prescott peavine national recreation trail

We did the hike or rather walk from the trailhead at Sundog Ranch Rd. There is a spacious paved parking area here. There is a $2.00/vehicle charge to park here. There are also bathrooms here with no other bathrooms along this 5.5 mile trail. We checked several sites for directions to this trailhead. Different sites had different directions. If you are coming in on Hwy. 69 from I-17, turn right on Prescott Lakes Pkwy at the Walmart store. Follow this road then turn right onto Sundog Ranch Rd. The parking lot is on the left a quarter mile up this road. If you are on Hwy. 89A, turn onto Prescott Lakes Pkwy at the stoplight. Go approximately 0.5 miles then turn left on Sundog Ranch Rd.This trail is vehicle width wide with a gravel surface. The trail is a very easy walk, since it is on a former railroad bed. The trail first follows adjacent to Watson Lake. On this portion of the trail we saw lots of waterfowl and turtles. Further down, the trail moves into a variety of impressive rock formations. Partway through the rock formations there is probably the most scenic place where the lake water channels up between the Rock formations in what is considered a "dells". We followed the trail for approximately 3 miles and turned around at a gravel/dirt road. We also observed a hawk and had a close-up of a roadrunner.The first 0.4 miles of the trail is adjacent to and industrial area, but provides a decent view of the wooded floodplain on the opposite side. There are some "huge" cottonwoods in this area. There are also many places along this portion of the trail where you can venture off into the rock formations on more rugged trails.We enjoyed taking a very easy trail walk on a smooth trail surface. The variety found on this trail makes for a interesting time.

An awesome place to see some of the beauty in Prescott is the old Railroad line on the Peavine Trail. Starting from the Sundog Ranch road entrance, pay the $2.00 parking fee and either hike or bike along the trail along side Watson Lake and experience the granite wonder along the way. The trails goes for miles and either ends at the Highway 89A overpass or go all the way to Prescott Valley with the grades very easy to ride or walk. Another beauty is the Watson Woods Riparian area loaded with trails, Cottonwood trees, grass and an abundance of wildlife.

This time we left the bikes at home and walked the Peavine and Lakeside trails after snow had fallen in Prescott. The walk was great, although our idea was shared by many other couples, and families. The dusting of snow added a new dimension to this familiar trail. I would recommend using the lakeside side trail to get closer to the lake and away from the crowds on a busy trail day.

The raised beds are still there along with 1 Peavine Rail sign. This was a spur line from Phoenix up to Prescott, then Skull Valley. It originally was part of the mining ore transportation, then brought families from Phoenix up to Prescott for the summer.

The entire trail out and back is 11.8 miles (not 6 as stated in some reviews), but there is nothing saying you can't turn around and go back at any point. There are also more scenic (and difficult) trails branching off along the way. The main "trail" is basically a dirt road which is almost flat, and from the south end (off Sundog Ranch Road) you will find light green metal posts on the east side of the trail marking every mile. At the first mile marker there is one of several opportunities to hike the more scenic and difficult lakeshore trails which climb up and down by streams, lakes, and huge granite boulders. Stay on Peavine and at 3 miles is the junction with the Iron King Trail; here you will find a picnic table and a reasonably clean portable toilet. My wife and I normally hike 1-2 miles once a week, but we went 3 miles out and 3 back for 6 miles and held up pretty well. Keep to the right of the trail (and pass on the left), as it is also used by bicyclists. Shade is available, but intermittent, so sunscreen is advised. Also, we went on a humid day with temperatures in the high 70s and found one canteen per person was only adequate for a six mile walk . . . so take plenty of water. Popular trail with lots of friendly people. $2 parking fee at the trailhead from machine which takes cash and credit cards.

Was visiting Prescott and decided on the combination of the Peavine trail with the Iron King 'extension' for my long run. I wanted something mainstream yet scenic, in the hills but not too difficult. The Peavine/Iron King Trail combo was perfect! Nice wide flat trail that is obviously maintained. There is a porta potty at the Y in the Peavine where it connects to the Iron King about 3 miles in.I don't remember seeing water anywhere on the trail. I brought my own and so should you. There were old railroad cars on the Iron King that were made into benches and a few regular benches on the Peavine in case you needed to rest.Every so often they had signs indicating items of importance or historical facts which made for a fun and interesting run.The trail is multiuse - horse, bike, and run/hike. It is also dog friendly as long as they are leashed. I was able to accomplish my goal of a 13.5 mile run that was scenic on fairly level terrain and had a great time doing so. Highly recommend this trail (and the attached Iron King) if you are in the area!

My wife and I did this ride round trip as our first "off road" ride. The grade is mild, the surface one step below paved, and the scenery is beautiful. We started out a bit late for early August and did not take enough water but that was our poor planning not the trail. Like many comments here, the first mile is uninspired as it runs parallel a waste/recycling operation. This goes by quickly as it transforms into a stunning landscape of granite formations, placid lake scenes, and open vistas. Definitely a trip to repeat with plenty of water and a camera.

I had a little trouble finding the northern end. Being from the east coast, the terrain and plant life was different and a treat. I came to ride it because I was trying to ride all the Hall of Fame Trails. I hope to return next year to spend more time on some of the other trails.

Enjoyed this hike along an old rail bed. Walked through a tree tunnel, skirted by the Granite Dell's near Watson lake, and even heard the geese honking. Though the beginning of the hike passes by the city services yard, you will barely notice it since the riparian area on the other side of the trail will keep your head turning to see the natural surroundings. By the way, parking is free on Wednesdays.

The Peavine National Recreation Trail is a lovely hike. The trail is well maintained, and travels along lakes and boulders. I used to walk dogs for the Yavapai Humane Society on Peavine Trail. However, the trail is clean and dogs are on leashes. Part of the trail follows the route of railroad tracks that brought trains to Prescott from Flagstaff to Phoenix. There are wonderful wild bushes and flowers, as well as lots of frogs and dragon flies in season. The trail does go along Watson Lake, however the lake is not as full of water as it used to be. And it courses along the boulders of the Prescott Dells. Still the hike is easy and comfortable.

Level enough for the grand-kids, long enough for runners and joggers, hills towards Prescott Valley and then there is the lake. Geocaching now as well. Good place to ride a bicycle as well as hike and jig. Rest rooms are a plus.

I've loved walking on this trail for years. Really enjoy seeing people walk dogs from the local humane society. Lots of room on the wide trail for walking 2 or 3 abreast with dogs. Despite dogs there are still lots of birds, both woodland and water.

We love to do the Peavine trail by Watson Lake. The scenic trail is so beautiful, we never get tired of it. We had to try out the new little bit they added last winter, and it was even more fun. You can hike, bike, or ride your horse here.

This trail goes along Watson Lake and bird preserve which is why we hiked it. There is nothing I didn't like. There is even restrooms at the entrance.

The Trail is both a Bike path and a walking path. Bikers can put roughly 14 miles round trip between Prescott and Prescott Valley . walkers can go off trail into the boulder surrounding Watson lake or even hike around the dam.