Dog-friendly hikes near Prescott
3 min read3 sections
Quick answer
Almost every Prescott hike welcomes leashed dogs. The Peavine Trail, Watson Lake Loop, Thumb Butte, and Goldwater Lake Loop are the easiest. Granite Mountain Trail is the serious option. Bring more water than you think.
Easiest loops
Peavine Trail at Watson Lake. Goldwater Lake Loop. Lynx Lake Loop. Flat or close to it, scenic, dog-friendly on a leash.
Moderate
Thumb Butte Loop, 1.7 miles with 600 feet of gain. Watson Lake Loop crosses granite at points. Both manageable for fit dogs.
Serious
Granite Mountain Trail #261, 8 miles round trip with 2,000 feet of gain. Bring extra water for the dog. Avoid summer afternoons.
Frequently asked
Are dogs required to be on a leash?+
Yes, on all city parks and most National Forest trails.
Is water available on trail?+
No. Carry water for both you and the dog.
Are dogs allowed in the lakes?+
Watson and Lynx do not allow dog swimming. Goldwater allows people swimming, with dogs on leash near the shore.
Are there off-leash dog parks?+
A small set of fenced dog parks exists in town. Trails are leash only.
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