Prescott Circle Trail Guide: Planning Your First 60-Mile Loop in Arizona

If you’re a long-distance hiker, the letters "PCT" usually conjure images of the High Sierra or the rainy forests of Washington. But tucked away in the high desert of Arizona, there’s another PCT that deserves a spot on your bucket list. The Prescott Circle Trail (PCT) is a roughly 60-mile loop that rings the historic mountain town of Prescott, offering a masterclass in Arizona’s diverse geography. In a single loop, you’ll transition from the otherworldly orange "beehive" rocks of the Granite Dells to cool, shaded Ponderosa pine forests and high-ridge views of the Bradshaw Mountains.

I’ve spent years scouting "off-the-beaten-path" routes, and what makes the Prescott Circle Trail special is its accessibility. You get the ruggedness of a thru-hike with the logistical ease of a mountain town. This is a trail where you can spend the day navigating technical single-track and the night looking down at the shimmering lights of Whiskey Row. But don't let the proximity to town fool you—with 6,650 feet of elevation gain and stretches of exposed desert, this loop demands respect and meticulous planning.

The Stats: What You’re Getting Into

The Prescott Circle Trail is a non-motorized loop encircling Prescott, Arizona, with a total elevation gain and loss of approximately 6,650 feet. Most of the trail consists of smooth, single-track tread, though you'll encounter some rocky technical sections in the Granite Dells and the climb toward Wolverton Mountain.

One of the most unique features of this loop is the sheer number of access points. There are 15 motor vehicle-accessible trailheads located along the loop. This means you don't necessarily need a dedicated shuttle driver; in fact, one of my favorite "insider hacks" is using Uber or Lyft to hop between trailheads if you're doing the loop in segments or need to bail early for a celebratory burger in town.

When to Go: Timing the High Desert

The "sweet spot" for the Prescott Circle Trail is April through October. During these months, the high-altitude desert weather is generally manageable, and more importantly, the designated campgrounds (your only legal places to sleep) have their water systems turned on.

• Spring (April–May): This is peak season. The desert is in bloom, the temperatures are in the 70s, and the winter runoff usually leaves a few extra seasonal pools in the creeks.
• Summer (June–August): It gets hot. While Prescott is cooler than Phoenix, you’ll still see highs in the low 90s. If you hike in summer, start at dawn and be prepared for the "monsoon" thunderstorms that roll in during the afternoons.
• Fall (September–October): Crisp mornings and golden light. This is arguably the most beautiful time to be in the Ponderosa forests.
• Winter (November–March): It’s doable, but challenging. Snow can accumulate on the southern sections of the loop (near Wolverton Mountain), and most importantly, water is shut off at the campgrounds. You’ll be carrying a lot of weight or caching water at trailheads.

Pro Tip: Arizona sun is no joke, even when it’s cool. I never hit the PCT without a wide-brimmed hat and a lightweight sun hoodie. The exposure on the Peavine and Watson Lake sections can be brutal if you're not covered.

Camping Regulations & Logistics

Unlike the "big" PCT, you can't just pitch a tent wherever you feel like it. Camping on the Prescott Circle Trail is strictly restricted to designated campgrounds within the Prescott Basin. This is a critical rule to protect the watershed and prevent wildfires.

The three primary hubs for overnighting are:

1. Watson Lake Campground: Perfect for the start or end of your journey.
2. Yavapai Campground (Granite Basin): Located in the northwestern section of the loop.
3. White Spar Campground: Located on the southern edge of the loop.

Expect to pay around $15–$25 per night for a site. Some trailheads also require a $3 daily parking fee if you’re leaving a vehicle. If you’re planning a continuous thru-hike, you’ll need to time your daily mileage perfectly to reach these specific spots, as "stealth camping" is heavily patrolled and illegal.

Choosing Your Adventure: Two Ways to Play It

Depending on your fitness level and how much "suffering" you enjoy, there are two primary ways to tackle the loop.

Feature	The 3-Day Thru-Hike	The 5-Day Basecamp Strategy
Pace	High-intensity (20 miles/day)	Moderate (12 miles/day)
Experience	Traditional backpacking; carry all gear.	Light day-packs; return to hub each night.
Best For	Experienced hikers/bikers training for big peaks.	Families, photographers, and "relaxed" adventurers.
Logistics	Precise timing between campgrounds.	Uses Uber/Lyft or a two-car shuttle system.
Gear	Full UL (Ultra-Light) kit recommended.	Standard day-hiking gear.

The 3-Day "Aggressive" Itinerary

• Day 1: Peavine Trailhead to Yavapai Campground (16 miles). You’ll start with the flat, scenic Peavine and then climb into the Granite Basin.
• Day 2: Yavapai to White Spar Campground (20 miles). The "Big Day." You’ll move through the Spence Basin and deal with significant elevation changes.
• Day 3: White Spar back to Watson Lake (20 miles). This includes the climb around Goldwater Lake and the final descent through the Dells.

Segment-by-Segment Breakdown

Miles 0-12: The Granite Dells & The Peavine

Starting at the Peavine Trailhead, you’re treated to some of the most iconic scenery in the Southwest. The trail follows an old railroad bed, flanked by the Granite Dells—massive, rounded boulders that look like they were melted and then frozen in time.

• The Vibe: Flat, fast, and visually stunning.
• Must See: The reflections of the rocks in Watson Lake at sunrise.

Miles 12-30: The Ponderosa Climb

As you head west and north, the landscape shifts. The scrub oak gives way to towering Ponderosa pines. You’ll enter the Granite Basin area, which feels like a completely different ecosystem.

• The Vibe: Shaded and alpine.
• Challenge: The climb toward Granite Mountain is steady. Keep an eye out for rock climbers on the cliffs above.

Miles 30-48: The High Ridges & Burn Scars

This is the southern arc of the circle. You’ll traverse the Spence Basin and head toward Wolverton Mountain (the loop's high point). You will see evidence of past wildfires here; the "burn scar" areas offer little shade but provide incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys.

• The Vibe: Rugged and exposed.
• The Insider Hack: This is the section where most people lose the trail. The junctions in Spence Basin are numerous—keep your GPS or a downloaded map handy.

Miles 48-60: Goldwater Lake to the Finish

The final stretch takes you past the serene Goldwater Lake. It’s a great spot for a final rest before the last push back toward the Dells. You’ll feel the transition back into the high desert as the pines thin out and the red dirt returns.

Gear & Water Management

Water is the most precious resource on the PCT. Because there are no reliable natural springs year-round, you must plan your refills around the campgrounds and trailheads.

Critical Water Sources

Mile Marker	Location	Source Type
Mile 0/60	Watson Lake Park	Public Restrooms/Fountains
Mile 16	Yavapai Campground	Seasonal Spigot (April-Oct)
Mile 34	White Spar Campground	Seasonal Spigot (April-Oct)
Mile 45	Goldwater Lake	Public Restrooms/Fountains

For filtration, I swear by the Sawyer Squeeze. It’s lightweight and handles the slightly silty water you might find in a pinch better than most.

Grab the Sawyer Squeeze Filter →

The Javelina Factor

When camping at White Spar or Yavapai, you aren't just sharing the woods with squirrels. Javelinas—those prickly, pig-like desert dwellers—are common. They have a keen sense of smell and will tear through a tent for a stray granola bar.

Marcus’s Advice: Use the bear boxes if provided, or hang your food. Treat Javelinas like mini-bears; keep a clean camp, and they’ll leave you alone.

FAQ

Is the Prescott Circle Trail dog-friendly? Absolutely. It’s a great trail for active dogs, but keep them on a leash. The cactus and sharp granite can be tough on paws, so consider bringing dog boots if your pup isn't used to desert terrain.

Can I mountain bike the entire loop? Yes! The PCT is a premier bikepacking destination. Most of it is "rideable" for intermediate riders, though the Granite Dells section has some technical "hike-a-bike" spots that will test your patience.

Do I need a bear canister? While black bears do live in the Bradshaw Mountains, they are rarely an issue on the Circle Trail. A standard food hang or a scent-proof bag (like an Opsak) is usually sufficient. Your bigger concern is rodents and Javelinas.

Final Thoughts: Why the "Other PCT" Matters

There is something deeply satisfying about a loop. You end exactly where you started, but your perspective of the landscape has shifted entirely. The Prescott Circle Trail isn't just a physical challenge; it’s a tour of Arizona’s soul. You’ll see the history of the Yavapai people in the rocks, the remnants of the mining era in the hills, and the vibrant life of a modern outdoor community in the people you pass.

Whether you’re looking to crush the full 60 miles in a long weekend or savor it over a week of "basecamping," the Prescott Circle Trail is a masterclass in high-desert adventure. Pack more water than you think you need, watch the sunset over the Dells, and I’ll see you out there.

Ready to hit the dirt? Check out the official City of Prescott trail maps before you head out to ensure you have the latest updates on trail closures or water status.