Prescott, AZ is just few hours from Phoenix. It appears to be a booming area that has the convenience of many of Phoenix’s fast-food chains and stores while offering some respite from the bustling highways, busy city, and hot temperatures.
With a few days in Prescott you can
- Visit old town
- Paddle one of its reservoirs or walk the trails that surround their bouldered perimeter
- Hike through the pine forest
- Find the 2000 year old Giant Alligator Juniper tree
The square in the center of old town Prescott houses the county courthouse, a few bronze statues and a gazebo. One one side of the square likes Whiskey Row, a street lined with wonderful local restaurants and pubs. Walk around the square to find cute one-of-a-kind gifts, baked goods, and clothes.
The RV park we stayed at was home to many full-time locals, but chosen because it was within walking distance to Willow Creek reservoir. There are numerous trails around the lake that wind through the large boulders on its banks. People were fishing, wading and paddling around the reservoir when we arrived with our Alpaca pack-raft. There’s good bird watching from the lake and we saw a pack of alpacas (possibly from the nearby zoo) that were walked down to the to the far shore.
West of Prescott lies Prescott National Forest. This heavily wooded area has campgrounds, trails, and additional lakes. When you’re here, it’s strange to think you’re just 100 miles from downtown Phoenix and its desert landscapes.
Northwest of Prescott there’s a pretty drive towards Granite Mountain. Here low brush, juniper and other deciduous trees line the 4.7 mile (round trip) Giant Alligator Juniper trail. The giant Alligator Juniper stands in tribute to the 19 firefighters that fought to save it in a 2013 wildfire that tore through the area. All 19 of these firefighters, known as the Granite Mountain Hotshots, later died in the fire and the monument to them is beautiful but sobering. The hike has limited shade so bring plenty of water.
Prescott is a mid-sized town with modern conveniences and a small town feel. The diverse surrounding areas make it fun for anyone who enjoys getting outdoors.
