Hiking & Mountain Biking Trails
Prescott Valley and Prescott are home to an ever-expanding network of hiking and biking trails—more than 100 miles and counting. There truly is something for everyone who craves a deeper connection with nature: easy, almost-flat trails, twisty, curvy trails that rise and fall, and everything in between.
Local Trail Highlights
The Iron King and Peavine Trails
These are two separate trails. The Iron King starts in Prescott Valley (just outside Jasper), and winds through Jasper and then into grasslands and spectacular granite boulders. A network of trails inside Jasper will also connect to the Iron King. The Peavine starts in the lush riparian preserve along Watson Lake in Prescott, and intersects with the Iron King at the three-mile mark (which is the Iron King’s four-mile mark). Hikers, bikers, and bird watchers can continue along the Peavine’s other section, which ends near State Route 89-A. The coolest thing about this dynamic duo: it runs along an old Santa Fe Railroad route.
Constellation Trails
On the west side of State Route 89, just south of the Phippen Museum, the Constellation Trails wind through the best of what Prescott has to offer: scrub oak forests, slick granite boulders, and the renowned Granite Dells. This network of trails offers easy access to amazing sights!
Thumb Butte Trail
Like the Glassford Summit Trail, this trail takes hikers and bikers to the top of a local icon: Thumb Butte (so called because it resembles a giant thumb), which stands at the west end of Prescott. The main attraction is a loop trail that leads to the Thumb Butte summit and then comes down the back side of the mountain. Several other trails wind around the base of this landmark, through shady ponderosa pines.
The Glassford Summit Trail
This 4.2-mile out-and-back trail along the ridge and to the summit of what was once an active volcano (known as Glassford Hill) requires stamina and enthusiasm. The views at the top—the summit is at 5,183 feet—are worth it! In addition to bragging rights, people who complete this trail are treated to archeological finds dating back to 1400, chances to see local wildlife, and the opportunity to visit the site of Colonel William Glassford’s heliograph station, part of a sophisticated communication system that covered the majority of Arizona and New Mexico. The best part: a 360-degree view unlike any other.
The Prescott Circle Trail
Totaling 54 miles, this collection of trails encircles the City of Prescott. Hikers and bikers can access it via 15 trailheads along its length. The City of Prescott offers myriad resources to help hikers and bikers complete The Prescott Circle Trail Challenge—to hike or bike the entire 54 miles in small day trips or longer multi-night trips. It’s a great way to connect with nature in what is arguably one of the most diverse, interesting landscapes in the country.
Spence Basin
As the local mountain biking scene goes from hot to sizzling, trail crews continue to expand the network of trails known as Spence Basin. These single track trails range in difficulty from beginner to intermediate, and wind through a combination of ponderosa pines and boulder outcroppings.
Remember, these are just a few highlights—the local trails system is complex and it’s always growing, thanks to a dedicated team of trail volunteers and careful management by local governments and organizations.
If you love being in nature, you’ll have plentiful opportunities to do so here – year-round.
Amazing Multi-Use Trails Near Jasper
Please enjoy using our interactive map below to find a plethora of outdoor opportunites in the area. You can choose your “activity type” in the top menu bar to see trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and more.
