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.
Let the fun begin
From here, Canyon Trail loop ties together several trails. Along the way, alternate lines are left up to your imagination…and courage.
Just follow the white dots.
When not riding on rock, it seems like you’re riding beside it.
James Trail is an unfinished out & back, but does offer up some chunky goodness.
A sign of challenging times ahead,
But first you have to get there.
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.
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.
Face Rock
Hiking the Wall
Getting squeezed just past the bridge.
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.
Waston’s west side has a bit of technical trail but is heavily visited with foot traffic.
The goods are across the lake and easily accessed via Peavine rails-to-trail.
And these little signs lead to Lakeshore fun.
But don’t miss Treehouse Trail and the Secret Cove.
When you’re done here, multiple connectors allow an easy bail to Peavine and back the way you came.
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.
Granite Dells
Distance: various
Lowest Elevation: 5,100’
Highest Elevation: 5,255’
