: Nancy Nesbit with Chris Hosking)

Granite Dells/North Storm Ranch

Granite Dells - North Storm Trails Storm Ranch in the Granite Dells, just east of Peavine National Recreation Trail has been an ongoing project. The original Storm Ranch property was acquired in January 2018. The City subsequently acquired adjacent property, North Storm Ranch, in July 2022.

The purchase of this private property included agreements with developers, and the purchase of State Trust Land in 2023, requiring collaboration between the cities of Prescott Valley and Prescott, as well as Yavapai County, with the intention of creating a Granite Dells/Glassford Hill Regional Park.

Construction Begins

The City of Prescott began construction of trails in North Storm Ranch in 2021. Designed by Chris Hosking, City of Prescott Trails and Natural Parklands Coordinator, it showcases the views of the Dells. With the help of the Over the Hill Gang, the major part of this trail system has been completed, although just over five additional miles have been added. The majority of trails are technical in nature, but some easy trails were added.

With the addition of these trails, the total of City managed trails has risen to about 140 miles of trail. 120 miles of the trails have been built in just the last 15 years. There is also access to additional connecting trails in the Granite Dells subdivision just north of North Storm Ranch. Close to the City and neighborhoods, this very scenic area gives residents and visitors a natural wilderness experience seldom available and so easily accessible.

The City's Goal

The City of Prescott's goal is to make this experience readily available whether by foot, bicycle or even a horse. (Contributors: Nancy Nesbit with Chris Hosking/All photos, Chris Hosking)

The Trails

• North Storm Trails Boblett Trail - 0.79 miles

• Candy Trail - 0.27 miles

• Dells Bonanza Trail - 0.66 miles

• Elizabeth Trail - 0.38 miles

• Gunsmoke Trail - 0.26 miles

• High Chaparral Trail - 0.78 miles

• Optional Loop - 4.27 miles (Using Peavine/Iron King/Storm Trails)

• Rattler Trail - 0.71 Tom Mix Trail - 0.4 miles

• Trampus Trail - 0.38 miles

• Virginia Trail - 0.43 miles

Maps for City trails and the Prescott Circle Trail are downloadable at: prescott-az.gov/recreation-area/trails/ or prescotttrails.com

Prescott 2024 Summer Special Events

• July 1-7 Worlds Oldest Rodeo Prescott Rodeo Grounds https://worldsoldestrodeo.com

• July 4-6 Rodeo Dance Depot Marketplace https://worldsoldestrodeo.com

• July 4 Prescott 4th of July Fireworks Event Watson Lake https://www.jardevents.com/prescotts4th

• July 5 Kiwanis Kiddie Parade Cortez Street https://prescottkiwanis.com

• July 5-7 Prescott Rodeo Days Fine Arts & Crafts Courthouse Plaza https://prescottdowntown.com

• July 6 Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Parade Prescott Rodeo Grounds https://worldsoldestrodeo.com

• July 6 Prescott Whiskey Row Boot Race Whiskey Row

• July 7 Prescott Fire Dept. Hose Cart Races Cortez Street

• Aug. 3-4 Mountain Artist Guild Summer Fine Arts Fest Courthouse Plaza https://mountainartistguild.org

• Aug. 3-4 Prescott Antique Auto Club Car Show Watson Lake http://paacaz.com

• Aug. 17 Tac O' the Town Mile High Middle School https://prescott.events

• Aug. 30 Sep. 2 Faire on the Square Arts & Crafts Courthouse Plaza https://www.prescott.org

• Sep. 14 Hopefest AZ Courthouse Plaza https://www.hopefestaz.com

• Sep. 20-22 Prescott Pow-Wow Watson Lake http://prescottpowwow.org

• Sep. 27-28 Prescott All-Corvette Car Show Downtown https://prescottvettesette.com

• Sep. 22-24 Prescott Highland Games Watson Lake https://prescottareacelticsociety.com

• Sep. 29 Saddles 100 Trail Run Cortez Street https://ultrasignup.com