Things to do in Prescott, Arizona (AZ): The Best Nature & Parks

October 12, 2021 Jacquiline Darosa

Nestled in the conifer forests of the Bradshaw Mountains, Prescott is a historic city boasting much in the way of adventure and culture. Golfers flock to its six pristine courses, while outdoors enthusiasts find exciting hiking trails, secluded picnicking spots and adventure on the waters of its five lakes. Discover the history of the Old West in the city's museums, historic railways and the Pioneer Home Cemetery, where "Big Nose Kate" Elder, wife of Doc Holiday, found her final resting place.
Restaurants in Prescott

1. Willow Creek Dog Park

3181 Willow Creek Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301-6848 https://www.facebook.com/WCDogpark/
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Willow Creek Dog Park

2. Prescott National Forest

Prescott, AZ +1 928-567-4121 http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/
Excellent
64%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 113 reviews

Prescott National Forest

Forest located in a mountainous section of central Arizona, offering campgrounds, picnic grounds and 2,500 miles of roads for visitors.

Reviewed By Sbaygirl

If you are traveling from Jerome to Prescott ( or vice-versa) and are up for a thrilling ride, take AZ 89-a and drive through the mountains that comprise the Prescott National Forest. Beautiful panoramic vistas of pine tree-covered mountains. It's not for those with a deathly fear of heights or winding mountain roads with hairpin turns, but for those who go, it's a visual treat.

3. Heritage Park Zoo

1403 Heritage Park Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301-6001 +1 928-778-4242 [email protected] http://www.HeritageParkZoo.org
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 294 reviews

Heritage Park Zoo

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation and protection of native and exotic animals. Located in scenic Prescott, Arizona, the sanctuary provides a source of recreation, education and entertainment for all ages. With the mission of "Conservation through Education," Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary provides a unique and up-close experience with animals visitors may see nowhere else. Animals at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary all have a story to tell and lesson to teach. We currently house more than 200 animals on our grounds - among them a Bengal Tiger, two Black Bears, two Clouded Leopard siblings, Mexican Gray Wolves, Bobcats, Lynx, Lemurs, various reptiles, and one of the largest tarantula displays in the Southwest.

Reviewed By Extraordinary530095 - Corpus Christi, United States

This gem close to town was an unexpected pleasure. We arrived just in time for the mountain lion feeding. Beautiful animal. The spokesman for the tortoises was extremely knowledgeable. All attractions were up close and personal. It is a small rescue and rehab sanctuary but very worth the time seeing. Would definitely go again.

4. Lynx Lake Recreation Area

U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Bradshaw Ranger Station 344 South Cortez Street, Prescott, AZ 86303 +1 928-443-8000 http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/fishing/fishing_lynx.htm
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 500 reviews

Lynx Lake Recreation Area

Lynx Lake is one of the most popular recreation areas in central Arizona. Mild weather, the cool ponderosa pine forest, a serene 55-acre lake, trout fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, archaeological sites, and bird watching attract visitors from throughout Arizona.

Reviewed By captjrk - Prescott Valley, United States

This a great place to visit for kayaking, fishing, hiking and picnicing. The south end has covered picnic tables, grilles and a boat launch. In the summer there are canoe, paddleboat, and kayak rentals at the north end. Nice to walk arould the lake - the west side is paved and the east side is not, but still not a difficult trail. Between he north entrance and Highway 69 there is "Lynx Lake Ruin". It's an easy, peaceful 3/4 mile hike back to he ruin.

5. Watson Lake

3101 Watson Lake Drive, Prescott, AZ 86301 +1 928-925-1410 http://www.cityofprescott.net/services/parks/parks/index.php?id=24
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 991 reviews

Watson Lake

Reviewed By 755caml - Prescott, United States

Of the magical lakes within a stones throw of Prescott CBD this may be the Jewel in the Crown. Wide range of recreational facilities, have a rugby match on the expansive lawn area, picnic at the lake, play Frisbee Golf, kayak, fish and paddleboard all with a majestic background of the granite rock formations.

6. Prescott Peavine National Recreation Trail

Hwy 89A at Side Road, Prescott, AZ http://www.cityofprescott.net/services/parks/trails/?id=40
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 136 reviews

Prescott Peavine National Recreation Trail

Reviewed By BuckeyeBulletAZ - Sun City, United States

Very easy hike/walk on the east side of Watson Lake. The more adventurous may deviate from the old railroad bed walk on the rocks nearer the lake. Parking is a very modest $3.00

7. Goldwater Lake

2900 S Goldwater Lake Rd, Prescott, AZ 86303-8405 +1 928-777-1122 http://www.cityofprescott.net/services/parks/parks/index.php?id=3
Excellent
55%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 184 reviews

Goldwater Lake

Reviewed By Rihsurf - Goodyear, United States

This area is a paddle boarders or kayakers dream. Easy access, many little coves to explore, fish, or just enjoy the scenery.

8. Granite Mountain Trail 261

Prescott, AZ 86303 +1 928-443-8000 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/recarea/?recid=67547
Excellent
55%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Granite Mountain Trail 261

9. Thumb Butte Trail 33

Prescott National Forest, Prescott, AZ 86303 +1 928-443-8000 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=67469&actid=50
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 173 reviews

Thumb Butte Trail 33

Reviewed By 49thstatetraveler - Anchorage, United States

This is a quick hike that pays off with a great view across Prescott. Take the trail counter clockwise (go right at the start) for a gradual uphill climb. Steeper climb if you go the other way. Coming up the backside when you get almost to the top you suddenly get the view. Worth the walk up. Maybe an hour round trip if you walk fast and don’t stop to enjoy the views.

10. Community Nature Center Open Space Preserve

1980 Williamson Valley Road, Prescott, AZ
Excellent
56%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Community Nature Center Open Space Preserve

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