The Sedona Tour will include a visit to Montezuma Castle National Monument, a Sinagua cliff dwelling ruin. Then on to the beautiful red rock scenery of Sedona. Bell Rock Vista, Chapel of the Holy Cross, and Tlaquepaque Artisan Village for some unique shops and galleries. We will then take some of the scenic roads which really show off the scenery. Bell Rock is a wonderful spot for photos. The Chapel is a Sedona landmark and is a lovely spot to visit. Tlaquepaque is inspired by the artisan communities of Mexico, and you will have time to browse some of the best galleries in the Sedona area. Art is a huge part of the Sedona experience. The drive back to Prescott takes us through the old mining town of Jerome, where we can stop for a quick visit. While there, enjoy the views across the Verde Valley, take in some more art, or enjoy a glass of wine at one of the tasting rooms there.
Granite Mountain is a high and prominent 7,626’ peak northwest of Prescott. It is an 8-mile out-and-back hike with a 2100’ elevation gain. Along the way, you will encounter massive granite boulders and a ponderosa pine forest. From the top of the trail, there are fine views of the surrounding area, including the Bradshaw Mountain, Prescott, and the Granite Dells.
Click Here for more info by Arizona Highways or American South West Click Here for views from top of Granite Mountain
Little Granite Mountain is a 7-mile loop which goes around Little Granite Mountain. Enjoy a moderate-to-strenuous hike with views of nearby Granite Mountain and Little Granite Mountain.
Click here for more info by Hike Arizona Video of Hiking Little Granite Mountain
The Balancing Rock Loop is a 5-mile easy-to-moderate loop in the popular Granite Mountain area. A pleasant hike with fine views of Granite Mountain and Little Granite Mountain, but which lacks the challenge of the hikes for those destinations. As usual for a hike in the Granite Mountain area, you will pass several interesting rock formations and boulders. Wildflowers also add color to this landscape at times.
Lynx Lake is a popular recreation spot. It features a cool ponderosa pine forest, a placid 55-acre lake, hiking, boating, bird watching (including a bald eagle nest) and archaeological sites. Nearby is an independent Natural History Center.
For this trip, you will have a choice of morning and afternoon activities.
Hike 2.5-mile around Lynx Lake, a small reservoir outside of Prescott. We will take trail #305. It is mostly flat and hugs the lake. There are some rocks that must be navigated around on the south end. There is a moderate amount of shade. Enjoy peace and quiet as you circle the lake at a leisurely pace.
Salida Gulch Trail is a pretty hike through an intermittent stream area. This four-mile hike highlights everything from prickly pear cactus to ponderosa pine, lush riparian willows and walnuts to grey-green hillsides of chaparral. Expect full sun. Features of this hike include sweeping views of the Bradshaw Mountains and some petroglyphs. The terrain is a little more challenging than the Lynx Lake Loop, 1.5 miles longer, but done at a faster pace.
We can either eat at the picnic tables at Lynx Lake, or at the Highlands Center for Natural History. The group will decide, based partially on how busy the picnic grounds are
1.5 mile in/out hike on the Ruins trail #301. Short easy hike to a 700-year-old Yavapai Indian ruin. It is considered part of an interpretive site administered by the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office. There are several benches along the route. There is a platform at the top, offering views of Granite Mountain, Thumb Butte, the San Francisco Peaks, and the Bradshaw Mountains
Formed in 1996, the Highlands Center for Natural History is a science-based non-profit organization developed to foster an appreciation for and knowledge of the natural wonders of the Central Highlands of Arizona. Included in its 80-acre campus are an exhibit hall and 3 miles of interpretive trails. A geology walk is 1.5 miles long and takes about 2 hours to do. The newly opened Discovery Gardens features indigenous plants and takes about 1 hour to do. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.
Formed in 1996, the Highlands Center for Natural History is a science-based non-profit organization developed to foster an appreciation for and knowledge of the natural wonders of the Central Highlands of Arizona. For this activity, we will tour the Highlands Center with one of their naturalists. This guided tour will give you an added appreciation of the natural wonders of the Prescott area. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.
Want to hear a hyena laugh..or feed a tiger..or get kissed by a giraffe? We have an excursion for you! Out of Africa Wildlife Park is nestled on over 100 acres of rolling hills and valleys. This setting is home to hundreds of exotic mammals, birds, and reptiles from all over the world in spacious natural habitats. This set up gives you a chance to see these beautiful creatures and their natural behavior. You won’t believe how close you can get. The ungulates wander an open plain; carnivorous beasts are in their open enclosures. It’s the perfect place to raise awareness of our exotic neighbors while promoting understanding through in-person contact.
Many of these animals were rescued from private owners, other parks, and zoos, the illegal animal trade, etc. The animals were not taken from the wild.
Our day will include the following highlights:
Thumb Butte is a short but popular hike located just outside of Prescott. It gets its name from the large stony outcrop that forms its summit and very much sticks out like a thumb. This hike features a short but steep climb to the summit area. At the top of the trail, you can take in the view and pay your respects at the small memorial to the Granite Mountain Hotshots erected there. You will also have an opportunity to scamper to the actual summit. After taking in the summit, we will continue along the Thumb Butte Trail, taking in more views of Prescott before gradually descending back to the parking area.
A three to four mile out-and-back hike along a trail leading south from Camp. We will take trail 393 from the back to Camp until it reaches Copper Basin Road, and then return the way we came. This will be an opportunity to explore another section of Prescott National Forest near Camp.
Sierra Prieta is a ridge located to the west of Camp. This 6-mile out-and-back hike starts from Camp and will take you through Prescott National Forest to a very nice overlook with good views to the west, including the Mingus and Bradshaw mountains. Heading out, the trail will gradually rise as you take in the area. Prescott National Forest is home to stands of Ponderosa pines, and also to a variety of wildlife including deer, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, lizards, snakes and birds. Expect the usual Arizona sun, but some shade areas along the way. Decent hiking shoes, hat and plenty of water recommended.
Skip the long climb and let the experienced guides at Soul Ride shuttle you and your bike 6,940 ft. to what locals call “the overlook,” (which also connects to the final descent of the world renown Whiskey Off-Road mountain bike race.) From the top of Sierra Prieta you can choose from a multitude of descents that run you directly into camp. This route takes you from sweeping vistas through singletrack trails that wind through the Ponderosa Pine forests that define the beautiful Prescott National Forest. This is a ride for those who have experience riding single track and are comfortable in their mountain biking skills. We also offer a preferred route and map you can carry with you on your ride or guides that can lead you through the forest, stopping to point out the unique features of our exceptional trail system.
Due to popular demand for this Friday activity, asecond session has been added. We'll walk the trails around camp and see what we can find. Dave Liebman, our very own naturalist, and award-winning photographer is a walking encyclopedia, so even though we may not go far, we're guaranteed to learn something new!
The pool will be open all afternoon for swimming, sunbathing, and just hanging out with a good book. Included
Enjoy the sports fields, courts and courses at camp on your own. Camp Stein has a sports field, tennis courts (bring your rackets/balls), one volleyball court, one indoor sports court, and one outdoor sports court. The camp has basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, and baseball bats/balls. Bring your baseball mitt. There is also Ga-ga (Israeli Dodgeball). Included.