Glassford Hill Trail Switchbacks and View
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Glassford Hill Summit Trail

4.6
·191 reviews·Prescott Valley, United States

Hike to panoramic summit views on a rocky, switchbacking trail in Prescott Valley, Arizona.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Glassford Hill Trail Switchbacks and View

Glassford Hill Summit Trail

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hike to panoramic summit views on a rocky, switchbacking trail in Prescott Valley, Arizona.

4.6
(191 reviews)

"The panoramic view at the top was worth the hike."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Supportive Footwear is Key

Loose rocks make good hiking shoes essential for stability on this steep, rocky trail.

💧 Hydration is Crucial

Bring at least 64 oz of water per person; the elevation can make breathing difficult.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Summit Views

Panoramic Summit Views

Summit

Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Prescott Valley, Watson Lake, and surrounding landscapes.

Tumb Butte Overlook

Tumb Butte Overlook

Past the cell towers

A hidden trail reveals a spectacular view of Tumb Butte, Watson Lake, and the Granite Dells.

Picnic Table Rest Stop

Picnic Table Rest Stop

Approximately 1 mile in

A welcome spot to rest and refuel with a view, located at a switchback where the trail steepens.

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Planning Your Visit

Trail Conditions & Gear

The Glassford Hill Summit Trail is a double-track path with switchbacks, featuring loose and rocky terrain. Wear supportive hiking shoes and bring plenty of water (at least 64 oz recommended) and sunblock, especially as the trail gets steeper. A picnic table is available about a mile in.

Best Time to Ascend

While the trail is accessible year-round, cooler weather makes for a more pleasant hike. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends. The summit offers stunning 360-degree views, making it a rewarding experience even with a moderate challenge.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Cooler months (Oct-Mar)
Why
Pleasant hiking weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Random Places 47/100 • Prescott Arizona 🏜️🌲 #prescott #prescottaz #prescottvalley #northernaz #arizona #nau #arizonacheck
@roam360
9.8K likes • 155.7K views

🥾 Supportive Footwear is Key

Loose rocks make good hiking shoes essential for stability on this steep, rocky trail. Reddit

💧 Hydration is Crucial

Bring at least 64 oz of water per person; the elevation can make breathing difficult. Reddit

#prescottvalley #arizonacheck
@berniemata1994
6.1K likes • 53.3K views
Touch and go 🚁 #prescottvalley #arizona🌵 #glassfordhillsummittrail #aviation #medivac #helicopter #heli #touchandgo #pvaz
campc2c
8 likes • 135 views

☀️ Sun Protection Needed

Don't forget sunblock and a hat, as there's limited shade on the ascent. Reddit

📸 Hidden Viewpoint

Go past the cell towers to find a trail on the left for a spectacular, less-known view. Reddit

Hey guys! I'm going to be softly starting a new series called "Discovering Native America" a series where I go around and explore and document tribal sites in the United States! In hopes of being able to educate, preserve, and bring attention to these importance and special locations! Here is my first snapshot. I hope you all enjoy it.! #native #nativeamerican #indigenous #Hiking #exploring
@che.jim
3K likes • 15.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Supportive Footwear is Key

Loose rocks make good hiking shoes essential for stability on this steep, rocky trail. Reddit

💧 Hydration is Crucial

Bring at least 64 oz of water per person; the elevation can make breathing difficult. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection Needed

Don't forget sunblock and a hat, as there's limited shade on the ascent. Reddit

📸 Hidden Viewpoint

Go past the cell towers to find a trail on the left for a spectacular, less-known view. Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking & Restrooms

The parking lot is well-maintained and has restrooms available at the trailhead. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(191 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Glassford Hill Summit Trail for its spectacular 360-degree summit views, which are consistently described as worth the hike. The well-maintained trail and trailhead amenities, including parking and restrooms, are appreciated. However, some find the double-track and rocky terrain less appealing, and the steep incline requires good physical preparation.

"Double track trail that has long switchbacks to the top. It's around 2.1 miles up, with a posted elevation gain of 940ft. Trail is rocky, with a considerable amount of loose rocks. I'm not a big fan of double track, or rocky trails, but the panoramic view at the top was worth the hike. And if you take the double track trail to the cell towers, go past the towers, on the left behind a tree, there's a trail that will take you to a spectacular view of Tumb Butte, Watson Lake and the Granite Dells. Stunning!"

Elizabeth M

"Great place for trail walking or hiking if you don't have time to leave town. Starts with a mild slope and gets progressively steeper the further you go. There was a picnic table about a mile in, a bit past the tanks at a switchback where it gets steeper again. That's as far as I got this day. The picture was taken at the picnic table."

Ted George

"This great trail is worth hiking, not really a lot of other hikers, although I went on a week day. 360 degrees views, a little challenging as you climb uphill, however,it’s worth visiting. Parking lot is well maintained as well as the trail itself."

Gabe Storm

What People Like

Stunning summit views
Well-maintained trail
Good trailhead amenities

What People Dislike

Rocky and loose terrain
Steep incline

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common trailhead is in Prescott Valley, accessible via Castle Canyon Mesa, passing some water towers. This route offers a clear path with switchbacks leading to the summit. Reddit

Yes, the trail is well-marked and maintained. There's plenty of parking at the trailhead, making it easy to locate. Reddit

GPS devices and phone apps should guide you to the trailhead. Many visitors report good cell signal (Verizon) along the trail. Reddit

Public transportation options to the trailhead are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to access Glassford Hill Summit Trail. TikTok

The drive from Prescott to the Glassford Hill Summit Trail trailhead in Prescott Valley is typically around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Glassford Hill Summit Trail is free to access. There are no admission fees required to hike the trail or enjoy the summit views. TikTok

The trail is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's an outdoor natural area, so there are no strict operating hours, but it's best to hike during daylight. TikTok

No advance booking is necessary. Glassford Hill Summit Trail is a public access trail, and you can visit anytime during daylight hours. Reddit

No permits are required for individuals or small groups hiking the Glassford Hill Summit Trail. Reddit

The trail is considered intermediate-level tough due to its steepness and rocky terrain. While accessible to many, it may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The trail is approximately 2.1 miles to the summit, with an elevation gain of about 940 feet. The round trip can take 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your pace. Reddit

It's a double-track trail with a considerable amount of loose and rocky sections. Supportive hiking shoes are highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, there are restrooms available at the parking area at the trailhead. Reddit

Dogs are generally allowed on the Glassford Hill Summit Trail, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check local regulations before your visit. TikTok

Many visitors report having good cell signal, particularly Verizon users, on the trail and at the summit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views. Don't miss the hidden viewpoint past the cell towers for a unique perspective of Tumb Butte and Watson Lake. Reddit

Late afternoon provides beautiful golden hour light for photography. Early mornings can also offer soft light and fewer people. TikTok

Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near cell towers or if it interferes with wildlife or other visitors. Always check local regulations before flying. Instagram

The summit itself, the cell towers, and the unique rock formations of the Granite Dells visible from the overlook are great photo subjects. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant landmarks. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Glassford Hill Summit Trail can be a fun adventure for families, but it's important to be prepared. The trail's steepness and rocky terrain might be challenging for very young children, so consider their stamina and hiking experience. The picnic table about a mile in offers a good spot for a break and a snack. Reddit

Ensure everyone has supportive shoes and plenty of water. The summit views are a great reward for the effort, and kids often enjoy the feeling of accomplishment. For a shorter outing, you can hike to the picnic table and back. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Solo Hikers & Day-Trippers

Glassford Hill Summit Trail is an excellent choice for solo hikers and day-trippers looking for a rewarding outdoor activity close to town. The trail is generally safe, with good cell service reported by many visitors, offering peace of mind. Reddit

The hike provides a good workout and stunning views without requiring a full day commitment. You can easily complete the hike and still have time for other activities in Prescott Valley. The well-maintained trailhead with parking and restrooms adds to the convenience for a quick escape into nature. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Glassford Hill Summit Trail offers diverse opportunities. The panoramic summit views are ideal for landscape shots, especially during the golden hour. Don't miss the chance to capture the unique formations of Watson Lake and the Granite Dells from the hidden overlook. Reddit

Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens to focus on distant geological features. The changing light throughout the day can dramatically alter the mood of your photos, so multiple visits might be worthwhile. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trail

The Glassford Hill Summit Trail is primarily a double-track path, meaning it's wide enough for two vehicles, though it's used by hikers and off-road vehicles. The trail ascends via a series of long switchbacks, which helps to mitigate the steepness but still presents a consistent uphill climb. The terrain is characterized by rocky and loose surfaces, so sturdy footwear is a must. Reviews consistently mention the need for good supportive shoes to navigate the uneven ground safely. Reddit

As you ascend, you'll encounter a picnic table around the one-mile mark, offering a convenient spot to rest. This area also marks a point where the trail becomes progressively steeper. The trail leads to the summit, which is also home to cell towers. For those seeking an even more spectacular view, a less obvious trail behind a tree to the left, past the towers, leads to a breathtaking overlook of Tumb Butte, Watson Lake, and the Granite Dells. Reddit

Reddit users often discuss the trail's condition, with some noting it's not their preferred type of trail (double-track, rocky) but still finding the summit views well worth the effort. The trail is generally well-maintained, and the parking lot is also in good condition. Reddit

Summit Views and Photography

The primary draw of the Glassford Hill Summit Trail is undoubtedly the panoramic 360-degree views from the top. Visitors consistently rave about the stunning vistas that encompass Prescott Valley, the surrounding mountains, and the distinctive Granite Dells. The summit offers a fantastic vantage point for appreciating the natural beauty of Northern Arizona. Reddit

For photographers, the summit provides ample opportunities. The golden hour during late afternoon is particularly recommended for its beautiful lighting, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Early mornings can also be rewarding with softer light and fewer people. Beyond the main summit, the hidden overlook past the cell towers offers a unique perspective, framing Tumb Butte and Watson Lake beautifully. Reddit

While the main trail is a double-track, the offshoot to the hidden overlook is more of a natural path. TikTok and Instagram content often showcases these sweeping views, highlighting the photogenic nature of the location. Remember to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the expansive scenery. TikTokInstagram

Planning Your Visit

When planning your hike up Glassford Hill, consider the weather and time of day. While the trail is accessible year-round, cooler months like October through March offer the most pleasant hiking temperatures. Weekday mornings are often recommended to avoid crowds, allowing for a more peaceful experience. Reddit

Essential gear includes supportive hiking shoes, as the trail is rocky and can be slippery. Hydration is critical; bring at least 64 ounces of water per person, as the elevation gain can be challenging. Sun protection, such as sunscreen and a hat, is also advised due to the exposed nature of the trail. Reddit

Amenities at the trailhead include ample parking and restrooms, making it convenient for visitors. While cell service is generally good, it's always wise to inform someone of your hiking plans. The trail is a great option for those looking for a rewarding hike without having to leave the immediate vicinity of Prescott Valley. Reddit

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