See the stony heart of the Granite Dells and Watson Lake on this Prescott hike. Here's how
This out-and-back lollipop loop hike uses part of the Peavine National Recreation Trail to access the Northwest Passage Trail which occupies the outlands of the Storm Trails maze of little loops northeast of Prescott’s Watson Lake.
For a short, moderate trek, this one packs in a full house of diverse scenic beauty.
The hike starts at the south end of the lake where the leafy belt of Watson Woods Riparian Preserve bursts with cottonwood, boxelder, walnut and other water-loving trees that provide living space for dozens of species of birds.
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Watson Lake: Fall colors and lots of birds
Great fall color viewing, too! The first 2 miles follow the Peavine Trail, a 6-mile repurposed railroad bed built in 1893 by the Santa Fe Railway.
Passing beneath arching riparian trees, the wide cinder-base road traces the lake that’s as popular with kayakers as it is with waterfowl. It takes little effort to spot ducks, herons and egrets gliding over open water and poking around for food among reed-choked inlets.
As the trail plows north past meadows and through stony corridors, it enters the jumbled rock wonderland of the Granite Dells.
The billion-year-old jointed pillars and blobs of volcanic rock have been weathering and cracking for eons, gradually sculpting into a surreal ochre-colored landscape punctuated with junipers, creek beds and the defunct railroad route.
Benches are placed at dramatic spots along the route including one overlook with amazing views of the lake and distant Granite Mountain.
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Hiking the heart of the Granite Dells
A bridge with an old concrete base surrounded by discarded rail ties that spans Boulder Creek marks the second stage of the hike.
Over the bridge at just under the 2-mile point, this trip veers right onto the Northwest Passage connector. After a few yards, turn left onto the Northwest Passage Trail, where a single track moves among the innards of the dells. While the trail is mostly obvious, white paint dots mark the route where it traverses bare rock slabs and sketchy passages.
Ducking among massive outcroppings resembling melted taffy and yeasty bread dough, the hike tops out on a stony crest before descending back to the Peavine Trail for the return leg of the outing.
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Prescott hike: Peavine Trail, Granite Dells
Length: 4.8 miles.
Rating: Moderate.
Elevation: 5,135-5,200 feet (380 feet of accumulated elevation change).
Getting there: 1626 Sundog Ranch Road, Prescott. From State Route 69 in Prescott, go 1.7 miles north on Prescott Lakes Parkway to Sundog Ranch Road. Turn right and go 0.2 mile to the Peavine Trail/Watson Woods Riparian Preserve parking area on the left. There are restrooms and picnic tables.
Hours: Summer: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Winter: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: $3 daily fee per vehicle. Self-serve pay station accepts cash and credit cards.
Details: https://www.prescott-az.gov.
Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Prescott AZ hike: See the Granite Dells via the Peavine Trail
