City of Prescott
If this new system of four trails were a dog, it would be a Jack Russell Terrier—compact, feisty and righteously entertaining. So, before taking a pass on it due to its short length, consider its attributes. The bite hike begins on the Stairway Loop with an ascent up 38 steps constructed in 2013 that lands hikers on an overlook above Granite Creek. At the top of the stairs, views of Prescott’s Granite Dells area are breathtaking. Here, an overview of what lays ahead nips at your heels. Next up: an exposed meander over slick rock guided by white dots painted on slabs of granite that resemble splayed reptile hide. The route winds up around Castle Rock then descends to meet the Rock Stacker and Grotto Trails. Both aptly named, these two paths combine for a terrier-grade, energetic swoop through a wilderness of stone with steep climbs, narrow passages and a rib-tickling squeeze through the claustrophobic darkness of the “grotto”. Like a speeding carnival ride, this trek is over too quickly, but will have you yelling, “let’s do it again”.
- LENGTH: 1.15 miles total
- RATING: moderate-difficult
- ELEVATION: 5,050 – 5,150 feet
- BEST SEASON: October – May
GETTING THERE:
Granite Gardens Trailhead:
From State Route 69 in Prescott, go 2.1 miles north on Prescott Lakes Parkway, turn right and continue to State Route 89. Turn right and go 2.2 miles to Granite Garden Drive (unsigned) located directly across from Granite Gate Senior Living Community between mileposts 317 and 318. Turn right onto this rough dirt road and continue 0.2 mile to the trailhead on the right just before the creek. Those with low clearance vehicles may park in the turnoffs before the road gets too rough.
INFO: prescott-az.gov/recreation-area/granite-gardens-trail-system/
