THE 10 BEST Prescott Parks & Nature Attractions
Nature & Parks in Prescott
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Nature & Parks
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32 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Recommended Outdoor Activities (3)
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Biking Trails
Hiking Trails • Forests
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What travelers are saying
- Riplee04Madison, WI67 contributionsSUCH a cool experience. This lake has many (rocky) trails to explore and wonderful scenery and birds to see. Fun watching the ducks & geese in and out of the water. I'm not a skilled hiker, but we walked the many, well marked trails for about 2 hours, stopping to rest and take in the nice breeze. A must-do if you're in the area!Written April 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cindy SSaint Clair Shores, MI43 contributionsWe did the roughly three mile hike around the lake and enjoyed it. The path to the west of the lake between parking lots is paved, the trail on the east side is more rugged, but flat. you do have to cross a small creek to do the full circuit which can be tricky. There is some confusion if hiking counterclockwise on the trail because you must pass by a KEEP OUT sign to continue on the trail near the north parking area.Written April 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jim W.Atlanta, GA1,300 contributionsWe arrived here before 11 a.m. on a Sunday morning. The trailhead is located about 2 - 3 miles from Prescott, just off a main highway. There is a sizeable parking lot which charges $3 per day. There is also a bike repair station and restrooms at the trailhead.
We walked for about an hour. You first head downhill to the lake level and spend the first 1/3 mile or so getting to the lake. You then hike along the lake until a spur trail offers the opportunity to hug the shoreline and scramble over some rocks. It wasn't too challenging, but it was also not a completely level trail.
The scenery is nice - the lake, odd boulder formations, occasional wildlife (including a bald eagle!), some ranchers fixing a fence just off one trail, and a fair number of bikers (both manual and electric) on the main trail.
This was a worthwhile stop and we all enjoyed our hike here.Written March 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - alyosha666Chicago, IL556 contributionsNice small zoo with a variety of mostly local wildlife. Looks like it gets a lot of love from local school and day camp kids. It was a hot day when we went but we still saw most of the animals. Tarantula Grotto, snake shed, and tortoises were highlights.Written August 8, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Luv2TravelFarNWideAtenas, Costa Rica1,352 contributionsWe got lucky and hiked the Thumb Butte area the day before they closed Prescott & Coconino National Forests due to fire danger. They were evicting campers & hikers, and cancelling future camping reservations. Be sure to check before you go.
However, after a long morning hike we could see why -- the ground is cracked and dry, the forest is brown. Prescott desperately needs rain.
Once it reopens, its worth a visit if you like to hike. Lots of trails and unless you insist on doing one of the super popular ones, you won't see many people.
NOTE: There is a $5 day pass fee collected in the parking lots. Be prepared with correct change and a pencil to write with; you must leave your receipt on your dashboard.Written July 2, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kelly KFishers, IN76 contributionsFantastic hike with great views all the way up and down. Left hand side of trail is paved to the top but is steeper than the non paved path to the right. Side trail near the top is worth it for the fantastic view of Prescott and the surrounding area.Written May 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DogDoggieWorldWide645 contributionsFantastic experience at Goldwater Lake. Took a short hike with my dog...we both loved it. Easy access from Prescott. We went in March...beautiful day...not many people.Written March 18, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Danmac1776Encinitas, CA17 contributionsParking fee applies, federal passes NOT accepted. We hiked an hour before Sundown May 6th, cool weather. We obsoletely love the beauty, near Sedona like scenery with colorful granite, some juniper trees mixed in, cactus, some flowers, etc.
We have a small dog and took her on this hike and it was not too strenuous for her, just perfect.
Simply beautiful and please bring your kids on this one! Best fairly easy hike for families in the area and the kids will love the rocks and boulders. Just be mindful of rattlesnakes, however we did not see any but they have been sighted on other trails in recent weeks with the warner weather. A must do while in Prescott....Written May 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Cindy SSaint Clair Shores, MI43 contributionsThis is a must stop if you enjoy the outdoors. No cost, trails and a beautiful garden area. People in wheelchairs or pushing strollers will enjoy much of the area and there are some hilly trails up and though the woods for more challenging hikes.Written April 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kathryn MMinneapolis, MN35 contributionsMy husband & I (from MN) did this 8 mile round trip hike & found it really challenging & diverse. Make sure to carve out a good amount of time doing this. It took us around 4.5 hrs total (including about 45 min lunch at the top to refuel & enjoy the stunning views).
We started around 9:45am at the Metate Trail head (parking lot there- plenty of parking when we went). There was a $5/day cash-only parking fee, so bring a $5 bill. We read this ahead on a previous review, so we were prepared. We also brought a small hiking daypack with plenty of water (2L each), snacks, sunscreen, hats & sunglasses. Good hiking shoes are a must... you’ll need the good grip & ones with ankle support is preferred. I wore trail running shoes, which were great for grip but my ankles were very sore the next day! Also- be sure to dress in layers, as it’s warm while you’re hiking, but chilly as you near the top. It’s more exposed to the wind & there were even snow patches on the mountain as we climbed higher!
The first 1.5 miles or so takes you through a flatter forested area, then it starts to gradually incline & then it becomes a great workout as you near the top. You’ll want to be in fairly good shape to do this hike. Our kids would’ve only made it about half way, so I’m glad we didn’t bring them.
It was a beautiful trail, going over several creek crossings (feet may get wet), and through an eerie & awesome area where a forest fire had been 6 yrs prior. Lovely song birds & we saw some fun tiny lizards. Snake holes everywhere but we never saw one, although I’m sure they were there! We only saw about 4 other hikers the entire time, so it wasn’t a congested trail, which we loved. Very exposed to the sun once you’re out of the forest & start to climb, so drink lots of water, cover your skin & use sunblock! Even with these precautions we still got a little sunburned.
The trail was pretty easily marked all the way until you get up towards the top of a saddle... the trail appears to fork off a couple different ways. Thankfully we ran into an experienced backpacker who was really familiar with the area, right before we got there. If you take the left trail, it will bring you around the other side of the mountain where you will need to end up doing some climbing & bouldering if you want to make it to the true summit. Apparently this should only be done by expert hikers/climbers & can be dangerous- especially going back down.
I’d consider ourselves more intermediate hikers, and didn’t feel we had the right gear for this,so we took the trail to the RIGHT. It’s about another 45 min from there to the top, where you weave through another beautiful forest area that seems to appear out of nowhere on this granite rock! Super cool.
I gave this hike 4/5 stars only due to there’s no definitive “trail end”... no sign, no nothing. Trail just appears to stop, which makes this long challenging fun hike feel a bit deflating. Wish they had a sign showing the mountain name with elevation listed and a weatherproof box to sign your name in a notebook, like many other summit hikes have. You can, however, get to a great flat spot with an amazing view, which is where we sat & had lunch. :) There’s a few small trails that can get you there, if you look for them.
Overall I LOVED this hike- it was challenging, lovely views along the way, and although the heights were awesome, there weren’t any scary sheer drops, so I felt safe the whole way. Enjoy, friends! :)Written March 28, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kevin BChino Valley, AZ3 contributionsNice hike, about 6 miles round trip from parking lot to summit and back. About a 1800 ft rise to summit.Written March 14, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- eL Dude'Nashville, TN1,454 contributionsWhat a nice 5 mile hike around the lake,very scenic you can still get lost if you try,lots of wildlife to see.Written March 27, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cie S60 contributionsThis is a historical building that is now a convalescent center. Cute statues and the deep love to hang around. Some of the does are very protective and I haven't messed with the huge bucks either. OK for dog walks, too.Written January 16, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Susan LDenver, CO485 contributionsGreat day for a 4.5 mile hike with dog. Shorts weather, but cool enough to take a jacket. Many cyclists on trail. Found the petroglyphs as stated in other reviews. Head clockwise on trail and about 1 mile up.Written April 6, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brad NPrescott21 contributionsDr. Dahlberg has created and extended and IMPROVED this legendary eco-tone! IMPORTANT to our understanding of the region!Written September 28, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
