It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 5:08 am

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 4 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:47 am 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:09 pm
Posts: 1100
Location: Ramona
Given: 442 thanks
Received: 2590 thanks
Bike(s): RIP9, Nomad
Favorite Trails: Backcountry
So you want the best technical riding in Preskitt? Well head to the north side of town to both Watson and Willow Lakes. While riding around a lake usually brings visions far from any real technical riding, these aren’t your ordinary lakes. These two man-made reservoirs were made possible by granite bedrock that was weathered over time, leaving exposed, endless slabs and boulders. The result is Arizona’s very own slickrock playground.

Heritage Park has direct access to the freeride goods. Shortly after departing the parking lot, the fun starts at a large slabbed playground.

Image

Let the fun begin

Image

From here, Canyon Trail loop ties together several trails. Along the way, alternate lines are left up to your imagination…and courage.

Image

Image

Image

Just follow the white dots.

Image

Image

Image

When not riding on rock, it seems like you’re riding beside it.

Image

Image

James Trail is an unfinished out & back, but does offer up some chunky goodness.

Image

A sign of challenging times ahead,

Image

But first you have to get there.

Image

While Apex trail will only appeal to a few, the short out & back is definitely worth the view for those that opt to hike and a kick for those that enjoy riding this type of terrain.

Image

Finally, Willow Loop trail is the most difficult in the system. It will throw quite a bit at you, but it provides some unique features.

Image

Face Rock

Image

Hiking the Wall

Image

Image

Image

Getting squeezed just past the bridge.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Heading back down the Wall.



*edited by RHS for youtube embedding (it was missing the "z" at the beginning)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIjJfn9Y_CI

Once you’ve had your fill of sessioning slickrock at Heritage Park, head over to Watson Lake for the technical x-c riding. And while you could throw the bikes back on the vehicle and drive to the next trailhead, Prescott’s outstanding network of trails allows nearly all dirt riding to your next destination.

Image

Waston’s west side has a bit of technical trail but is heavily visited with foot traffic.

Image

The goods are across the lake and easily accessed via Peavine rails-to-trail.

Image

And these little signs lead to Lakeshore fun.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

But don’t miss Treehouse Trail and the Secret Cove.

Image

Image

Image

Image

When you’re done here, multiple connectors allow an easy bail to Peavine and back the way you came.

Image

Image

Riding the Dells is more about smiles than mileage, but we still managed to log some 18 miles during our visit. The city of Prescott publishes a comprehensive map of all area biking and hiking trails, available at any local bike shop. We rode nearly all the signed trails in the system, but more trails are being built by local riders and countless freeride features are left to your imagination. Although it don’t have the smoothness of Moab’s petrified sand dunes, the granite’s tenacious grip provides the confidence to take aggressive lines. The Dells is definitely an alternative destination to get your slickrock fix.

Image


Granite Dells
Distance: various
Lowest Elevation: 5,100’
Highest Elevation: 5,255’

Image

Image


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 8 users would like to thank GP_pilot for his or her post:
02bullit, Christ D., craptasticyler, Gman, K2Brandon, kreechan, random walk, Red Hot Sloth
PostPosted: Sat Jul 23, 2011 10:09 am 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Sat Sep 13, 2008 8:21 pm
Posts: 626
Location: Chula Vista
Given: 324 thanks
Received: 334 thanks
Bike(s): Niner RIP 9 / Intense SS
Favorite Trails: any
Absolutely amazing views in some of those pics!!!!!

_________________
I thought I was supposed to get better with practice!?!?!


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sat Jul 23, 2011 10:13 am 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 04, 2009 7:29 pm
Posts: 636
Given: 1116 thanks
Received: 723 thanks
Bike(s): Nimble 9
Favorite Trails: all of them
Great pictures and TR Sean. I could hardly stop salivating when I was hiking there a few months ago. Will definitely have to go back with a bike.
What is CollectiveEpics.com (label on top of your map) ? - says site under construction...


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sat Jul 23, 2011 11:37 am 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 5:28 am
Posts: 1331
Location: Belgium.
Given: 4775 thanks
Received: 2577 thanks
Bike(s): Steel.
Favorite Trails: Porcupine Rim , Sedona .
Awesome TR !!!! Thanks . :cheers:


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 4 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 8 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group