Watson Lake Loop Trail - Prescott, Arizona

I wanted to escape the desert heat of Phoenix so I headed to Prescott for Memorial Day.  I decided to hike counter clockwise around Watson Lake. It was a 4.5 mile loop hike, and surprisingly harder than what I had imagined. The southern portion is flat and swampy but the real workout begins on the north side of the lake. Lots of up and down with some steep climbs. Even on a holiday I didn't see a lot of people on this trail.

Little Granite Mountain Loop Trail

Yesterday, I hiked the 6.7 mile Little Granite Mountain Loop Trail, located in the Granite Basin Recreation Area, near Prescott. The trail passes through open chaparral as it winds around the west flank of Little Granite Mountain. Outcrops of granite bedrock have weathered away into fantastic shapes that dominate the trail.

Lower Wolf Creek Campground

Today I decided to go a little lower in elevation.  I'm down to 5,948 feet in the Bradshaw Mountains from last night at Mingus Mountain at 7,627 feet. I wanted the night to be just a bit warmer, so I made an adjustment of dropping 1,679 feet and headed to Prescott. It's so nice to be able to choose different ecosystems, and different temperatures, without even having to drive far. It's located on the banks of Wolf Creek, among boulders, walnut, oak, and pine trees.

Wolverton-Quartz Loop Trail - Prescott National Forest

I hiked the Wolverton-Quartz Loop Trail. It's a 4.5 mile loop trail, but I took a few wrong turns, and my hike ended up 5.8 miles. It's a very confusing trail system that is not well marked. The trail goes up Wolverton Mountain and Quartz Mountain in the Prescott National Forest.

Quartz Mountain

Quartz Mountain

Quartz Mountain

Lower Wolf Creek Campground - Prescott National Forest

I'm enjoying a good Ray Bradbury novel called The Illustrated Man. I've read several of his books and short stories. They're always insightful, and often dystopian tales that get you thinking.  This campground is in the Prescott National Forest at an elevation of 5,960 feet so it is much cooler than the 112 degree heat in Phoenix. On beautiful nights like these in the mountains I forget I have OCD.