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Frommer’s EasyGuide to Sedona & Central Arizona. Gregory McNamee
Читать онлайн.Название Frommer’s EasyGuide to Sedona & Central Arizona
Год выпуска 0
isbn 9781628875362
Автор произведения Gregory McNamee
Жанр Книги о Путешествиях
Серия EasyGuide
Издательство Ingram
147 N. Arizona Ave. www.smokimuseum.org.
Outdoor Activities
Prescott is situated on the edge of a wide expanse of high plains, with the pine forests of Prescott National Forest at its back. Within the national forest are lakes, campgrounds, and many miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails. For maps and information on hikes and bike rides in the area, stop by the Bradshaw Ranger Station, 344 S. Cortez St. (www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott;
My favorite hiking and biking areas in the national forest are Thumb Butte (west of town) and the Granite Mountain Wilderness (northwest of town). Thumb Butte, a rocky outcropping that towers over the forest just west of town, is Prescott’s most easily recognizable natural landmark. A 1.2-mile trail leads nearly to the top of this butte, and from the saddle near the summit, there’s a panoramic vista of the entire region. The trail is very steep but paved much of the way. The summit of the butte is a popular rock-climbing spot. An alternative return trail makes a loop hike possible. To reach the trail head, drive west out of town on Gurley St. for about 4 miles (it becomes Thumb Butte Rd.). Past the National Forest signs, you’ll find a parking lot, picnic area, and trail head. The parking fee is $5.
The Granite Basin Recreation Area provides access to the Granite Mountain Wilderness. Trails lead beneath the cliffs of Granite Mountain, where you might spot peregrine falcons. For the best views, hike 1.5 miles to Blair Pass and then on up the Granite Mountain trail as far as you feel like going. To reach this area, follow Iron Springs Rd. northwest out of town to the signed road for the Granite Basin Recreation Area (less than 8 miles from downtown). There is a $5 parking fee here.
Both of the above areas also offer mountain-biking trails. Although the scenery isn’t as spectacular as in the Sedona area, the trails are great. You can rent a bike and get maps and trail recommendations at Ironclad Bicycles, 710 White Spar Rd. (www.ironcladbicycles.com;
Want to explore the area on horseback? A half-hour drive southeast of Prescott, Foothills Ranch, at Finley Rd. and Ariz. 69 in Mayer (www.foothills-ranch.com;
Exploring the granite dells
Five miles north of Prescott on Ariz. 89, jumbled hills of rounded granite suddenly jut from the landscape, creating a maze of huge boulders and smooth rock known as the Granite Dells
For hiking in the Watson Lake area, I recommend the scenic Peavine Trail
A couple of miles west of Watson Lake you can hike in Willow Lake Park, 1497 Heritage Park Rd. (www.cityofprescott.net;
Reasonably priced golf is available at the 36-hole Antelope Hills Golf Course, 1 Perkins Dr. (www.antelopehillsgolf.com;
Prescott Shopping
Downtown Prescott is the best place in Arizona for antiques shopping. For Native American crafts and Old West memorabilia, stop in at Ogg’s Hogan, 111 N. Cortez St. (
In the Hotel St. Michael’s shopping arcade, Hotel Trading, 110 S. Montezuma St. (
Want to sample some local wine while you’re in the area? Head north of Prescott to Granite Creek Vineyards, 2515 Rd. 1 E., Chino Valley (www.granitecreekvineyards.com;