Originally published in Summer Edition of TG Magazine–

Northern Arizona is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders. From Sedona’s red rocks to the iconic Grand Canyon, Arizona is no stranger to extreme vistas. But did you know the Prescott Valley region is home to some beautiful outdoor locations?

Check out these six must-see outdoor wonders in the Prescott Valley region –

Wolf Creek

Location: SE of Prescott, AZ near Groom Creek
Special Features: Seasonal waterfalls
Activities: Hiking
Amenities: Limited Parking on Wolf Creek Road

 

Goldwater Lake

Location: S of Prescott, AZ at 2900 S Goldwater Lake Road
Special Features: Sand Volleyball Court, Horseshoe Pits, Playground
Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Electric-only Boating, Picnicking
Amenities: Parking, Canoe & Kayak Rentals, Restrooms

 

Granite Basin Lake

Location: NW of Prescott, AZ off Williamson Valley Road
Special Features: Horse Trails, Campground, RV Camping
Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Swimming, Fishing, Boating, Picnicking
Amenities: Parking

 

Lynx Lake

Location: 5 mi E of Prescott, AZ
Special Features: Gold Panning, Boat Ramp, Campground
Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Swimming, Fishing, Boating, Picnicking
Amenities: Store/Marina with café, Parking, Restrooms

 

Fain Park

Special Features: Historic Artifacts, Walking Path
Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Picnicking
Amenities: Parking, Restrooms

Verde River

Location: Verde River Greenway State Natural Area near Cottonwood, AZ
Special Features: Tubing, Horse Riding, Boat Ramp
Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Swimming, Fishing, Canoeing, Kayaking

All content and media originally published in the Air Land Water edition TG Magazine of Prescott Valley, AZ.

Plans are moving forward for the Whiskey Off-Road mountain bike event scheduled for April 29 through May 1 in Prescott.

As of this time, the scheduled routes for the three-day race are not in the forest closure area. The City of Prescott remains fully open, and no part of the City is currently under any type of evacuation order. A number of dispersed campsites and recreation areas on the Prescott National Forest have been affected by closures. Visitors can obtain additional information by visiting the Prescott National Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/ or by following them on Facebook or Twitter.

“Our staff, firefighters and police have been working very closely with Prescott National Forest and the Incident Management Team to assess any possible threat the fire may cause to the City and to the event,” said Mayor Phil Goode. “Based on their assessment, I have a very high degree of confidence that this event can be held safely for citizens, contestants and visitors. Of course, we will continue to monitor the situation, and we will be ready to act if conditions change.”

Real-time smoke monitoring is available: https://azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast?fire=crooksfire
Many of the spectator events and activities are centered around Whiskey Row and the Court House Plaza downtown.

Whiskey Off-Road Closure Breakdown:

Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1
The following streets will be closed beginning at 5:00 am on Friday, April 29 through approximately 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 1

Montezuma St (Gurley to Carleton)
Goodwin St (Cortez to Granite)

Friday, May 29 to Saturday, May 30
The following streets will be closed or allow for limited access beginning at 5:00 am on Friday, April 29 to approximately 7:00 pm on Saturday, April 30

Goodwin St (Montezuma to Summit)- This is a continuation of the closure listed above
McCormick St (Gurley to Pioneers Home)- this will only be open for school bus and resident access only. The intersection of McCormick and Goodwin will be monitored by Prescott Police- Citizens on Patrol

Friday, April 29

The following streets will be closed starting on Friday, April 29 at 1:30 pm through approximately 10:00 pm:

Cortez St (Union to Carleton)
Union St (Cortez to Alarcon)
Marina St (Gurley to Carleton)
Alarcon St (Gurley to Carleton)
Visitors and spectators are asked to recreate responsibly in the area, and to be aware of changing conditions.

Forest Road Closures
In the interest of public safety and high use of Forest Road 373 during the event; Prescott National Forest will close a portion of the road on Saturday, April 30, 2022.  The closure will begin at the junction of Copper Basin Road and Forest Road 373 heading north along Forest Road 373 for 1.3 miles to the 264 trailhead.

The event will also utilize portions of Forest Roads 53, 51, 64, and Trails 366, 327, 321, 323, 326, 392, 393, 324, 318, 332, 317, 735, 725, 706, 701, 733, 707, 316, and 48. In the interest of safety, trail users are being asked to avoid this area and respect all signage during the event.

View the forest road maps from the Prescott National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/prescott/maps-pubs