Surrounded by more than a million acres of National Forest, especially popular among mountain bikers, 16 parks and three lakes for kayaking and canoeing, Prescott has been named the best destination in the state for nature lovers by Expedia Inc.
Prescott Downtown Partners Executive Director Kendall Jaspers calls Prescott the obvious choice in Arizona. “Just think, too, of the economic impact of having millions of people hear about our community’s ideal natural environment. The combination of what Mother Nature has provided, along with the help that Recreation Services Director Joe Baynes and his staff give her – everyone wins. More and more people are finding out and will visit Prescott.”
It is not the first time in recent months that Prescott has been selected as an exceptional natural environment. It was also named as one of a dozen “Distinctive Destinations” by the National Trust for Historical Preservation and “No. 1 in Top 25 for Clean Air” by the American Lung Association.
“Prescott’s perfect weather provides an average temperature of 70 degrees, with four seasons and breathtaking landscapes complete with granite mountains, lakes, streams and rolling meadows filled with wildlife,” reports the 2017 Greater Prescott Area Visitors Guide.
Two Canadian visitors agreed with the praise the area has been receiving as they stood on a ridge at mid-morning, overlooking crisp blue Watson Lake and jagged snags in the continually changing tan, brown and caramel colors of the Granite Dells.
For 10 years, Laraine and Howard Hobbs have visited from central Canada and spent months in Avondale, on the west side of Phoenix.
“Tell ‘ya what,” said Howard, now retired. “I wish we’d have found this place many years ago. If we had, we’d be living here now. I’ll guarantee we’re coming back to look for a place to buy. I hope we can afford it.”
“This is one of the most beautiful places we’ve seen in Arizona,” said Laraine. “What took my breath – the diversity of what you have. We’ve driven from Phoenix up Yarnell Hill. We toured around at Williamson Valley and Chino Valley. We saw so many different terrains and life zones within such a snug area. It was unbelievable.”
Another couple climbing out of a Nevada pickup truck called the area the most visually appealing site they had seen since leaving their home state.
Cars in the Watson Lake parking lot reflected the wide range of visitors with license plates from California, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Canada.
Park Ranger Jim Lohay says the Prescott trail system is considered the best in in the state. “Rock climbing is excellent, too. And bird watching,” he said. “You’ll see more kinds of birds here than you do at a pet shop.”
Expedia Inc., is one of the world’s largest global distribution websites that markets travel, tickets, car rentals, vacation packages and other tourism and visor related amenities. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
(Photo by Ray newton)
Leave a Reply