Prescott Hiking

3.5 miles, 400 ft elevation gain

We missed last month's Full Moon Hike (I had a conflict), but should be good this time. The loop from White Rock will be a little different than the last time we were in the area since part of the trail was re-routed but mostly that means will get a smoother trail at that point.

The almost full moon will give us some light. You'll still need a headlamp if you use poles. If you don't use poles, you can probably get away with a handheld flashlight, but it's not ideal. No flashlight is not an option! In any case, make sure the batteries are fully charged or new as appropriate.

The moon rises earlier on the days right before the full moon, so we will have moonlight available before the sun sets.

This is one of the annual "Hiking Spree" hikes for 2025.

We will start near the south boat ramp parking, and follow the lake shore clockwise. There will be some rock scrambling and slick-rock climbing during the first half of the hike, which adds some difficulty. After getting through the rocks the remainder of the hike is easy and finishes with a shady stroll through a riparian area. Total elevation gain is about 300 ft.

Directions: From Courthouse Plaza, drive east on Gurley St, then 3.1 mi north on Hwy 89 and turn right at the traffic circle into the Watson Lake parking area - there is a $3 fee to park. After passing through the fee station, immediately turn right (you will see a restroom on the left) and follow the road straight to the end which is the south boat launch parking area. We will start our hike from here.

If you complete, or attempt, 8 of the 10 Hiking Spree hikes listed by the Highland Center you will be eligible to enter the raffle for a gift card from the Hike Shack in downtown Prescott. For more details click here:

https://highlandscenter.org/hiking-spree/

This is one of the annual "Hiking Spree" hikes for 2025.

This is a moderate-to-hard trek from the Aspen Creek trailhead, following the Wolverton trail across to Quartz Mountain. The most difficult climbing is the final scramble to the summit of Quartz Mtn., and the first mile or so back up the Wolverton trail on the return hike. Most of the trail is exposed as we will be on the south-facing slope of Wolverton Mtn. so bring plenty of water to stay hydrated!

Directions: From Courthouse Plaza, drive south on Montezuma/White Spar to Copper Basin Rd (just past Safeway) and turn right (west). Drive 4.6 miles on Copper Basin rd to the Aspen Creek TH on the right. The blacktop will end after 3 miles. The 6 mile hike begins with the Aspen Springs trail #48 on the south side of Copper Basin Rd.

If you complete, or attempt, 8 of the 10 Hiking Spree hikes listed by the Highland Center you will be eligible to enter the raffle for a gift card from the Hike Shack in downtown Prescott. For more details click here:

https://highlandscenter.org/hiking-spree/