Outdoor Fun
Lynx Lake is located approximately 5 miles from the Lynx Creek Chalet. The lake has a North Shore, South Shore and Marina/Store. The lake offers an abundance of activities ranging from wildlife viewing, mountain biking trails, hiking trails, to fishing and even paddle boat and canoe rentals. There is even an on-site restaurant that is open seasonally.
Use the Forest Service link for a full list of details: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/recarea/?recid=75178
Map Details: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3809293.pdf
116 locals recommend
Lynx Lake
Lynx Lake is located approximately 5 miles from the Lynx Creek Chalet. The lake has a North Shore, South Shore and Marina/Store. The lake offers an abundance of activities ranging from wildlife viewing, mountain biking trails, hiking trails, to fishing and even paddle boat and canoe rentals. There is even an on-site restaurant that is open seasonally.
Use the Forest Service link for a full list of details: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/recarea/?recid=75178
Map Details: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3809293.pdf
Prescott National Forest is overall a million acres with trails, fishing, climbing and so much more. For a full list of all the possible lake, trails, permits needed, etc use the link to get a complete overview: https://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott
13 locals recommend
Prescott National Forest
Prescott National Forest is overall a million acres with trails, fishing, climbing and so much more. For a full list of all the possible lake, trails, permits needed, etc use the link to get a complete overview: https://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott
Watson Lake is such a special and unique place. Quite different than Lynx Lake yet just a few miles away. Enjoy fishing, picnic ramadas, hiking trails, 18 hole disc golf and there are two boat launch locations. Parking fee.
171 locals recommend
Watson Lake Park
3101 Watson Lake Park RdWatson Lake is such a special and unique place. Quite different than Lynx Lake yet just a few miles away. Enjoy fishing, picnic ramadas, hiking trails, 18 hole disc golf and there are two boat launch locations. Parking fee.
Travel south on Mount Vernon Street - this is the street with the most beautiful Victorian homes. Mount Vernon Street becomes Senator Highway and takes you to the lake. This is a 15 acre lake with fishing docks, boat launch for non-gas motors, canoeing and kayaking, hiking trails and more. A fee is required.
101 locals recommend
Upper Goldwater Lake
2875 S Goldwater Lake RdTravel south on Mount Vernon Street - this is the street with the most beautiful Victorian homes. Mount Vernon Street becomes Senator Highway and takes you to the lake. This is a 15 acre lake with fishing docks, boat launch for non-gas motors, canoeing and kayaking, hiking trails and more. A fee is required.
This park is located just a few miles from downtown Prescott. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, hiking, fishing and more. Parking fee.
26 locals recommend
Willow Lake Park
1497 Heritage Park RdThis park is located just a few miles from downtown Prescott. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, hiking, fishing and more. Parking fee.
This trail is located near Lynx Lake and Highland Center. Wonderful views of Prescott Valley, Lynx lake and even the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff. This trail connects to Ranch Trail #62 and Watershed Trail #299. Motorized vehicles over 50" are allowed. Please only use designated and marked trails.
Sevenmile Gulch Trailhead
1375 Walker RoadThis trail is located near Lynx Lake and Highland Center. Wonderful views of Prescott Valley, Lynx lake and even the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff. This trail connects to Ranch Trail #62 and Watershed Trail #299. Motorized vehicles over 50" are allowed. Please only use designated and marked trails.
Smith Ravine Trail #297 is accessible from the Walker Road side of the mountain or the Groom Creek side of the mountain. This is one of the first trails we did when we moved out here. Average hiking time is 1.5 miles one way if you do the full "out going" trail.
Smith Ravine Road
Smith Ravine RoadSmith Ravine Trail #297 is accessible from the Walker Road side of the mountain or the Groom Creek side of the mountain. This is one of the first trails we did when we moved out here. Average hiking time is 1.5 miles one way if you do the full "out going" trail.
Arizona's first Memorial State Park opened November 30, 2016. This public space and trail honors the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots lost to us on June 30, 2013. There are three trails ... The full trail is 7 miles roundtrip. The Hotshots Trail is 2.5 miles and the Journey Trail is 1 mile and follows the last steps of the Hotshots to the fatality site. For those wanting to reflect, honor and remember these brave men this park gives that opportunity.
15 locals recommend
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park
White Spar HighwayArizona's first Memorial State Park opened November 30, 2016. This public space and trail honors the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots lost to us on June 30, 2013. There are three trails ... The full trail is 7 miles roundtrip. The Hotshots Trail is 2.5 miles and the Journey Trail is 1 mile and follows the last steps of the Hotshots to the fatality site. For those wanting to reflect, honor and remember these brave men this park gives that opportunity.
Prescott and Surrounding Cities
There is always plenty happening in the town of Prescott. There are also several town within easy day-trip driving distance for those wanting to travel.
The historic town of Prescott was founded in 1864 and was the Territorial Capital of Arizona until Phoenix became the permanent Capital in 1889. Take a stroll around town and you will see many residence reflecting the Victorian era especially notable on Mount Vernon Road. The Courthouse Square is an area notable for its many historical statues and host activities throughout the year.
162 locals recommend
Prescott
The historic town of Prescott was founded in 1864 and was the Territorial Capital of Arizona until Phoenix became the permanent Capital in 1889. Take a stroll around town and you will see many residence reflecting the Victorian era especially notable on Mount Vernon Road. The Courthouse Square is an area notable for its many historical statues and host activities throughout the year.
Sedona
Sedona, AZ is famous for its beauty and the stunning red rocks.
Jerome was a mining town back it the hay-day. Now it boasts many unique artist shops, restaurants, tasting rooms and much more. Our favorite place to go is the Haunted Hamburger - be sure to order one of their amazing milkshakes.
An easy drive from the Chalet of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
475 locals recommend
Jerome
Jerome was a mining town back it the hay-day. Now it boasts many unique artist shops, restaurants, tasting rooms and much more. Our favorite place to go is the Haunted Hamburger - be sure to order one of their amazing milkshakes.
An easy drive from the Chalet of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Flagstaff is home to NAU - Northern Arizona University. And to Snow Bowl a local ski area. It has a small town feel with plenty to do - hiking, skiing during season, Bear Arizona with many ways to see wildlife of Arizona, restaurants and much more. An easy drive of about 1 hour 50 minutes making it an easy trip.
330 locals recommend
Flagstaff
Flagstaff is home to NAU - Northern Arizona University. And to Snow Bowl a local ski area. It has a small town feel with plenty to do - hiking, skiing during season, Bear Arizona with many ways to see wildlife of Arizona, restaurants and much more. An easy drive of about 1 hour 50 minutes making it an easy trip.
Food scene
Farm Provisions is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Located within easy walking distance of the Courthouse you can enjoy town and then enjoy a truly wonderful dining experience. If you are planning for dinner time dining reservations are highly recommended.
Farm Provisions website: https://www.farmprovisionsaz.com
"At FARM Provisions our vision is to create a true farm to table experience in an inviting family oriented atmosphere.
Our slogan “ simple food elevated” will be instilled in our seasonally changing menus utilizing local farmers, ranchers, and other AZ purveyors freshest seasonal products available as well as supporting our local community in Prescott."
66 locals recommend
Farm Provisions
148 N Montezuma StFarm Provisions is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Located within easy walking distance of the Courthouse you can enjoy town and then enjoy a truly wonderful dining experience. If you are planning for dinner time dining reservations are highly recommended.
Farm Provisions website: https://www.farmprovisionsaz.com
"At FARM Provisions our vision is to create a true farm to table experience in an inviting family oriented atmosphere.
Our slogan “ simple food elevated” will be instilled in our seasonally changing menus utilizing local farmers, ranchers, and other AZ purveyors freshest seasonal products available as well as supporting our local community in Prescott."
Live music, award winning beer, casual dining plus beautiful outdoor seating LazyG Brewhouse is the place to go! Their grilled cheese specials are always on point and my personal favorite is specialty brewed beers with a hint of chocolate. Visit their website at: https://www.lazygbrewhouse.com
51 locals recommend
LazyG Brewhouse
220 W Leroux StLive music, award winning beer, casual dining plus beautiful outdoor seating LazyG Brewhouse is the place to go! Their grilled cheese specials are always on point and my personal favorite is specialty brewed beers with a hint of chocolate. Visit their website at: https://www.lazygbrewhouse.com
Park Plaza is a giant liquor store that has amazing pizza, salads, sandwiches, burgers, a cigar shop are more. Convenience location with indoor and outdoor seating. This is tucked back in a small shopping center and worth a visit. Find out more at their website: https://www.parkplazaliquor.com
67 locals recommend
Park Plaza Liquor and Deli
402 W Goodwin StPark Plaza is a giant liquor store that has amazing pizza, salads, sandwiches, burgers, a cigar shop are more. Convenience location with indoor and outdoor seating. This is tucked back in a small shopping center and worth a visit. Find out more at their website: https://www.parkplazaliquor.com
The Barley Hound is a casual gastropub situated close to the Prescott Courthouse Square. They have a large dog friendly patio, weekend brunch, burgers, sandwiches and more. You can find their website here: https://www.thebarleyhound.com
47 locals recommend
The Barley Hound
234 S Cortez StThe Barley Hound is a casual gastropub situated close to the Prescott Courthouse Square. They have a large dog friendly patio, weekend brunch, burgers, sandwiches and more. You can find their website here: https://www.thebarleyhound.com
Lone Spur Cafe - just two words come hungry! This charming cowboy themed restaurant serves breakfast and lunch and on Friday's and Saturday's they are open for dinner. It is conveniently located across the street from the Prescott Courthouse. The portions are large and so yummy.
Website: www.lonespurcafe.com
22 locals recommend
Lone Spur Cafe
106 W Gurley StLone Spur Cafe - just two words come hungry! This charming cowboy themed restaurant serves breakfast and lunch and on Friday's and Saturday's they are open for dinner. It is conveniently located across the street from the Prescott Courthouse. The portions are large and so yummy.
Website: www.lonespurcafe.com
Need a coffee stop? This is the cutest little gem in town. Beautiful outdoor courtyard for relaxing and also indoor seating. Offering coffee, tea, pastries, etc.
Website: https://wildiriscoffee.com
41 locals recommend
Wild Iris Coffee House
124 S Granite St ENeed a coffee stop? This is the cutest little gem in town. Beautiful outdoor courtyard for relaxing and also indoor seating. Offering coffee, tea, pastries, etc.
Website: https://wildiriscoffee.com
Rosa's calls themselves "A Slice of Sicily in northern Arizona". Located in downtown Prescott they have a wide variety of specialty pizzas, pastas, salads and more. This is a family favorite of ours! Visit their website: www.rosaspizzeria.com
74 locals recommend
Rosa's Pizzeria
330 W Gurley StRosa's calls themselves "A Slice of Sicily in northern Arizona". Located in downtown Prescott they have a wide variety of specialty pizzas, pastas, salads and more. This is a family favorite of ours! Visit their website: www.rosaspizzeria.com
Local fav with lots of selection and variety. Walking distance to downtown so an easy stop either before or after enjoying the downtown area.
Red White and Brew
200 East Gurley StreetLocal fav with lots of selection and variety. Walking distance to downtown so an easy stop either before or after enjoying the downtown area.
Sweet treat delights can be found here. Everything from cookies, to bear claws, cupcakes and more.
Grama's Bakery
207B W Gurley StSweet treat delights can be found here. Everything from cookies, to bear claws, cupcakes and more.
Delicious Italian food and a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
47 locals recommend
Papa's Italian Restaurant
129 1/2 N Cortez StDelicious Italian food and a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
This is a favorite for breakfast and lunch. Located in Prescott Valley.
6 locals recommend
Jen's 7th Ave. Cafe
6800 E State Rte 69This is a favorite for breakfast and lunch. Located in Prescott Valley.
El Gato Azul
316 W Goodwin StLots of tapas choices and a local favorite place to dine.
Alcantara Vineyards and Winery
3445 S Grapevine WayMogollon Vineyards
Rafter Eleven
2985 Centre CtState 48 Hometown BBQ
Delicious BBQ!!
Salt & Pepper Cafe
Yummy breakfast and lunch options.
b. simple
Need to satisfy your sweet tooth?? Here’s a great place with many delicious options.
Shanna's Sugar Shack
Need to satisfy your sweet tooth?? Here’s a great place with many delicious options.
Quaint and cozy restaurant that feels like a cottage home. Breakfast, lunch and dinner services. Please note dinner is Thursday - Saturday. Wonderful outdoor seating area. Lots of yummy food selections.
Bear & Dragon Cafe & Restaurant
Quaint and cozy restaurant that feels like a cottage home. Breakfast, lunch and dinner services. Please note dinner is Thursday - Saturday. Wonderful outdoor seating area. Lots of yummy food selections.
Shopping
Prescott offers a variety of shopping destinations. You can head to the antique shops, decor shop and so much more.
Fancy some shopping while here in Prescott? Fancy That has two stores - there is a home decor and furniture store and across the street they also have a clothing store. There is always new inventory and it is hard to leave empty handed after visiting.
Website: fancythatprescott.com
12 locals recommend
Fancy That
124 S Granite StFancy some shopping while here in Prescott? Fancy That has two stores - there is a home decor and furniture store and across the street they also have a clothing store. There is always new inventory and it is hard to leave empty handed after visiting.
Website: fancythatprescott.com
Cortez Street Emporium is located in the heart of many various shops including many antique shops, home decor, bookstore and more. The surface streets all around this store and the Prescott Courthouse area in general offers many locations for shopping, dining, and more.
6 locals recommend
Cortez Street Emporium
115 N Cortez StCortez Street Emporium is located in the heart of many various shops including many antique shops, home decor, bookstore and more. The surface streets all around this store and the Prescott Courthouse area in general offers many locations for shopping, dining, and more.
This is a wonderful local market with a variety of fresh produce and some of the best coffee around. Local chefs frequent this market for local produce to service in their daily specials.
17 locals recommend
Prescott Farmers Market
900 Iron Springs RoadThis is a wonderful local market with a variety of fresh produce and some of the best coffee around. Local chefs frequent this market for local produce to service in their daily specials.
SugarPine Home Furnishings and Lifestyle Boutique
1235 Willow Creek RoadCute shop with all things home decor.
So many cute and unique finds here including a huge selection of antique doors.
Fallon’s Down Home Vintage Prescott
So many cute and unique finds here including a huge selection of antique doors.
Locally owned store in the downtown area with the best hiking equipment! Everything from backpacks, to shoes, socks, maps and more.
9 locals recommend
Hike Shack
104 N Montezuma StLocally owned store in the downtown area with the best hiking equipment! Everything from backpacks, to shoes, socks, maps and more.
Museums
Sharlot Hall Museum: "Today, the Sharlot Hall Museum features eleven exhibit buildings (six of which are historic), compelling exhibits, and beautiful gardens, which serve as the setting for numerous public festivals and events. The east wing of the Lawler Exhibit Center presents the Pre-History of Arizona’s Central Highlands featuring the time of the Beasts to the first indigenous peoples; the main gallery provides a venue for temporary exhibits and displays; and the west wing provides a venue for special events and temporary exhibits."
Website: https://www.sharlothallmuseum.org
96 locals recommend
Sharlot Hall Museum
415 W Gurley StSharlot Hall Museum: "Today, the Sharlot Hall Museum features eleven exhibit buildings (six of which are historic), compelling exhibits, and beautiful gardens, which serve as the setting for numerous public festivals and events. The east wing of the Lawler Exhibit Center presents the Pre-History of Arizona’s Central Highlands featuring the time of the Beasts to the first indigenous peoples; the main gallery provides a venue for temporary exhibits and displays; and the west wing provides a venue for special events and temporary exhibits."
Website: https://www.sharlothallmuseum.org
The Museum of Indigenous People "The mission of the Museum of Indigenous People is to instill understanding and respect for the indigenous cultures of the southwest."
https://www.museumofindigenouspeople.org
27 locals recommend
Smoki Museum
147 N Arizona AveThe Museum of Indigenous People "The mission of the Museum of Indigenous People is to instill understanding and respect for the indigenous cultures of the southwest."
https://www.museumofindigenouspeople.org
Western art museum with many exhibits and collections of art. Website: https://phippenartmuseum.org
42 locals recommend
Phippen Museum
4701 AZ-89Western art museum with many exhibits and collections of art. Website: https://phippenartmuseum.org
Highlands Center for Natural History is located on Walker Road near Lynx Lake. From their website "Established in 1996, the Highlands Center for Natural History is a science-based non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) developed to foster an appreciation for and knowledge of the natural wonders of the Central Highlands of Arizona. Operating on an 80-acre campus near Lynx Lake through a Special Use Permit with Prescott National Forest, the Highlands Center is a hub for lifelong learning, designed to invite discovery of the wonders of nature through on and offsite programs reaching over 15,000 children and adults a year and supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations and community partners."
Website: https://highlandscenter.org
22 locals recommend
Highlands Center for Natural History
1375 S Walker RdHighlands Center for Natural History is located on Walker Road near Lynx Lake. From their website "Established in 1996, the Highlands Center for Natural History is a science-based non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) developed to foster an appreciation for and knowledge of the natural wonders of the Central Highlands of Arizona. Operating on an 80-acre campus near Lynx Lake through a Special Use Permit with Prescott National Forest, the Highlands Center is a hub for lifelong learning, designed to invite discovery of the wonders of nature through on and offsite programs reaching over 15,000 children and adults a year and supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations and community partners."
Website: https://highlandscenter.org
The Center is located inside Gateway Mall - on the Espire Sports end of the mall. This is an education center that reflects on each of the Granite Mountain Hotshots along with detailed maps, fire information, etc.
Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew Learning and Tribute Center
The Center is located inside Gateway Mall - on the Espire Sports end of the mall. This is an education center that reflects on each of the Granite Mountain Hotshots along with detailed maps, fire information, etc.
Zoos and Sanctuaries
About heritage Park: "Situated on ten acres north of Prescott and overlooking Willow Lake, the sanctuary has many opportunities for visitors including a covered picnic pavilion; a children’s playground; interactive animal experiences; and large, naturally landscaped enclosures for the animals with paths that allow visitors the opportunity to get an up-close and personal view of them. One of the most interesting exhibits, and one which is unique to the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, is the Tarantula Grotto."
http://www.heritageparkzoo.org
59 locals recommend
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
1403 Heritage Park RdAbout heritage Park: "Situated on ten acres north of Prescott and overlooking Willow Lake, the sanctuary has many opportunities for visitors including a covered picnic pavilion; a children’s playground; interactive animal experiences; and large, naturally landscaped enclosures for the animals with paths that allow visitors the opportunity to get an up-close and personal view of them. One of the most interesting exhibits, and one which is unique to the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, is the Tarantula Grotto."
http://www.heritageparkzoo.org
Located off the I-17 in Camp Verde offers a large variety of animals, experiences and encounters.
Website:https://outofafricapark.com
214 locals recommend
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
3505 Arizona 260Located off the I-17 in Camp Verde offers a large variety of animals, experiences and encounters.
Website:https://outofafricapark.com
Take an easy day trip and experience Bearizona Wildlife Park.
"Bearizona is approximately 160 acres. Visitors will drive through more than three miles of Ponderosa Pine Forest viewing North American animals in natural habitats when they visit. More animals are exhibited in Fort Bearizona, a beautiful 20-acre walk-thru area, along winding paths which is more of a "zoo" typesetting."
Website: https://bearizona.com
344 locals recommend
Bearizona Wildlife Park
1500 E Rte 66Take an easy day trip and experience Bearizona Wildlife Park.
"Bearizona is approximately 160 acres. Visitors will drive through more than three miles of Ponderosa Pine Forest viewing North American animals in natural habitats when they visit. More animals are exhibited in Fort Bearizona, a beautiful 20-acre walk-thru area, along winding paths which is more of a "zoo" typesetting."
Website: https://bearizona.com